Summary

Napoleon Bonaparte, one of history's most renowned military commanders, was once comically outsmartanned and overwhelmed by a large group of domesticated rabbits during a planned hunt in 1807.

Abstract

In an unexpected turn of events, the military genius Napoleon Bonaparte faced an embarrassing defeat not on the battlefield, but in a field full of rabbits. The incident occurred in 1807 when his chief of staff, Alexandre Berther, organized a rabbit hunt to celebrate the Treaties of Tilsit. Berther's lack of understanding of rabbit behavior led to the purchase of domesticated rabbits, which are not afraid of humans. Instead of fleeing, the rabbits swarmed the hunters, including Napoleon, in search of food, causing chaos and forcing the emperor to seek refuge in his coach. This humorous episode provides three key lessons: a plea to stop hunting and eating rabbits, an acknowledgment of the comedic nature of rabbits, and an insight into the aggressive behavior of rabbits when they are hungry. The article concludes by emphasizing the innocence and joy rabbits bring to people's lives, using the author's personal experiences with their rabbit, Bubbles, to illustrate these points.

Opinions

The author expresses a strong affection for rabbits, advocating for their protection and suggesting that hunting them should be illegal.
Rabbits are seen as inherently funny and entertaining animals, capable of bringing laughter and joy to those who interact with them.
The author believes that the incident with Napoleon and the rabbits serves as a humorous anecdote that also highlights the importance of respecting all creatures, regardless of size or perceived insignificance.
The author reflects on the human-like behaviors of rabbits, particularly in their anticipation of food, and emphasizes the deep bond that can be formed between humans and these animals.
There is a sense of admiration for the rabbits' strategic behavior during the hunt, which is humorously compared to Napoleonic military strategy.

The Day Hungry Rabbits Attacked Napoleon

There are three lessons we can learn from this incredible episode

Napoleon is regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in history. Bunnies were oblivious to this fact when they attacked him.

In 1807, Napoleon was at the height of his power as the Treaties of Tilsit were signed, putting an end to the war between the French Empire and Imperial Russia.

The controversial leader wanted to celebrate this historic moment by having a rabbit hunt. Karma worked its magic and the huntsman became the hunted.

Napoleon vs Rabbits

Alexandre Berther, Napoleon’s chief of staff organised the hunt. He bought more than 3000 rabbits from local farmers as he wanted to impress his boss.

Napoleon and his guests turned up one summer morning in a field, ready to hunt as many rabbits as possible.

As soon as the cages were opened, thousands of bunnies ran towards the party thinking it was feeding time.

Berther was clueless when it came to rabbits and bought domesticated ones who are not scared of humans.

The rabbits swarmed all the hunters, furiously looking for food. Historian David Chandler stated:

“ With a finer understanding of Napoleonic strategy than most of his generals, the rabbits horde divided into two wings and poured around the flanks of the party”.

The men were brought to their knees screaming and Napoleon ran towards his imperial coach to seek refuge.

Shocked and scared, he only calmed down once he was far away from the hungry rabbits. Napoleon forgot the first lesson of war, never underestimate your enemies!

llIustration by Kirsten Mischler from behance.net

Three lessons we can learn from this episode

Rabbits are peaceful and gentle animals, the idea that anyone would want to hurt them fills me with sadness. Writing about this episode gives me the opportunity to take a stand for rabbits.

1. Don’t hunt or eat rabbits

I have always loved them and hope people would think twice before hurting this lovable animal.

I wish it was illegal to hunt them, it can be seen as hypocritical of me to hold this opinion as I am not a vegetarian.

But rabbits have always been close to my heart and I hope that after reading this article, some readers stop eating or hunting them.

Napoleon certainly learned his lesson as nobody ever saw him near a rabbit after THAT day.

2. Rabbits are funny

They often found themselves in hilarious situations. I understand that the episode with Napoleon was only funny for readers but rabbits often provide laughters to those who connect with them.

Bubbles, my rabbit used to love playing hide and seek. The funny part was that he would stand behind a chair leg and think nobody could see him!

He also enjoyed going to the park with us (as seen in the picture) and seemed to believe he was a guard. People were mesmerised by him and often laughed at his antics.

3. Rabbits and food

Rabbits can become cranky when they are hungry. They can remain in the same spot for hours even if they are hungry.

But if they know food is coming, they will go mental and behave as if they are possessed.

I remember one day, I gave food to Bubbles one hour past his usual time, he started to do somersault, scratch my feet and try to tear open the bag of food.

Moral of the story, nobody comes between a rabbit and his food.

Conclusion

The mighty Napoleon was feared by many but it took a horde of rabbits to bring him back to earth.

This story alone should help them become protected species. Nobody should hunt rabbits!They are a symbol of rebirth, innocence and bring joy to many people.

I will always cherish the memories of Bubbles, the funniest and kindest rabbit I have ever seen.

RIP Bubbles.