Redwall (TV series)

Redwall (TV series)
Company type	Television production
Industry	Animation, Television
Founded	1999
Founder	Nelvana, Alphanim, TV-Loonland AG
Defunct	2002
Headquarters	Canada, France, Germany
Area served	International
Products	Animated television series

Redwall is an animated television production collaboratively created by Canada’s Nelvana, France’s Alphanim (for the first season), and Germany’s TV-Loonland AG (for the second and third seasons), airing between 1999 and 2002. The show is an adaptation of Brian Jacques’ Redwall book series, unfolding over three seasons: the initial season adapts Redwall, followed by Mattimeo in the second, and Martin the Warrior in the third.

The series originally premiered on Teletoon (currently known as Cartoon Network) in Canada. In the United States, distribution was handled independently by American Public Television, which made it available through public broadcasting stations.

Redwall

The story centers on a young mouse named Matthias, who resides at Redwall Abbey. Reflecting on his impoverished origins, he recalls how Cluny the Scourge, the ruthless rat army leader, attacked his village during a severe winter. Separated from his family during this assault, Matthias sought refuge at Redwall Abbey, where he was raised as a novice with aspirations to become a warrior like Martin, the Abbey’s founder.

While accompanying Constance the Badger on a feast escort, Matthias observes Cluny and his rat forces invading Redwall and establishing a stronghold in a nearby church. After Cluny’s demands are rebuffed and Constance issues threats, Cluny commands Shadow, his skilled climber, to steal Martin’s depiction from the tapestry to demoralize the defenders. Matthias intercepts Shadow, who falls to his death. Despite this setback, Cluny uses the stolen image as a battle standard but is plagued by nightmares until Matthias’ companions Jess Squirrel and Basil Stag Hare recover the tapestry.

Determined to repel Cluny’s forces, Matthias embarks on a quest to find Martin’s sword. With assistance from Methuselah, the Abbey’s recorder, and Cornflower, he solves a riddle revealing that Martin’s tomb lies beneath stone steps where they discover Martin’s shield and sword belt. Matthias then retrieves Martin’s sheath from King Bull Sparra’s sparrow tribe after defeating their tyrannical leader and gains an ally in Warbeak, a young sparrow. He learns that Martin’s sword is guarded by Asmodeus Poisonteeth, a giant serpent.

In pursuit of further knowledge, Matthias encounters the Guosim Shrews and Captain Snow, a snowy owl who initially mocks Matthias’ mission but wagers that he will succeed in retrieving the sword from Asmodeus. With help from the Guosim, Matthias ventures into the quarry where he finds the sword and slays Asmodeus. Meanwhile, Cornflower uncovers Martin’s battle armor stored in an attic within the Abbey.

Cluny mounts several siege attempts—including tunneling beneath walls, deploying battering rams, kidnapping Cornflower for ransom, setting gates ablaze, employing siege towers, and infiltrating soldiers disguised as circus performers—but all efforts fail as Cluny descends into madness.

Eventually, Cluny bribes a dormouse to open Redwall’s gates from within. Matthias returns with shrews and sparrows clad in Martin’s armor. During the ensuing battle, Cluny captures Cornflower and holds her hostage in the belltower. In their climactic duel atop the tower, Matthias severs the bellropes; when the bell crashes down it fatally crushes Cluny.

Though Abbot Mortimer sustains mortal wounds during the conflict, he appoints Matthias as Abbey warrior and proclaims Cornflower will be his bride.

The story concludes with harmony restored: Warbeak leads the Sparra tribe now allied with Redwallers; some Guosim remain as beekeepers; brother Mordalfus becomes Abbot; Matthias marries Cornflower and they have a son named Mattimeo. The new recorder welcomes travelers to visit Redwall Abbey.

Mattimeo

Several seasons following Cluny’s demise, Matthias and Cornflower welcomed their son, Mattimeo. During a festivity, the disguised fox Slagar the Cruel (previously known as Chickenhound) and his gang drugged the attendees and abducted all the youngsters. Matthias, accompanied by Basil Stag Hare and Jess, embarked on a mission to recover the captives, enlisting support from allies such as Orlando the Axe, the Guosim shrews, and the "Sparra".

Concurrently, Redwall endured assaults from ravens led by General Ironbeak, who seized their provisions and living quarters, sparing only Cavern Hole. To intimidate the ravens, the Redwall inhabitants employed Martin’s armor as a spectral figure and managed to rescue a mountain bird named Stryk Redkite. Upon uncovering this deception, Ironbeak imprisoned Constance the badger and captured Cavern Hole. After escaping captivity, Constance joined forces with a revived Stryk to slay Ironbeak, compelling the ravens to retreat.

Tracking Slagar’s trail led Matthias’s group to the buried abbey of Loamhedge, where they discovered a rat cult devoted to Malkariss that enslaved others. The oppressed slaves ultimately stoned Malkariss to death and were liberated by Matthias as the abbey collapsed beneath them. Slagar attempted vengeance but fell into the very abyss he had once escaped.

The party returned triumphantly with the children and freed slaves. Following seven tranquil seasons, Matthias, Basil, and Orlando began instructing Redwall’s upcoming defenders.

Martin the Warrior

In the seventh season after Matthias’s homecoming, Tim Churchmouse narrates Martin’s journey to becoming a warrior. Along Marshank’s coast, pirate Badrang the Tyrant escalated his raids, prompting Martin’s father, Luke the Warrior, to engage in naval battles. Before departing, Luke entrusted Martin with his sword, instructing him never to lose it. Years later, Martin was captured by Badrang and enslaved within Marshank fortress. After defending an elderly squirrel named Barkjon, Martin faced harsh punishment and was confined alongside Barkjon’s son Felldoh and a mouse named Brome.

While Badrang’s adversary Tramun Clogg laid siege to Marshank, Brome’s sister Laterose (Rose) and her mole companion Grumm tunneled into the prison pit for a rescue attempt. They commandeered a leaking boat but were separated during a storm; Martin, Rose, and Grumm were captured by pygmy shrews but later freed after aiding Queen Amballa's son Dinjer. Simultaneously, Brome and Felldoh joined the Rosehip Players circus to infiltrate Marshank and liberate slaves through underground passages.

On their way to Noonvale—Rose’s homeland—they allied with figures like Marshwood Hill's Warden and Boldred the owl while facing foes such as cannibalistic lizards and renegade Gawtrybe warriors. Although unable to muster an army there, many pledged allegiance to Martin’s cause on their march toward Marshank.

During Badrang’s absence, Clogg took control of Marshank but was subdued upon Badrang’s return with loyal troops. Felldoh conducted solo raids but was killed by Badrang’s henchmen. Ultimately, Martin led an assault that destroyed Marshank’s gate; he recovered his father’s sword and defeated Badrang but suffered the loss of Rose in combat. The Fur and Freedom Fighters returned covertly to Noonvale while Martin continued his solitary quest.

Redwall

Tyrone Savage as Matthias — The central protagonist, a young orphaned mouse nurtured by the monks at Redwall Abbey. After Cluny the Scourge murders his parents, Matthias takes charge of Redwall’s defense and embarks on a mission to locate the legendary sword belonging to Martin the Warrior, the Abbey’s founder. He represents bravery, honor, and compassion.

Alison Pill as Cornflower — A courageous and devoted fieldmouse who serves as Matthias’ romantic partner and assists him in his pursuit of Martin’s sword and armor.

Janet Wright as Constance — The powerful badger mother of Redwall Abbey, whose formidable strength and valor intimidate Cluny’s forces. She stands firmly behind Matthias in the battle against Cluny.

Chris Wiggins as Abbot Mortimer — The practical head of the Redwall monks who raised Matthias. Though initially a pacifist resistant to violence, he eventually supports Matthias’ defense efforts before succumbing in combat.

Richard Binsley as Basil Stag Hare — A valiant hare who aids Matthias in protecting Redwall. This character was inspired by Brian Jacques’ former employer.

Wayne Robson as Methuselah — The aged historian responsible for helping raise Matthias and recognizing his lineage as a descendant of Martin the Warrior. He dies from injuries inflicted by Chickenhound.

Diego Matamoros as Cluny the Scourge — The main villain, a merciless rat warlord determined to seize Redwall. Cluny is responsible for destroying Matthias’ family and is known for his strength, cunning nature, and a poisoned steel claw attached to his tail.

David Hemblen as Asmodeus Poisonteeth — A malevolent adder who guards Martin’s sword within his lair.

Susan Roman as Jess Squirrel — An intelligent red squirrel allied with Basil Stag Hare; she is also the mother of Sam Squirrel.

Graham Haley as Foremole — The mole foreman whose expert digging supports Redwall’s defensive efforts.

John Stocker as Brother Alf — The caretaker of Redwall’s pond and Abbot Mortimer’s successor.

Tracey Moore as Warbeak Sparra — A young sparrow who becomes a faithful companion to Matthias after aiding his escape from her oppressive uncle.

Marion Day as Guosim — Leader of the Guosim shrew clan who accompanies Matthias to Asmodeus’ lair.

Bruce Dow as Log-a-Log — A loyal yet quarrelsome shrew who assumes leadership of the Guosim tribe following Guosim’s death.

Julie Lemieux as Sela Vixen — A fox healer residing in Mossflower Wood who betrays both factions; she is ultimately killed after deceiving Cluny.

Jonathan Wilson as Chickenhound — Sela’s son and accomplice who infiltrates Redwall under false pretenses but escapes after stealing valuables.

Lawrence Bayne as Fangburn, Killconey — Trusted soldiers within Cluny’s forces.

Keith Knight as Squire Julian Gingivere — A large vegetarian cat from Mossflower Wood who assists Matthias on his journey.

Dan Hennessey as Ragear — An incompetent rat soldier serving under Cluny, first eliminated by Asmodeus.

Alyson Court as Myrtle — An original character for the series, Matthias’ elder sister who rescues him from their burning village but passes away shortly after arriving at Redwall Abbey.

Mattimeo

Tim Curry portrays Slagar the Cruel - a malevolent fox slave trader, ultimately exposed as a disfigured and mentally unstable Chickenhound.
Michael Seater voices Mattimeo - the youthful son of Matthias and Cornflower.
Tyrone Savage as Matthias
Melissa McIntyre as Cornflower
Janet Wright in the role of Constance
John Stocker as Abbot Mordalfus
Richard Binsley as Basil Stag Hare
Wayne Best as General Ironbeak
Susan Roman as Jess Squirrel
Graham Haley as Foremole
Tracey Moore as Warbeak Sparra
Bruce Dow as Log-a-Log
Catherine Disher as Winifred Otter
Jake Goldsbie as Vitch
Kyle Fairlie as Cheek
Sarah Gadon as Cynthia - a young vole who develops affection for Mattimeo.
Kristin Fairlie as Auma - a young badger and daughter of Orlando.
Paul Soles plays Ambrose Spike - a hedgehog farmer whose son was abducted by Slagar; he joins forces with Matthias and Orlando.
Ali Mukaddam as Jube
Alex House as Sam - the courageous son of Jess Squirrel who has gained the ability to speak.
Fiona Reid in the role of Sister May
Anthony Bekenn portrays Orlando the Axe - a formidable badger warrior aiding Matthias in the pursuit of Slagar.

Martin the Warrior

Amos Crawley voices Martin
Lindsey Connell as Rose
Diego Matamoros portrays Badrang
John Stocker in the role of Tramun Clogg
Graham Haley as Grumm
Ali Mukaddam plays Felldoh
Luca Perlman as Brome
Tracey Moore voices Queen Amballa
Noah Reid as Keyla
Jonathan Wilson portrays Skalrag

Telecast and home media

The animated series Redwall first broadcast on Teletoon (currently Cartoon Network) in Canada, while distribution in the United States was managed by American Public Television, airing through public television channels. As of 2024, Amazon provides streaming access to the series.

Home media releases include VHS and DVD formats available in multiple languages such as English, French, German, Russian, and Arabic. In the United States, Funimation issued all three seasons on DVD; Canadian releases were overseen by Kaboom Entertainment with a subsequent re-release by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment on July 1, 2016. The UK market saw VHS and DVD distributions from FremantleMedia, Abbey Home Media (Tempo Video), and Just Entertainment Ltd. In Australia, MRA Entertainment Group alongside Eagle Entertainment released several volumes, whereas Germany’s m2 Verlag GmbH - Best Entertainment and Pidax handled complete volume distributions. For France, StudioCanal issued DVDs covering the first two seasons.

VHS

Title	Release Date(s)	Content Covered
Redwall: The Movie	UK: 1999 NA: December 31, 2000	A condensed adaptation of season one edited into feature-length format.
Redwall: Treachery	UK: September 25, 2000	Episodes 1 through 3 from season one.
Redwall: Sparra's Kingdom	UK: February 26, 2001	Episodes 4 to 6 of season one.
Redwall: Captain Snow	UK: June 4, 2001	Episodes 7 through 9 from season one.
Redwall: The Final Conflict	UK: September 17, 2001	Episodes 10 to 13 of season one.
Redwall: The Adventure Begins	NA: 2002	Episodes 1 to 4 from season one.
Redwall: Cluny's Clowns	NA: 2002	Episodes 5 and 6 of season one.
Redwall: The Search for Martin's Sword	NA: 2002	Episodes 7 and 8 from season one.
Redwall: The Visitor	NA: 2002	Episodes 9 and 10 of season one.
Redwall: The Final Conflict	NA: 2002	Episodes 11 through 13 from season one.

DVD

DVD Title	Launch Dates			Episodes Included
DVD Title	Region 2	Region 1	Region 4	Episodes Included
Redwall: The Movie	November 25, 2002	November 22, 2005		A condensed adaptation of the initial season, formatted as a feature-length film.
Redwall: The Adventure Begins		June 24, 2003		Features episodes 1 through 6 from season one. Reissued in region 1 on March 9, 2010.
Redwall: The Next Adventure		April 13, 2004		Comprises episodes 7 to 13 of the first season. Re-released in region 1 on April 12, 2011.
Mattimeo: Slagar the Slaver	May 10, 2004			Includes episodes 1 to 4 from season two.
Mattimeo: To Be a Warrior	September 13, 2004			Contains episodes 5 through 8 of the second season.
Mattimeo: The Abyss	May 9, 2005			Holds episodes 9 to 13 from season two.
Redwall: The Siege		May 24, 2005		Features episodes 1 to 4 of the first season.
Redwall: Friends and Foes		August 23, 2005		Contains episodes 5 through 7 from season one.
Redwall: Volumes 1-4			2006	Collects all episodes of the first season distributed over four volumes.
Redwall: Volumes 5-8			2006	Encompasses every episode of the second season across four volumes.
Redwall: Season One		February 21, 2006		Complete set of all thirteen episodes from season one.
Mattimeo, A Tale of Redwall: Season Two		May 23, 2006		Entire second season including all thirteen episodes.
Martin the Warrior, A Tale of Redwall: Season Three		August 22, 2006		Full third season with all thirteen episodes included.
Redwall: Cluny the Scourge	June 9, 2008			Contains episodes one through three from the first season.
Redwall: Cluny's Clowns	June 29, 2009			Includes episodes four to eight from season one.

Notes

External links

Toonhound