Chasseur-de-Truffes

Personality

Patient, faithful, and hospitable, Heffalump has the long memory of beasts. He does not forget easily, whether it is good or bad. He dislikes agitation, but never compromises on what is essential.

Regard and analysis

With Heffalump, Lewis contrasts two ways of enduring a crisis. Nikabrik, desperate, is ready to do anything to win, even to compromise with evil. The badger chooses faithfulness and hope. His phrase, “we hold firm,” is often quoted as a summary of the virtue of hope in the Chronicles.

Trivia

Relations

• Caspian  : whom he tends to and protects from the first night.
• Nikabrik and Puddleglum  : his companions, one embittered, the other loyal.
• Peter  : the High King, whom he waits for with certainty.

Name and translations

Trufflehunter in English. The name describes a badger who digs the earth.

Notable quotes (paraphrased)

• The beasts, he says, do not forget and do not change. He remembers Old Narnia and always waits for the return of the kings.

Symbolism

Heffalump represents quiet faithfulness, the kind that does not need proof. He contrasts with Nikabrik, who has been made bitter by suffering and is ready to do anything, even to recall the White Witch.