Photo: Python Pictures

I would never forgive myself if I let today pass without wishing everyone in the land of Tellyspotting a Happy National Bunny Day! Highlighting the value and contributions that pet rabbits bring to their owners and held on the fourth Saturday or Sunday each September, National Bunny Day also centers on the welfare of rabbits — while promoting a healthy environments for those raised as pets. Their top five rabbits are Bugs Bunny, Roger Rabbit, Peter Rabbit, The Velveteen Rabbit and the White Rabbit. One rabbit, however, was either overlooked or understandably left off the list, the Rabbit of Caerbannog.

In keeping with the spirit of Tellyspotting, we must take a moment and pay tribute on this day to one of the most dreaded and feared bunnies of all-time….the Rabbit of Caerbannog from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. While it’s origin is relatively unknown to everyone with the exception of ‘Tim the Enchanter’, the rabbit is also known by the names of Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog, The Killer Bunny, Just a Harmless Little Bunny, Foul-Tempered Rodent, Rabid Beast and Monster Bunny.

Possessing the power and skills of having sharp/pointy teeth, the ability for pounce at a moment’s notice and gifted beyond anyone’s wildest imagination with agility, immense feral strength while also suffering from extreme aggression when agitated.

The sole purpose of the Rabbit of Caerbannog was to serve as the vicious protector of a namesake cave where the location of the grail is written on the wall. Legend had it that it was capable of leaping at least eight feet from the ground directly at a person’s neck and biting through it in a single motion, often decapitating them before they even realize they are being attacked.

While it may go against the spirit of National Bunny Day, it was King Arthur, in possession of the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch, who then engaged the Rabbit of Caerbannog in battle. Use of said object is subject to the person in possession of the holy hand grenade be predicated on the ability of the owner to count to three. Three must be the number he shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be three. Four, Arthur shalt not count, nor will Arthur count to two, excepting that he then proceed to three. Five is right out. At that point, Arthur lobbest thy Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch towards thy foe (i.e. the Rabbit of Caerbannog), who, being naughty in God’s sight, shall snuff it.

Thankfully, all turned out well for King Arthur, Sir Lancelot the Brave, Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave, Sir Bedevere and Sir Galahad the Pure and they were able to enter the cave.

In honor of National Rabbit Day and recognizing the herculean efforts of the Rabbit of Caerbannog to protect the Grail, if I go out today, this is the mask I will be wearing made lovingly by a very good friend and brilliant musician, Annie Benjamin. I hope I can do it justice to all her efforts out in public today.

Run away! Photo: Bill Young

Again, however you may choose to celebrate, I hope everyone has a safe and happy National Bunny Day no matter where you may be.