Bambi's journey from a wobbly fawn to a wise stag unfolds against the backdrop of a richly detailed forest. Guided by the watchful eye of his mother, Bambi learns the ways of the deer and the perilous presence of Man. Through encounters with fellow forest creatures and the sage Old Prince, Bambi matures and comes to understand the delicate balance of life in the wild.

Beginnings in the Thicket

In a secluded thicket, a young fawn named Bambi makes his entrance into the world. Under the tender guidance of his mother, he discovers his identity as a deer. She instructs him that deer are creatures of peace, unlike the quarreling jaybirds that fight over food. Bambi learns to step cautiously into the meadow at dawn and dusk, taking heed of the rustling leaves that warn of danger. On his first adventure there, he meets a chatty grasshopper and is captivated by the fluttering grace of a butterfly.

New Friends and Discoveries

Another evening brings Bambi and his mother to the meadow once more, where he encounters a hare with gentle eyes and floppy ears, though it fails to impress him. Far more thrilled is Bambi to meet his cousins, Gob and Famine, alongside their mother, End. Their families are parting ways when two majestic stags burst from the forest, one of whom Bambi’s mother reveals to be his father.

Encounters with Man

As Bambi ages, he becomes attuned to the symphony of forest sounds and scents. Sometimes, his mother leaves him alone, igniting his curiosity. On such a day, he stumbles upon his cousins in the meadow. Famine suggests their mothers might be visiting their fathers, prompting Bambi to continue his quest. At the forest’s edge, he glimpses a creature with a strange stick-like object, sending him into a frightened retreat. His mother comforts him back in their glade, explaining the threat of Man.

Lessons from Old Prince

On another occasion, Bambi’s cries for his mother summon not her, but a stern stag who admonishes his tears. Unknown to him then, this is Old Prince, the wisest stag in the forest. Bambi keeps this encounter to himself and ceases to call for his mother. One fateful morning, while grazing, chaos erupts as a stag collapses from a gunshot. Bambi flees deeper into the woods and meets Old Prince once again, seeking answers about Man. The venerable stag advises patience, promising that understanding will come with time.

Seasons of Change

The forest transforms as summer yields to autumn and then winter, enveloping the woods in snow. The scarcity of food fosters camaraderie among the deer, who gather together, sometimes joined by a stag. Bambi grows to admire these stags, especially Rondo, known for surviving a hunter’s bullet. The perennial topic of their conversations is Man and his mysterious weapon, which none can fathom but all fear.

Winter's Hardships

As winter drags on, the struggle for survival becomes harsher. Predators claim their share of prey; a crow snatches a young hare, a ferret wounds a squirrel, and a fox claims a pheasant. Hunters descend upon the forest with thunderous weapons, leaving many creatures dead in their wake. Bambi's mother and cousin Gob vanish, swallowed by the forest’s cruel fate.

Growing Independence

With the arrival of spring, Bambi bears his first antlers. In the absence of his mother, he endures solitude. Attempts to join the older stags are rebuffed, and Famine’s shyness keeps them apart. Resolute, Bambi confronts what he believes to be a teasing stag, only to find himself charging past Old Prince. Embarrassed, Bambi listens as Old Prince advises courage and...