Books - The Taggerung

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	Books - The Taggerung

Taggerung is a fantasy novel by Brian Jacques, published in 2001. It is the fourteenth book in the Redwall series.

His birth was a long-awaited legend, full of mystery and promise, among the Juska tribes along the western shore. Denoted by a unique mark on his right paw, the Taggerung is a fearsome fighter, a warrior the likes of which has not been seen for many generations. When a seer from one tribe predicted his birth in a far-away land, Sawney Rath, leader of the Juskarath, sets out to capture the Taggerung.

In Mossflower Woods, Rillfag is completing a ritual ceremony with his new son, Deyna, when Sawney Rath and his tribe of vermin murder Rillfag and capture the legendary infant. Sawney renames the young otter Tagg, determined to raise him as his own son, and to bring the Taggerung under his control.

As Tagg begins to grow older, he finds himself at odds with his fellow tribe members. He refuses to become violent and soon finds himself as the only member of the tribe who has not killed. As was inevitable, Tagg cannot become what he is not, and when Sawney orders him to pursue and kill a runaway fox named Felch, Tagg refuses. Finding the roles reversed, Tagg finds himself pursued by the ferret leader of the Juskarath.

Unfortunately for him, Sawney's chase is short-lived, as he is soon confronted and killed by the stoat Antigra, enabling her bumbling son Gruven to take control of the newly renamed Juskazann tribe. Following along the previous path, Gruven recruits a small band of vermin to continue the hunt for the Taggerung. As an inept leader, however, Gruven's band would sooner killer him than follow his orders, if they only had the chance.

In his travels, Tagg befriends a similarly mysterious harvest mouse named Nimbalo the Slayer. Finding themselves in the company of a pygmy shrew colony, the rest until they are attacked by Gruven and his band of vermin. As Tagg prepares to defend his newfound companions, the vermin scatter, leaving only one unfortunate member behind. Under the harsh gaze of Tagg, and the threat of being washed, the long-time member of Tagg's old tribe reveals all, including the name of his true home: Redwall Abbey.

When Tagg, now going by his true name of Deyna, arrives at Redwall, he is greeted with celebration. Cregga Rose Eyes, an ancient, blind badger mum, appoints Deyna's sister, Mhera, as the new Abbess of Redwall. Per Deyna's request, Rukky Garge, a local otterfixer, manages to remove the distinguising mark of the Taggerung from his paw.

Deyna's quest is not quite over, however, as the fox Ruggan Bor, now commanding the remnants of the Juskazann tribe, shortly arrives to attack the stronghold of Redwall Abbey. As chance may have, however, the badger ruler of Salamandastron, Russano the Wise, arrives in time to fend off Bor's attack, sending him and his vermin crew crawling on their bellies until sunset.

Trivia

In the story, the word 'Taggerung' literally means a warrior of unbeatable strength, courage, and savageness.

Translations

(French) Rougemuraille : Le Prodige

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