This is one of the black rabbits photographed in Elsie Gate field this morning. It’s a healthy-looking Hedon Pooka.
Hedon Pooka, the famous black rabbit of Hedon:
Hedon Pooka, is the famous black rabbit of Hedon (Heddun Leporidae Púca). It shouldn’t really exist: With its distinctive, easy-to-spot black fur it is simple prey for predators, yet the animal survives and lives up to its mythical status as the magical Hedon Pooka. The black fur is not really magical, rather it is the result of a specific genetic mutation, known as melanism. But still, seeing a black rabbit is quite rare.
Legend has it that spotting the Hedon pooka around the spring equinox affects behaviour, in extreme cases, the observer starts imitating the animal’s antics, even taking on its characteristics and appearance. Throughout Hedon’s history, there are tales of the Pooka affecting people who then went on to do great things for the town. This includes William La Pin the town’s founder who apparently took on the bulky appearance of the Pooka earning him the nickname of the Fat One (Le Gros). Admiral of the Fleet George Anson, 1st Baron Anson (1697-1762) was a round-the-world explorer who chose to come to Hedon (and became its MP) to seek the pooka having met its cousin the Moon Rabbit in the Far East. There is a rumour that after meeting the Hedon Pooka his ears elongated which was a feature he hid forcing him to withdraw from public life.
The Hedon Pooka is indeed a remarkable animal. But magical? Probably not – but we all love a good myth!
Ray Duffill – just off for a run, dig and a hop!