The Leaping Hare by George Ewart Evans and David Thomson

Sue Cartwright • 6 September 2023

History and secrets of the mystical and magnificent Hare

The Leaping Hare by George Ewart Evans and David Thomson - A Book Review by Sue Cartwright, Spiral Leaf

I have always been fascinated by wild animals and the mystical, magical Hare is no exception. As such, I was thrilled to find 'The Leaping Hare' which is a treasure trove of insights in the first half of the book. I have gleaned enough to share some remarkable truths about these beautiful creatures accorded by local folk and farmers working on the land.

I remember seeing my first Hare when I was a child. I remember the feeling of awe as I watched the Hare leaping in the distance. It was a special moment that I have always treasured. When you spend most of your time outdoors growing up, it becomes your second home. You share it with animals, creatures and birds who come and go, or hang out with you, always leaving an impression on your subconscious mind and a comforting 'ah' feeling in your heart.

More ecently I was reminded about Hares in a book called The Running Hare by John Lewis-Stempel. I wrote about it and highly recommend the investment. It's about the replenishment of a small area of farmland using only traditional farming methods. The result is a stunning wheat field edged and interlaced with wildflowers, having enticed the birds (and natural life) back to the land, brought worms back to the soil to create a complete organic ecosystem. Hares were introduced and they flourished which makes for an enchanting story.

It is also why this book, The Leaping Hare, caught my eye.

I am so enjoying the first chapters as George and David skillfully weave a stream of Hare sightings, anecdotes and stories - gathered from locals and farmers - with knowledge taken from written records and literature, old and new. Why the Hare has been revered as a remarkable and mysterious creature over the centuries is explained, as is the Hare's natural history in ancient and modern times.

Every page is rich with knowledgable and beautifully written with a chapter for each type of Hare in the British Isles. The Mountain Hare, The Irish Hare and The Common Hare are followed by the rather grim aspects of hunting or Hare chasing. The latter being a particularly cruel sport and generally frowned upon by local people, as are foxes being hounded to death for entertainment.

On a lighter note, I have brought together some of the most interesting things I have learned about Hares so far, and a few general facts that may astound you.

The Hare is an archetype, one of the original formation-patterns of awareness that primitive man used as a communication tool to come to terms with his environment and the 'internal' environment of his own instincts and feelings.

Here are some hare-raising insights to ponder on ...

Hare as Archetype

The Hare is one of the original formation-patterns of awareness that primitive man used as a communication tool to come to terms with his environment and with the 'internal' environment of his own instincts and feelings. The Hare is a mythical creature, first depicted on cave walls in ancient times and no wonder that this beautiful Leporidae features in so many myths and legends, and is the focus of so many points of view.

Hare as Independent

The Hare is born in an open nest (or form). Fully furred with eyes wide open and ready to move. Bones, muscles and faculties fully developed as living on open ground is a challenge for tiny leverets who are moved (or walk) from their birthplace to their own forms. The doe keeps a watchful eye and visits each form for feeding. She is always within ear's reach of any baby-like squeals that call her to assist at lightening speed if assistance is required.

Hare as Leaper

The Hare is not so much hare-brained in terms of intelligence, rather wildly impetuous with an attraction for noise and vibration which is why they are often found in numbers on airfields. When chased, Doe's tend to run around in circles to remain close to her Leverets. Bucks run at tremendous speed in straight lines until they instinctively make a great leap making it seem their tracks have disappeared.

The Leaping Hare is full of such treasures and I will be back with more insights in Part II. I will leave you with a quote from the second chaper:

The beauty of the hare is in her speed, her graceful turning this way and that, the subtle wide circles she makes in her flight to elude her pursuer and leave no contstant line of scent.

Here's to the Leaping Hare, past, present and future.

Sue Cartwright

Spiral Leaf