Thlayli

Thlayli is a fictional character from Watership Down, by Richard Adams. He has a distinctive physical appearence, in that he has a large shock of fur on the crown of his head. In Lapine, his name means "Fur-head," which is translated into Bigwig for English speakers. He is one of the rabbits that leaves with Hazel from the Sandleford warren.

Bigwig is a large, strong rabbit, and at Sandleford, he was a member of the Owsla, or the rabbit equivalent to a brutish policeforce. Though not the smartest of the rabbits to accompany Hazel, he is quicker than most to understand new ideas and concepts when he sees them in action. He is a stickler for rules and always obeys authority, unless he can see that that authority is misguided. He is fiercely loyal, and, in the end, defends his new warren and his Chief Rabbit, Hazel, nearly to the death.

His physical strength and resiliance are remarkable, as he survived not one, but two normally fatal situations, the first being when he is caught in a snare near Cowslip's warren, and the second being during the afore-mentioned defense of his new warren against the attacks of the much larger rabbit, General Woundwort.

He is also adept at undercover work, as is shown when he infiltrates Efrafa and, for a short time, becomes one of its Owsla officers in order to bring out does to populate his own warren. At this time he also demonstrates empathy when he risks his own life to rescue the prisoner Blackavar. He forms a close friendship with Hyzenthlay, a wise Efrafan doe, who helps him devise his plan of escape. He also becomes a friend of the odd seagull, Keehar, who, by virtue of their mutual respect, agrees to help them in their Efrafa heist.

Though Hazel hesitated to bring him along at first, Bigwig proves to be an essential member of the party.

Source: Watership Down, by Richard Adams