| ! | Non-canon alert The subject of this article originates from non-canonical sources. To learn about what is considered "canon", see LOTR:Canon. |
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- "These are Rhosgobel Rabbits! I'd like to see them try!"
- —Radagast to Gandalf in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Rhosgobel rabbits were a large breed of Rabbits that come from the land of Rhosgobel.
Descrption
They closely resemble ordinary rabbits, except for the fact that they are larger, about two feet long, and are also faster. The Rhosgobel rabbits that pulled Radagast's sleigh showed signs of intelligence, as they understand commands given to them in Westron.
History
A team of Rhosgobel rabbits are known to have been of use to Radagast the Brown, as they pulled his sleigh. They were first seen carrying Radagast from Rhosgobel after his encounter with the Giant Spiders, through Mirkwood to Dol Guldur following the trail of the Giant Spiders. Later they were pursued by the Bats of Dol Guldur but managed to carry Radagast to the Trollshaws where Gandalf and Thorin and Company were. Later they outran a pack of Gundabad Wargs.
The same team of rabbits were seen in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, briefly under the trees of Mirkwood carrying Gandalf and Radagast from the High Fells to Dol Guldur so Gandalf could investigate the ruined fortress. They presumably carried Radagast to Lothlórien to take a message to Galadriel. They also appear in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies carrying Radagast to Dol Guldur where they help Radagast in evacuating Gandalf out of the fortress by the command of Galadriel, while the White Council hold off the Nine. However, they stop briefly to allow Radagast and Gandalf witness Sauron being banished from Dol Guldur. Later, they continue to carry Gandalf and Radagast back to Radagast's home, Rhosgobel.
Behind the Scenes
According to the crew of Peter Jackson, the Rhosgobel rabbits are based on real-life Flemish Giant rabbits.