Chapter 3 · First Time in the Meadow

Lightning flashed and thunder roared, and the sky suddenly grew dark.

Thumper quickly hurried home.

Bambi also returned to his mother’s side.

Just as he was about to fall asleep, raindrops began to fall, pattering on the ground.

Suddenly, thunder crashed!

Bambi, frightened, quickly hid in his mother’s arms.

The rain stopped, and the sky slowly grew bright again.

The next day, Bambi asked his mother, “What are we going to do today?”

His mother replied, “I’m going to take you to the meadow.”

“What is the meadow?” Bambi asked curiously.

“It’s a very beautiful place,” said his mother.

“Then why haven’t we gone there before?” Bambi asked again.

“Because you weren’t old enough,” his mother replied.

Bambi said, “Mother, did you know? We are not the only deer in the forest. Thumper told me.”

His mother smiled and said, “Yes, there are many deer living in the forest with us.”

“Then why have I never seen them?” asked Bambi.

“You will, one day you will see them. Be quiet now, we’re almost there,” she answered.

Bambi saw the wide meadow and grew so excited that he rushed out.

His mother quickly stopped him and said, “The meadow is dangerous!”

“There we have no cover.”

“The meadow is wide, with no trees or bushes to hide us.”

“So we must be very careful. Wait here, and if it’s safe, I’ll call you.”

Bambi’s mother walked cautiously and carefully into the meadow.

“It’s safe,” called his mother. “Come out, Bambi.”

They ran across the wide meadow, and Bambi saw herds of deer.

Bambi noticed a tall, majestic stag and felt full of awe.

Bambi asked, “Why does everyone grow silent when he comes to the meadow?”

His mother softly answered, “Everyone respects him.”

“In the forest, no other deer has lived even half as long as he has.”

“He is very brave and very wise.”

“That is why he is known as the Great Prince of the Forest.”