Bree

Bree, whose full name is actually “Breehy-hinny-brinny-hoohy-hah”, is the magnificent talking horse from C. S. Lewis’ beloved series, The Chronicles of Narnia, most prominently featured in the book, The Horse and His Boy, published in 1954. Bree is the horse of a Calormene nobleman who suggests to the orphaned boy, Shasta, who also belongs to the nobleman, that they run off together to Narnia and freedom. In his youth (colthood?), Bree had been a free horse in Narnia, but was captured and sold into war servitude in Calormen, where he hides his ability to speak. During this time, Bree has become proud and arrogant, considering himself superior to the dumb beasts among whom he finds himself. During their adventurous travels, Bree and Shasta meet up with an escaping Calormene, Aravis, and her horse, Hwin, a gentle mare originally from Narnia. Bree asserts himself in his usual arrogant way, but his outward manner shields his inner fears – most particularly his fear and rejection of The Lion, Aslan. Through the course their journeys, Bree comes to the realization that it is the Provident Lion who has been there to comfort him, to give him courage and to spur him onward against all odds. In acknowledging the part of this loving guidance in his life, Bree is able to rise above his petty and shallow ways. He arrives back in Narnia triumphant, not only over the pain of war and suffering, but also over the limitations of his former errant ways. Bree comes back to Narnia as one talking horse among many. Mr. Ed, take note.