In any successful narrative, the characters often serve as the foundation that carries the story forward. Their development, relationships, and personalities offer depth and intrigue, inviting audiences to engage with the plot on a much more profound level. The movie Ferdinand is no different. Released in 2017, this animated feature from Blue Sky Studios is a delightful retelling of Munro Leaf’s classic children’s book The Story of Ferdinand. Central to the story is the titular character Ferdinand, a gentle giant of a bull who prefers flowers over fighting in bullrings. However, the tale is enriched by its ensemble cast, including one character that often piques curiosity—Ferdinand Berthier.
In this article, we will delve deep into the significance of Ferdinand Berthier within the context of the movie Ferdinand. Although there may be some confusion between the historical figure Ferdinand Berthier and the fictional character of Ferdinand the bull, we’ll explore how Berthier’s name has found its place in various aspects of culture and storytelling. We’ll examine the primary characters of Ferdinand in detail, understanding their contributions to the story and how they embody themes of peace, identity, and the fight against stereotyping.
Ferdinand Berthier: The Historical Figure
Before diving into the animated movie’s main characters, it’s important to acknowledge the real Ferdinand Berthier, who left a significant mark in the world of deaf education and activism. Ferdinand Berthier (1803–1886) was a French educator and advocate for the rights of the deaf. Born deaf himself, Berthier became a pioneer in deaf education in France, working closely with renowned institutions to promote sign language and provide opportunities for the deaf community. His leadership in founding deaf organizations and promoting social inclusion earned him international recognition.
One might wonder how the historical figure of Ferdinand Berthier connects to the gentle bull Ferdinand. The connection is more symbolic than direct, yet it opens up an intriguing layer of interpretation. Both figures—one historical, the other fictional—embody traits of defiance against societal norms and expectations. Ferdinand the bull rejects the expectations of aggression and dominance that come with his size, choosing peace instead. Similarly, Ferdinand Berthier resisted the societal limitations placed on the deaf community, advocating for equality and education.
While the connection between the two Ferdinand figures may be coincidental, the juxtaposition of their names encourages viewers and readers alike to contemplate how narratives of resistance, inclusion, and nonviolence transcend specific contexts and resonate in various forms of storytelling.
Main Characters of Ferdinand: A Diverse Ensemble
In the animated film Ferdinand, the primary characters contribute richly to the story’s theme of embracing individuality and rejecting societal expectations. Each character, from the titular bull to the quirky supporting animals, serves a role in advancing the narrative’s message.
Ferdinand the Bull
At the heart of the story is Ferdinand himself, a massive bull with a tender heart. From a young age, Ferdinand stands out from the other bulls for his disinterest in fighting. While the other bulls eagerly train to one day face off against a matador in the ring, Ferdinand is content to sit in the meadow and smell the flowers. His peaceful nature is put to the test when a misunderstanding leads him to be mistaken for a dangerous beast, resulting in his capture and placement in a bullfighting training camp.
Ferdinand’s character embodies the idea that individuals should not be judged based on appearances or societal expectations. His refusal to conform to the aggressive stereotype associated with bulls sends a powerful message to both children and adults alike. Ferdinand’s journey is a testament to the power of staying true to oneself, even when faced with immense pressure to conform.
Lupe the Goat
Lupe, Ferdinand’s eccentric and optimistic goat companion, provides much of the comic relief throughout the film. Voiced by Kate McKinnon, Lupe is a calming goat who dreams of being a coach to a champion bull. Her upbeat and quirky personality contrasts with Ferdinand’s calm demeanor, yet their bond is central to the narrative. Lupe serves as Ferdinand’s biggest cheerleader, helping him embrace his true self while also providing moments of levity that balance out the film’s deeper themes.
Lupe’s character, while humorous, also symbolizes the importance of friendship and loyalty. Her unwavering support for Ferdinand demonstrates that true friends stand by each other, even when their dreams and paths may differ. Through Lupe, the film subtly conveys that individuality should not be feared but celebrated.
Valiente the Bull
Valiente is another bull at the training camp who serves as Ferdinand’s rival. Unlike Ferdinand, Valiente embraces the aggressive nature that is expected of bulls. He is strong, fierce, and determined to be the best fighter. Valiente’s name, which means “brave” in Spanish, reflects his belief that bravery and aggression are intertwined. However, as the story progresses, Valiente’s character undergoes significant development.
Valiente’s character arc highlights the dangers of adhering too rigidly to societal expectations. While he starts off as Ferdinand’s antagonist, Valiente’s journey reveals that even those who appear to fit perfectly within a stereotype can feel trapped by it. Valiente’s eventual realization that there is more to life than fighting adds a layer of complexity to his character and further reinforces the film’s message of self-acceptance.
The Three Hedgehogs: Una, Dos, and Cuatro
Una, Dos, and Cuatro are three mischievous hedgehogs who play a supporting role in Ferdinand’s adventure. Their names, which translate to “One,” “Two,” and “Four” in Spanish, humorously omit the number three. The hedgehogs provide comic relief through their antics, sneaking around the bullfighting camp and causing chaos wherever they go. Despite their small size, the hedgehogs are fearless and resourceful, often helping Ferdinand and his friends out of tight situations.
While the hedgehogs primarily serve as comic relief, their inclusion in the story also underscores the theme of teamwork. The three hedgehogs may be small and quirky, but they consistently prove that working together can achieve great things. Their resourcefulness and bravery demonstrate that strength comes in many forms, and even the smallest creatures can make a big impact.
The Message of Ferdinand: Embracing Individuality and Nonviolence
One of the most powerful aspects of Ferdinand is its underlying message of embracing individuality and rejecting violence. Ferdinand the bull’s story is one of nonconformity and self-acceptance. Despite being born into a world that expects him to be aggressive and dominant, Ferdinand chooses to follow his own path, one that prioritizes peace and kindness.
The film’s message is particularly resonant in today’s world, where societal expectations and stereotypes often pressure individuals to behave in certain ways. Ferdinand encourages viewers to question these expectations and to embrace their true selves, regardless of what others may think. It also promotes the idea that violence is not the answer, a message that is particularly important for younger audiences.
The Role of Supporting Characters: Building the Narrative
Beyond the main characters, Ferdinand is populated by a diverse cast of supporting characters who each contribute to the story’s themes of individuality, friendship, and nonviolence. These characters, though they may not have as much screen time as Ferdinand or Valiente, are crucial to the film’s overall message.
Here are some key supporting characters who help build the narrative:
- Bones: Another bull at the training camp, Bones is small and scrawny compared to the other bulls. However, his size doesn’t stop him from having a big heart. Bones’ character highlights the
The Cultural Significance of Ferdinand: A Broader Context
The significance of Ferdinand reaches beyond just an entertaining animated film for children. The story has its roots in a broader cultural narrative about peace, nonviolence, and challenging societal norms—ideas that have been woven through literature, film, and history for decades. The original tale, The Story of Ferdinand, written by Munro Leaf in 1936, was both timely and controversial. Set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War and the rise of fascism in Europe, the story of a peaceful bull who refuses to fight was seen as a powerful allegory for pacifism.
In its original form, Ferdinand’s story was even banned in certain countries for promoting what was perceived as anti-war sentiment. However, its message of nonviolence and individuality continued to resonate with audiences across generations, eventually leading to the beloved 2017 animated adaptation.
The evolution of Ferdinand’s character from the pages of a children’s book to a fully realized, animated feature speaks to the timeless nature of its themes. Ferdinand’s tale challenges the traditional ideas of masculinity, strength, and the expectation of violence—ideas that are still relevant in today’s world.
Ferdinand and Modern Pacifist Movements
The concept of nonviolence as presented in Ferdinand has long been a subject of philosophical and political discourse. Figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela are often heralded for their promotion of peaceful resistance to oppression and injustice. Ferdinand’s gentle defiance can be viewed as a reflection of these same values.
While the character of Ferdinand may not be explicitly political, his decision to reject the path laid out for him—the path of violence and aggression—serves as a subtle yet powerful endorsement of nonviolence as a means of resolving conflict. In many ways, Ferdinand’s story offers a model for how individuals can resist societal pressures without resorting to anger or violence.
Ferdinand’s Relationships: The Power of Friendship and Support
One of the strongest elements of Ferdinand is the relationships that Ferdinand develops throughout the story. From his bond with Lupe to his eventual reconciliation with Valiente, the film emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and mutual respect. These relationships are central to Ferdinand’s journey and serve as a counterpoint to the film’s more aggressive characters.
The Importance of Lupe’s Support
Lupe’s role as Ferdinand’s loyal friend and coach is crucial to his development. Her belief in Ferdinand, even when he doubts himself, helps him to remain true to his peaceful nature. Lupe’s unwavering optimism and quirky humor are vital in keeping the tone of the film light and hopeful, but her role is also more than just comic relief. She represents the kind of supportive friendship that allows individuals to thrive in their own way, even in the face of adversity.
Lupe’s character can also be seen as a metaphor for the importance of mentorship and support in personal growth. Her encouragement helps Ferdinand to realize that his strength lies in his kindness and empathy, not in his physical power. This is a lesson that many viewers, particularly younger audiences, can take to heart.
Ferdinand and Valiente: A Complex Rivalry
Valiente serves as Ferdinand’s foil for much of the story. Where Ferdinand is calm and peaceful, Valiente is aggressive and competitive. However, their rivalry is more than just a simple good versus bad dynamic. Valiente’s anger and aggression are rooted in his own insecurities and fear of failure. He believes that to survive in the world, he must be strong and ruthless, which is a mindset that has been reinforced by the bullfighting culture he has grown up in.
As the story progresses, Valiente’s character becomes more complex. His eventual breakdown in the face of the matador reveals the fragility of the aggressive persona he has cultivated. It is through his interactions with Ferdinand that Valiente begins to see that there is more to life than violence. This character development underscores one of the central themes of the film: that aggression and violence are not the only forms of strength.
In the end, Valiente’s story arc shows that even those who appear to be the most entrenched in societal expectations can change when given the opportunity to reflect and grow. His reconciliation with Ferdinand suggests that understanding and empathy can bridge even the widest divides.
The Bullfighting Culture: Critiquing a Tradition
One of the most striking elements of Ferdinand is its critique of bullfighting, a tradition that is deeply ingrained in Spanish culture. Bullfighting is often celebrated as a symbol of bravery and skill, but it is also a practice that has faced increasing criticism for its inherent cruelty.
In Ferdinand, the bullfighting ring serves as a symbol of societal expectations and the pressure to conform to violent traditions. Ferdinand’s refusal to participate in the bullfighting culture represents a rejection of these expectations and a call for a more compassionate way of life.
The film’s depiction of the bullfighting ring as a place of fear and brutality contrasts sharply with the peaceful scenes of Ferdinand in the meadow. This visual contrast reinforces the film’s message that there is more honor in choosing peace than in engaging in violence, even when society pressures you to do otherwise.
Modern Relevance: Why Ferdinand Still Matters
In today’s world, Ferdinand resonates with audiences not just because of its charming characters and vibrant animation, but because of its underlying messages about individuality, nonviolence, and challenging the status quo. The film’s themes are particularly relevant in a time when social movements around the world are calling for justice, equality, and an end to violence.
The character of Ferdinand reminds viewers that true strength lies not in physical power or aggression, but in kindness, empathy, and the courage to be different. This is a message that resonates across generations and cultures, making Ferdinand a timeless story that continues to inspire.
Moreover, the film’s emphasis on friendship, teamwork, and personal growth offers a model for how individuals can support each other in the face of societal pressures. Through characters like Lupe, Valiente, and the hedgehogs, Ferdinand demonstrates that while the world may expect conformity, there is always room for those who choose to walk a different path.
The Legacy of Ferdinand Berthier and Ferdinand the Bull
Though Ferdinand Berthier and Ferdinand the bull belong to different worlds—one historical, the other fictional—both figures leave behind a legacy of challenging societal norms and advocating for individuality. Berthier’s contributions to deaf education and his efforts to promote inclusion and equality mirror Ferdinand the bull’s journey to reject the violent expectations placed upon him and to embrace his peaceful nature.
Both figures remind us that societal change often begins with individuals who are willing to stand up for what they believe in, even when faced with immense pressure to conform. Whether through education, activism, or simply choosing peace over violence, these Ferdinands offer lessons that continue to resonate in our modern world.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Ferdinand
Ferdinand is much more than just a children’s movie about a peaceful bull. It is a story that challenges societal expectations, promotes nonviolence, and encourages viewers to embrace their individuality. Through its rich characters, vibrant animation, and powerful message, Ferdinand has cemented its place as a modern classic.
At its core, the film reminds us that true strength lies not in physical power or aggression, but in the courage to be different, to be kind, and to follow one’s own path. Whether through the lens of a peaceful bull or a pioneering advocate for the deaf, the story of Ferdinand continues to inspire audiences to challenge the status quo and to choose peace over violence.
The impact of Ferdinand, both the bull and Berthier, extends far beyond the screen and the pages of history, reminding us that there is strength in individuality and that nonviolence is a powerful force for change in a world that often prioritizes conflict over compassion.
