# the old Prince — Bambi character guide

> the old Prince in Bambi by Felix Salten.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Prince, Noble Prince

**First appearance:** 0000-i

## Snapshot

A solitary old stag who appears at the meadow's edge, speaks rarely, and vanishes at the first thunder — the forest's living lesson in what a stag can become.

## Who they are

The old Prince keeps to himself, refusing the company that other deer take for granted, and his silence makes him both admired and unapproachable. When Bambi resolves to greet him, the moment is shattered by a crash of thunder and the Prince's death, a warning about Him that no amount of gossip can soften. His aloofness and his end haunt Bambi, shaping the kind of solitude the young stag will one day choose for himself.

## Relationships

### [Bambi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bambi_se/characters/bambi)

_psychological_

The old Prince is a wise, solitary mentor who teaches Bambi about survival and the ways of the forest.

### [Bambi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bambi_se/characters/bambi)

_psychological_

The old Prince is a wise, solitary mentor who teaches Bambi about survival and the ways of the forest.

### [Bambi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bambi_se/characters/bambi)

_psychological_

The old Prince is a wise, solitary mentor who teaches Bambi about survival and the ways of the forest.

## In the story

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bambi_se/chapters/iv)

Passes by in silent splendor, leaving Bambi entranced.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bambi_se/chapters/vi)

The old Prince sternly confronts Bambi for calling his mother, then disappears silently. He is later described as the largest, most mysterious stag in the forest.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bambi_se/chapters/vii)

Appears to Bambi, scolds him for crying for his mother, and advises him to discover the truth about 'He' on his own.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bambi_se/chapters/xiii)

The old stag appears majestic and aloof, but internally hesitates to speak with Bambi, ultimately walking away.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bambi_se/chapters/xiv)

Intercepts Bambi, insists the call is a trap, and leads him stealthily away from Him, saving Bambi's life.

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bambi_se/chapters/xvi)

Appears silently, watches Gobo with deep sadness, and calls him 'poor thing' before leaving.

### [Marena's Return](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bambi_se/chapters/xvii)

Visited Gobo but called him a 'poor thing,' causing Gobo lingering resentment.

### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bambi_se/chapters/xviii)

Appears suddenly before Bambi, speaks gently, and confirms that Bambi's feeling about Gobo is enough for now.

### [Bambi's Solitude and the Old Stag's Rescue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bambi_se/chapters/xx)

The old stag rescues Friend Hare from a snare and walks with Bambi, discussing Gobo and the danger of 'Him.'

### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bambi_se/chapters/xxi)

The old stag rescues Bambi after he is shot, leads him to a hidden hollow, tends to his wound, and teaches him to survive. He calls Bambi 'my son' and stays with him until he recovers.

### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bambi_se/chapters/xxii)

Referenced in Bambi's memories as the teacher of solitude and wisdom.

### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bambi_se/chapters/xxiii)

Lies beside Bambi, explains the dog's devotion and the tragedy of blind loyalty.

### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bambi_se/chapters/xxiv)

Leads Bambi to the dead hunter, teaches him about mortality and a higher power, then bids a final farewell, appearing aged and blind.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bambi_se/characters/the_old_prince
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bambi_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bambi_se/characters