# Chowbok — Erewhon character guide

> Chowbok in Erewhon by Samuel Butler.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0005-i-waste-lands

## Who they are

The narrator's sullen native guide, whose superstitious terror of the forbidden pass hints at something worse than statues on the far side.

## Relationships

### [Narrator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/erewhon_se/characters/narrator)

_friendship_

Chowbok is the narrator's loyal companion and guide during his early adventures in Erewhon.

## In the story

### [Erewhon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/erewhon_se/chapters/erewhon)

A native who guides the narrator initially but later deserts him in the valley.

### [In the Wool-Shed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/erewhon_se/chapters/ii-in-the-wool-shed)

Chowbok initially evades questions about the main range, then performs a mysterious ritual on wool bales, terrifying himself and the narrator.

### [Up the River](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/erewhon_se/chapters/iii-up-the-river)

Chowbok accompanies the narrator but eventually deserts him when they approach the main range.

### [The Saddle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/erewhon_se/chapters/iv-the-saddle)

Deserts the narrator at the start of the chapter, dropping his swag.

### [The River and the Range](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/erewhon_se/chapters/v-the-river-and-the-range)

Chowbok is remembered by the narrator, who regrets his absence and recalls baptizing him and attempting to convert him to Christianity.

### [To the Metropolis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/erewhon_se/chapters/ix-to-the-metropolis)

Mentioned as having returned home; the narrator reflects on his hideous appearance and the fear he showed of the Erewhonians.

### [Ydgrun and the Ydgrunites](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/erewhon_se/chapters/xvii-ydgrun-and-the-ydgrunites)

Mentioned in the context of the hospital where missionaries might be sent, similar to where Chowbok would have gone.

### [XIX: The World of the Unborn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/erewhon_se/chapters/xix-the-world-of-the-unborn)

Mentioned in passing as one of the races among whom the unborn might find their future parents.

### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/erewhon_se/chapters/xxix-conclusion)

Reappears as the Rev. William Habakkuk, a native missionary; had previously reported the narrator dead.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/erewhon_se/characters/chowbok
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/erewhon_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/erewhon_se/characters