Modestine

Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes

The donkey companion of the journey, symbolizing the burdens and companionship of travel.

Velay

The narrator's donkey, initially slow and stubborn, but responds to the peasant's switch and the 'Proot!' command.

The Donkey, the Pack, and the Packsaddle

The newly purchased donkey, described as small, mouse-colored, with a kindly eye and determined under-jaw.

The Green Donkey-Driver

The narrator's donkey, initially slow and deceptive, later responds to the peasant's switch but remains difficult to drive.

I Have a Goad

The narrator's donkey, now controlled with a goad after previous struggles.

Upper Gévaudan

The narrator's donkey, who struggles with the terrain and requires constant steering.

A Camp in the Dark

The narrator's donkey, described as haggard, drenched, and despondent, but showing intelligence by quickening her pace when smelling mischief.

Cheylard and Luc

The narrator's donkey, suffering from raw forelegs and bleeding under her tail; the narrator feels no affection for her despite her patience.

Our Lady of the Snows

The narrator's donkey, who shows disaffection for the monastery and is led away to the stables.

Father Apollinaris

The narrator's donkey, who shows reluctance to enter the monastery.

Upper Gévaudan (Continued)

The narrator's donkey, who resists a shortcut and brays loudly.

Across the Goulet

The narrator's donkey, who stubbornly resists a shortcut, braying and nearly falling over backwards.

A Night Among the Pines

The narrator feeds Modestine and later observes her munching and walking at the length of her tether during the night.

The Country of the Camisards

The narrator's donkey, who breaks into a trot for the first time during the ascent of the Lozère.

Across the Lozère

In high spirits, breaks into a trot for the first time.

In the Valley of the Tarn

The narrator's reluctant donkey, who is goaded and kicked up to the campsite and fed corn and bread.

In the Valley of the Mimente

The narrator's donkey, tied provisionally to a tree while he investigates the camping spot.

The Heart of the Country

The narrator's donkey, who is inspired by the moonlight to move more briskly.

The Last Day

Shares a final meal with the narrator on the summit of St. Pierre, eating bread from his hand.

Farewell, Modestine!

The donkey is sold after being pronounced unfit for travel; the narrator reflects on their companionship and her virtues.