When we think of Napoleon Bonaparte, we imagine a brilliant military strategist, feared across Europe, a man who reshaped nations with his ambition. What we don’t usually picture is Napoleon… running away from a horde of fluffy bunnies. Yet that’s exactly what happened in one of history’s most delightful (and slightly ridiculous) episodes.
A Grand Plan for a Hunt
It all began when Napoleon decided to host a rabbit hunt for himself and his top officers. This wasn’t unusual — aristocrats often organized hunts as a way to celebrate victories or simply show off their leisure. Napoleon’s secretary, Alexandre Berthier, was put in charge of arranging the event.
Berthier, being efficient (but perhaps not very experienced with wildlife), didn’t want to leave anything to chance. Wild rabbits can be unpredictable, so instead of relying on hunting luck, he purchased hundreds — some say up to 3,000 — rabbits from local farmers. The idea was simple: release the rabbits, let the officers show off their skills, and everyone goes home with a story and some rabbit stew. Easy, right?
The Release
The day came. Napoleon, dressed for the hunt, stood ready with his men. The cages were opened, and hundreds of fluffy rabbits hopped out into the field.
But instead of scattering in fear like wild rabbits usually do, these farm-raised bunnies had a very different reaction. They looked around, saw Napoleon and his officers… and charged.
Yes, charged.
The Fluffy Invasion
Turns out, these weren’t wild rabbits used to running for their lives. They were tame, farm-fed rabbits. They associated humans with food. So when released, they didn’t think, “Run for your life!” — they thought, “Oh good, the food guys are here!”
Witnesses said the rabbits swarmed toward Napoleon and his men in waves. At first, there was laughter. A few dozen rabbits running your way is kind of cute. But then it became hundreds. Then thousands. Imagine a furry tide of ears, whiskers, and little paws bounding straight for the most powerful man in Europe.
Napoleon tried to shoo them away with his riding crop. Officers swung their guns. But the rabbits kept coming, climbing up trousers, hopping into carriages, surrounding everyone.
(If this were me, I think I’d just give up and start handing out carrots. Sometimes surrender is the only option when your enemy is this fluffy.)
Napoleon Retreats
Finally, Napoleon realized this was not a battle he could win. He retreated, jumping into his carriage as the rabbits swarmed the wheels. His proud hunting party turned into a chaotic retreat, soldiers scattering, chased by bunnies that just wanted snacks.
It was, perhaps, the only time Napoleon ever lost a “battle” so decisively and so adorably.
The Aftermath
The story quickly became a joke among those who heard it. Napoleon’s reputation as a master of Europe survived, of course — after all, defeating coalitions of nations is a bit more impressive than losing to rabbits. But still, the image of the mighty general driven off the field by fluffy farm animals remains one of the strangest moments in history.
And honestly? I think it’s perfect. Even the greatest conquerors in history had their humbling moments. For Napoleon, it just happened to involve bunnies.
Dreamy Penguin 