Old Major's Legacy and Death

Follows the life and death of Old Major, the visionary who inspires the Rebellion but does not live to see it.

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The Visionary Speech

The Final Testament The Gathering Old Major, the prize Middle White boar, summons all animals to the big barn. He shares his dream of a world without Man. The Principles of Animalism Major outlines the tyranny of humans and the need for unity. He teaches the song 'Beasts of England' and warns against adopting human vices. The Prophecy of Rebellion He predicts that the Rebellion will come, though he may not see it. He urges the animals to pass on his message and to never falter.

Peaceful Death

The End of the Founder The Quiet Passing Old Major dies peacefully in his sleep. His body is buried at the foot of the orchard. The Transmission of Ideas His teachings are taken up by the pigs, especially Snowball, Napoleon, and Squealer, who develop Animalism into a complete system. The Absence of the Leader Major never sees the Rebellion. His death leaves the animals without a unifying figure, allowing the pigs to interpret his words to their own advantage.

The Skull Becomes a Relic

The Symbol Perverted The Disinterment Napoleon orders Major's skull to be dug up and placed on a stump at the foot of the flagstaff. The animals must file past it reverently before Sunday meetings. The Cult of the Past Major's skull becomes a symbol of authority, used to legitimize Napoleon's rule. The original spirit of the Rebellion is co-opted. The Final Burial In the final chapter, Napoleon orders the skull to be buried again, as part of the transformation back to Manor Farm. The last trace of the original vision is removed.

the night before the Rebellion

three nights after his speech

after the expulsion of Snowball