Giant Rumblebuffin

Giant Rumblebuffin is a towering but good-hearted giant who, after being liberated from a stone statue by Aslan, becomes a crucial ally in the final assault on the White Witch's fortress and the decisive battle that follows. His immense strength and cheerful, if somewhat clumsy, demeanor provide both practical aid and comic relief, marking him as one of the more memorable minor figures in the Narnian liberation.

Identity and Background

Giant Rumblebuffin is introduced not as a living creature but as a stone statue standing in the courtyard of the White Witch's castle, a victim of her petrifying magic. He is described as a huge shape like a man, as tall as a tree, with a fierce face, a shaggy beard, and a great club in his right hand. When Aslan breathes on his feet to begin the restoration, the change creeps up his legs, and he soon lifts his club, rubs his eyes, and speaks. His first words reveal his simple, honest nature: "Bless me! I must have been asleep. Now! Where's that dratted little Witch that was running about on the ground." Mr. Tumnus later explains that all the Buffins were always a respected giant family in Narnia, though not very clever, and that if Rumblebuffin had been the other sort, the Witch would never have turned him to stone.

Role in the Liberation of the Witch's Castle

Once freed, Rumblebuffin's primary task is to break open the castle gates, which Aslan had entered by leaping over the wall. Aslan calls up to him, "Hi! You up there! What's your name?" and after the giant identifies himself, Aslan asks him to let everyone out. Rumblebuffin obliges, telling the smaller creatures to stand well away. He then strikes the gates with his huge club: the gates creak at the first blow, crack at the second, and shiver at the third. He then tackles the towers on each side, and after a few minutes of crashing and thudding, both towers and a good bit of the wall come thundering down in a mass of rubble, allowing the liberated statues to stream out into the forest.

Personality and Comic Moments

Rumblebuffin's character is marked by a gentle, polite, and slightly bumbling nature that contrasts with his fearsome appearance. After his exertions, he complains of being "all in a muck sweat" and asks one of the young ladies for a pocket-handkerchief. When Lucy offers hers, he accidentally picks her up instead, muttering, "Bless me! I've picked up the little girl instead. I beg your pardon, Missie, I thought you was the handkerchee!" He then solemnly rubs the tiny handkerchief across his great red face, praising it as the nicest handkerchief he has ever met. Lucy finds him a nice giant, and Mr. Tumnus confirms that all the Buffins were always one of the most respected giant families in Narnia, with traditions, if not much cleverness.

Participation in the Final Battle

When Aslan calls for the army to move to the final battle, Rumblebuffin is among those who carry smaller creatures on their backs. He joins the charge against the White Witch's forces, using his club and also crushing dozens of the foe with his feet. His presence, along with the other creatures freed from the castle, helps turn the tide of the battle. After the victory, he is among the friends rewarded and honored at the coronation feast in Cair Paravel.