Orlando the Axe
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Orlando the Axe is a fictional character from the Mattimeo novel, part of the Redwall fantasy series written by Brian Jacques. He is an anthropomorphic badger who is voiced by Roy Carruthers in the full-cast audiobook, and in the Redwall (TV series), he is voiced by actor Anthony Bekenn.
Warrior Lord of the Western Plains, Orlando wields the weapon of his name, a massive battleaxe. He has as a battlecry the ancient warcall of badgers and hares, "Eulalia". His only known of family are his deceased wife Brockrose and his daughter Auma. Living near the mountains, Orlando's only companion was Auma. In the years before he came to Redwall, he became a skilled cook-though he would never let anyone besides Auma know, fearing that his acquaintinces would think he was going soft.
Orlando's happy life was shattered when Slagar came to the plains. Orlando, fearing no beast, ignored the fox and his band, but unwittingly as he passed by them one day, he left a trail back to his home. Orlando returned to find his home in ruins, with Auma gone. Realizing that it was the work of Slagar, Orlando vowed to hunt the slaver to the end of his days, nearly becoming maddened by the Bloodwrath of his kind.
Setting out after Slagar, Orlando found himself in Mossflower Woods. After traveling some distance and becoming lost, he ran afoul of a family of hedgehogs, accusing him of kidnapping one of their children. It was this strange sight that greeted Matthias of Redwall and his companions as they came upon Orlando during their own hunt for Slagar.
Realizing that their goals were common, as was their enemy, Orlando and Matthias joined forces. The two became fast friends of similar spirit, the only contention between them the dispute as to which of them would kill Slagar. Orlando's good humor and fighting ferocity were a welcome addition to the band of Slagar's enemies. Despite the occasional disadvantage of his large size, he made friends with the group.
After many adventures, the group arrived in the realm of Malkariss. Orlando attacked the creature's followers with utter ferocity. Many fell before Orlando's weapon, including the slavemaster Wearet, whom Orlando slew after his seeming murder of Matthias. Reuniting with Auma and the other young ones, along with a host of other allies, Orlando defeated Malkariss' horde. As it had turned out, Malkaris was just an old, deformed polecat.
With the battle won, Orlando and Matthias took it upon themselves to destroy the statue of Malkariss. However, an earthquake seemingly buried them, only for a geyser to send them flying through the air. Encountering Slagar, Orlando and Matthias charged at him, only to see Slagar fall into a underground well and die.
Along with Matthias, his newfound friends and the freed slaves of Malkariss, Orlando came to live at Redwall Abbey. He became a good friend to Constance, and the two were seldom apart. During the time he spent at Redwall, his axe hung in the Great Hall. Some years later, Orlando left to go to Salamandastron. This was mentioned by Rollo the Recorder in Pearls of Lutra.
