Alderwise

Created by: CJ Coop

Backstory written by:  DR Rawson

When the Hoots and the Frogs settled in Paddington, many trees existed. The oldest and wisest is Alderwise.

When he was asked by Owlbert’s father exactly how old he was, he said, “I’ve always been here.”

It was Alderwise who gave the Hoots and the Frogs permission to settle his land. Over the years, he had watched many of his tree friends die. As they did, one by one, they fell in the forest. One day, Hoot was talking about housing for his friends, the Frogs, and the many who would follow.

It was actually Alderwise who came up with the brilliant idea of using his old friends in a new way so that they might live on. He thought it a wonderful tribute to his friends' steadfast lives.

As so, with Alderwise’s blessing, his old friends were gathered up and used to build homes, the library, the Village meeting hall, and so much more. Everywhere you go in Paddington, a memory of the forest from long ago stands, reused and repurposed so that Paddington could be born and thrive as a community and a safe haven for Owls, Frogs, and animals from all over the land.

To this day, when Alderwise and his new friend, Owllen (Owlbert’s younger brother) speak, people listen. They represent generations of knowledge.

Commentary: Wisdom from the past can help the present and ensure the future.



Updated: August 3, 2024