Weekly Poll Article for May 9th, 2010. Looks like that dynamite rabbit stole the lead by a landslide!

Well I have to say that I am thrilled with this week’s winner! I have always loved Monty Python and the Holy Grail and this was my favorite part. Every so often I have to watch the film again and talk along with the lines for a good laugh. Somehow this movie just never gets old to me. Commonly referred to as “the Monty Python Rabbit” this bunny is actually the “Rabbit of Caerbannog.” Caer bannog is Welsh for turreted castle, which simply adds to the humor of the setting actually being a cave. While this rabbit is seemingly innocent, and a representation for all things harmless, it is actually a deadly creature that guards the entrance to the cave wherein the Legendary Black Beast of Aaaaarrrrrrgggghhhhh resides.

King Arthur and his loyal knights find themselves on a quest of epic proportions as they seek out the Holy Grail. Whilst on this quest they are led to the Cave of Caerbannog by Tim the Enchanter. A strange and reclusive wizard/conjurer, Tim is a grouchy kind of guy with a love of fire-based magic. He is quite commanding and speaks with a Scottish accent. As the band of crusaders approaches the cave, it is Tim who tries in vain to warn them of the doom within. As a result of ignoring his warnings, they lose three men: Bors, Gawain and Ector. Through the use of a specialized weapon known as the Holy Hand Grenade the remaining men are able to slay the demon and continue forth upon their quest.

Fun Fact: The rabbit was portrayed both by a prop and by a live bunny, and the owner of the live bunny was not pleased by the amount of fake blood that was applied.

This lovable killer rabbit has widely influenced pop culture and has permeated further than many might realize. In Mortal Kombat 3 Kitana has an animality move in which she becomes a fuzzy white bunny that finishes off her opponent. Megadeth’s song “Chosen Ones” was heavily influenced by the bunny as well, as is evidenced by the song’s opening line; “You doubt your strength or courage, don’t come to join with me. For deth surely waits you, with sharp and pointy teeth.” In the realm of television, the rabbit has had an influence on Xena: Warrior Princess in the episode titled “In Sickness and In Hell.” In the episode Gabrielle must fight for her life against a vicious fanged bunny. This adorable little beast has managed to find its way into almost every facet of entertainment in some small way, and it comes as no surprise to me!

If you’re anything like me, you might want to relive the perilous moments…

If you have not yet seen this movie, stop what you are doing right now, go here and buy it … watch it … and be thankful I suggested it!