Ewan I

**King Ewan I** is a supporting character in *War.* He was introduced as a featured character in the 2018 Christmas special "Silent Night" and returned in the 2020 Christmas special "Hollow Crown."

In terms of the series narrative, Ewan I is the King of Canis in the years leading up to the War, the father of Bentley Connelly. His health rapidly deteriorated in the final year before the War, causing Bentley to become Prince Regent. He died only a month into the War. Ewan was the penultimate monarch to wear the Harmony Crown.

## Appearances

### "Silent Night"

King Ewan I made his first appearance in "Silent Night" in a flashback episode to the year 706. Prior to the episode, Ewan was the wearer of the Harmony Crown for ten years. Upon the completion of his Harmonious Reign, the crown passed to Queen Vixen VII of Vulpus in 701. Ewan's health began to fail and within six years, he was unable to travel. The following summer, he passed the majority of his powers to his eldest son and heir, Bentley Connelly, who became his Regent. He was cognizant occasionally, and vehemently opposed the marriage of Bentley to Victoria Vixen, a fox and heiress to Vulpus. He conspired with the Vixen Queen to keep the duo apart, but the assassination of Victoria Vixen, in which he played no part, would ultimately lead Canis into war with Vulpus in 708.

### "Hollow Crown"

Ewan returned in "Hollow Crown" at the Harmonious Coronation of Queen Vixen VII of Vulpus on January 1, 701. As the wearer of the Harmony Crown for the past decade, he was approached in 700 by Poultrus III, Cottontail IX, and Horatio V to help investigate potential illegal militarization of Vulpus. Ewan categorically refused to entertain the notion, believing fervently in the Harmony Crown's ability to maintain strict peace. Ewan privately crowned Vixen VII on the Isle of Harmony, with King Swan XIX of Mallardia serving as witness. He then attended the public coronation in Vista, Vulpus.

### *War*

Ewan returned in "Winter of Discontent." At the beginning of the War in 708, Ewan remained indisposed, his health worsening by the day. His son and heir, Bentley Connelly, served as his Regent. On February 10, 708, Ewan castigated Bentley for leading the nation into War and for involving himself with Victoria Vixen. Bentley stormed away, and Ewan died in his sleep in the early hours of the morning on February 11. Bentley succeeded him as King Bentley II.

## Character

### Namesake

Ewan is named after a fictional King from Crusader Kings II who the author played the day before "Silent Night" was published. Originally, Ewan was named Bowan, but producers could not figure out where that name came from during initial planning and changed it.

### Personality

Ewan is portrayed in "Hollow Crown" as being apathetic and blasé toward the threat of Vulpine armament. His naïve assumption that the Harmony Crown will last forever is based on the attitudes of many diplomats and dignitaries in the leadup to World War I, who blindly cherished the notion that war between the Great Powers was impossible.

## Trivia

* Ewan is the only character in the 2018 and 2020 Christmas Specials to be upgraded from "guest" to "featured" status, in "Silent Night" and "Hollow Crown" respectively.
* Ewan is the first character to die in *War.*