Jupiter's Crossing

**Wilfred Longtreader**: Jupiter's Crossing is the end of the world.

—*The Green Ember*

**J****upiter's Crossing**, once known more simply as **the Crossing**, is an area of open ground between two stretches of woodland near Cloud Mountain.

For many years it was a dangerous place for rabbits, who would be attacked by the Lords of Prey while making their way from one stretch of woodland to another. However, the brave actions of King Jupiter and his armies eventually made the Crossing safe to use. Unfortunately, this success would lead to the Crossing being chosen for the site of Morbin Blackhawk's revenge on Jupiter.

## History

Lured to the Crossing by Garten Longtreader with no guards or allies to protect him, King Jupiter was captured by the Lords of Prey. Also present were Wolves under Redeye Garlackson and corrupt Rabbits in Garten's employ. Morbin intended to hold Jupiter prisoner for some sinister purpose, but was goaded into anger by Jupiter's brave defiance and put him to death.

Luthe Glazier's depiction of the event, however, notes that the Crown of Flames worn by King Jupiter was bereft of the Green Ember, indicating that Jupiter had already given it to his chosen heir. This tragic event resulted in the location being renamed Jupiter's Crossing and taking on a sacred character in the eyes of the rabbits. Unfortunately, the Longtreader family's reputation was ruined by Garten's actions, and his brothers came to be seen as his co-conspirators.

Two loyal rabbits, Wilfred Longtreader and Lord Captain Helmer, were both captured and forced to watch the betrayal from separate points near the crossing. Wilfred, who had been in the king's company, was lured into an ambush and restrained so as to prevent his interference. Helmer, whose King's Arm band had attempted to intervene, was chained to a tree by his right arm. Having watched his bucks be killed, he was given the choice to cut off his arm and rush to his own death in Jupiter's defense, but chose to live so that he might one day bring justice to his enemies.

### *The Green Ember*

Many years later, Kyle tricks Smalls into traveling to this area, where he nearly suffers the same fate as his father. However, the swift actions of Picket Longtreader prevent Jupiter's Crossing from becoming the scene of a second tragedy. Indeed, his actions there come to inspire the cause of the Heralds of the Mended Wood anew.

### *Ember Falls*

The events at Jupiter's Crossing are mentioned in various conversations, with Terralain rabbits notably referring to it only as "the Crossing". In a prelude to the Battle of Rockback Valley, the Rabbits briefly engage a large force of Wolves at the crossing before retreating.

### *Ember Rising*

Another battle takes place between two much smaller groups: a force under Picket Longtreader and Helmer against a force of Terralain rabbits led by Tameth Seer. The battle ends in victory for Picket's forces, though the Terralains are allowed to depart in peace.

### *Ember's End*

Picket is told of the fate of the King's Arm at Jupiter's Crossing during the Siege of First Warren.

## Trivia

* The name Jupiter is of Latin origin, and means "sky father"; it was the name for the Roman king of the gods, associated with the Greek Zeus. The Roman Jupiter was also known as Jove, hence the surname "Joveson" as applied to the named sons and daughter of King Jupiter.

## References

1. ↑ http://www.ourbabynamer.com/meaning-of-Jupiter.html

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