Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Garden Departure & Initial Trials
The snails leave their garden and immediately face harsh weather conditions. They struggle to find shelter as rain and wind disrupt their journey.
Key Events
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Garden Departure — The snails leave their garden to begin their journey.
Location: Garden
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Sudden Downpour — Heavy rain starts falling on the path.
Location: Garden Path
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Leaf Canopy — They find a large leaf for cover from the rain.
Location: Under Large Leaf
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Leaf Tossed Away — Strong wind blows the leaf away, exposing them.
Location: Open Field
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Burrowing Deep — They dig into the soil to escape the elements.
Location: Dirt Patch
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Water Obstacle — A large puddle blocks their path forward.
Location: Puddle
Obstacles & Predator Encounter
Physical barriers like puddles and stones test their endurance. A sudden bird threat forces them into a life-or-death stillness.
Key Events
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Water Obstacle — A large puddle blocks their path forward.
Location: Puddle
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Rock Crossing — They climb over a stone to cross the water.
Location: Stone
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Predator Approach — A bird lands nearby, causing immediate panic.
Location: Grass
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Stillness Strategy — They freeze and blend into the surroundings.
Location: Grass
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Threat Passes — The bird flies away, leaving them safe.
Location: Grass
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Inclined Climb — A steep hill requires significant physical effort.
Location: Hillside
Climbing & New Alliance
The journey intensifies as they tackle a steep hill. They meet another snail and decide to travel together, shifting the dynamic.
Key Events
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Inclined Climb — A steep hill requires significant physical effort.
Location: Hillside
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Midway Pause — They stop to rest and recover their strength.
Location: Hillside
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Meeting Another — They encounter another snail traveling the same route.
Location: Path
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Traveling Together — They decide to continue the journey as companions.
Location: Path
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Woodland Entry — They enter a dense forest area with new terrain.
Location: Forest
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Root Obstacle — Exposed tree roots complicate their movement.
Location: Forest Floor
Cemetery Arrival & Resolution
They navigate the forest floor and finally reach the cemetery. Observing the funeral brings closure to their long trek.
Key Events
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Root Obstacle — Exposed tree roots complicate their movement.
Location: Forest Floor
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Destination Approach — They finally reach the cemetery grounds.
Location: Cemetery Entrance
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Observing Ceremony — They watch the funeral proceedings from a distance.
Location: Grave Site
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Moment of Peace — They reflect on the long journey they have completed.
Location: Grass
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Settling Down — They find a quiet spot to rest permanently.
Location: Grave Side
A forest full of animated animals encourage a pair of snails, who are fully clad in black because they are in mourning for a dead leaf, to celebrate the new spring and reclaim the colors of life. Based on the children's poem by Jacques Prévert entitled "Chanson des escargots qui font à l'enterrement" ("Song of the snails who are on their way to a funeral").
