| "I read in a book once that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but I've never been able to believe it. I don't believe a rose would be as nice if it was called a thistle or a skunk-cabbage." This article is about Gilbert and Anne Blythe's son. You may be looking for his grandfather, Walter Shirley, or his nephew, Walter Blythe Jr. |
- "Walter, one time I heard father say that the trouble with you was a sensitive nature and a vivid imagination. You feel things before they really come—feel them all alone when there isn't anything to help you bear them—to take away from them. It isn't anything to be ashamed of."
- —Rilla to Walter[src]
Walter Cuthbert Blythe was the second son of Anne and Gilbert Blythe, the younger brother of Joyce (†) and Jem, and the older brother of Nan, Di, Shirley, and Rilla Blythe.
Biography
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Early life
Walter was born in spring 1893 in Ingleside, Glen St. Mary to Anne and Gilbert Blythe. He was raised there along with his older brother Jem and their close friend Kenneth Ford. Later, his other siblings were born.
Walter was always known as the quiet one in the Blythe family. "A hop out of kin", he had dark hair and dark eyes. He was a poet and shared his mother's colourful imagination.
School life
At school, Walter was known as "sissy". However, he was held somewhat in awe due to his capability of being able to 'talk book talk'. Walter's school experiences are not dwelt on much in Anne of Ingleside or Rainbow Valley. The story of Walter's fight against Dan Reese for Faith Meredith, though, is told in great detail.
World War I
At first Walter didn't want to enlist for the idea of fighting frightened him. Being the poet, he didn't think he could face things that would destroy his beautiful worldview. He was teased and was once sent a white feather, a symbol of cowardliness. However, after his brother Jem enlisted, Walter realized that he couldn't stay any longer. He fought bravely and was one of the bravest men there, despite being teased about cowardliness as a child. His littlest sister, Rilla, received a letter from his commander declaring that Walter was the bravest man in the regiment. Unfortunately, he never made it home. He was killed "off somewhere in France." Dog Monday howled the night he was killed. He left behind not only a grieving family, but a grieving Una Meredith, who secretly loved him.
Personality
- "he had all his mother's vivid imagination and passionate love of beauty. Frost of winter, invitation of spring, dream of summer and glamour of autumn, all meant much to Walter."
- —Rainbow Valley[src]
Physical appearance
- "Walter was a 'hop out of kin', as far as looks went. He did not resemble any known relative. He was quite the handsomest of the Ingleside children, with straight black hair and finely modelled features."
- —Rainbow Valley[src]
Etymology
Walter's grandfather Walter Shirley.
Walter is a male given name of Old German origin and means commander of the army.
- Walter was named after his grandfather, Walter Shirley, and guardians of his mother, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert.
- Walter's brother Jem Blythe named one of his sons after him.
Behind the scenes
Trivia
- Walter was the first of the Blythe children who was born in Ingleside. (Joyce and Jem were born in the House of Dreams.)
- Walter had dark grey eyes, black hair, and fine features and was considered the handsomest of the Blythe children, though he did not resemble any known relative. ("Hop out of kin.")
- He had written the poem "The Piper." Montgomery described it as "the most famous poem of the war."
Gallery
| Anne of Green Gables Wiki has 4 images of Walter Blythe (view category). |
Appearances
Book appearances
Short story appearances
- The Road to Yesterday (mentioned only)
- The Blythes Are Quoted
