Nicodemus

Nicodemus
Background information
Feature films	The Secret of NIMH The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue (flashback)
Voice	Derek Jacobi
Character information
Personality	Wise, kind, good-hearted, caring, protective, understanding, sympathetic, reverent, noble, philosophical, nice, positive, gentle, humble, soft-spoken, soft-hearted, peaceful, silent, genteel, kind of worrisome, inspirational, instructive, level-headed, friendly, commanding, majestic, regal, powerful, strong, no-nonsense, independent, calm, optimistic, diligent, educated, modest, unselfish, sweet
Appearance	Slender rat, elderly, gray fur, long white beard, yellow eyebrows, black robe
Occupation	Leader of the Rats
Alignment	Good
Goal	To assist Mrs. Brisby
Home	The Rose Bush
Allies	Mrs. Brisby, Justin, Mr. Ages, The Great Owl, The Rats Jeremy, The Brisby Children, Auntie Shrew, Brutus, Sullivan, Jonathan Brisby
Enemies	Jenner, Sullivan (formerly), Dragon, NIMH, The Farmer
Likes	Mrs. Brisby, getting his way
Dislikes	Stealing, Jenner threatening to kill him and his lies about his demise, danger
Powers and abilities	His magical powers
Weapons	His staff
Fate	He is killed and crushed by Jenner
Quote	"Jonathan Brisby was killed today while helping with the plan. It is four years since our departure from NIMH, and our world is changing. We cannot stay here much longer. Jonathan was a dear friend. I am lost in knowing how to help his widow. She knows nothing about us or the plan. Perhaps best that I do nothing at present. I shall miss him. Jonathan - wherever you are - your thoughts must comfort her tonight. She will be waiting and you will not return. Farewell... my friend."

Nicodemus was an old prophet in The Secret of NIMH. He was the wise, mystical leader of the rats until Jenner killed him. Derek Jacobi did his voice who would later go on to play The Master from Doctor Who.

Personality

Nicodemus was always very kind and wise who was the leader of the rats of NIMH. Like the other rats, he was captured by a man and was injected with some sort of experiment, which gives him and the other rats human intelligence. After escaping NIMH, he became the prophet and leader of the rats. Even though he is the prophet, he was also somewhat a wizard judging by his items; the book, the amulet, and his crystal-ball-like machine. And he was also known as nice, independent, caring, organized, diligent, educated, modest, understanding, soft-spoken, noble, industrious, conscientious, observant, dependable, empathetic, unselfish and sweet.

Role in Film

The Secret of NIMH

He was the very first character to be seen in the film. He was writing down and narrating the events that happened that day (Jonathan Brisby's death) and reveals that it has been four (4) years since he and the other rats escaped from NIMH. He knew that they could not stay (in the rosebush) any longer. He kept an amulet belonging to Jonathon in a small chest, later to be given to Mrs. Brisby.

He watches over Mrs. Brisby with his crystal-ball-like machine. He speaks to Jonathan about her safety. He watches her as she goes to see the Great Owl and when she came into the rats' home. He knew that Jenner could cause harm to her and the rats because of his thirst for power and he said, "When Jenner finds the amulet, then heaven help us".

He soon sees Mrs. Brisby in person. He first had her read the book about Jonathon. When Mrs. Brisby asks why her husband never told her about him and the rats, he tells her all about NIMH and Jonathon's heroism. He then gave her the amulet saying that Jonathon made it for her and tells her of its powers. He also tells her that Jonathan never told her about NIMH because the injections slowed their age process, which means that when Mrs. Brisby grows old, Jonathon would still be young.

While they were riding on the boats, he told Mrs. Brisby about the plan to move to Thorn Valley and start their own colony. When Mrs. Brisby volunteered to drug the farmer's cat, Dragon, he accepts the offer despite Justin's protest. He was next seen standing on a rock, watching the moving of the Brisby home. Unfortunately, he was unaware of Jenner's plan to kill him until it was too late. Jenner cut the ropes, causing the construction to break apart and crush him (Nicodemus) to death. He had sacrificed himself to save Brisby.

The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue

He is seen in the flashbacks in the beginning of the film.

Trivia

• His character animation was supervised by John Pomeroy.
• Nicodemus is the first animal character to ever wear shoes; the other animals go barefoot. After he would follow Red (when disguised), T.R Chula, Cat R. Waul, Patou, Pinky, Goldie and Ms. Fieldmouse
• Nicodemus is similar to Mufasa from The Lion King: They both are wise rulers and were killed and claimed it to be an accident by the respected villains (Jener: Nicodemus, Scar: Mufasa).