In the Underland, gnawers are typically considered the hunters. This was reverses when Fangor and Shed were slain on the river side and then dumped into it, turning the white water red with their blood. Another reference to the war. The hopeless being those in Regalia who fear the war or Gregor and his family thinking their father will never return can only be helped if the war is ended by Gregor retreiving his dad. This is the reason it is the prophecy of Gray, because it does not say whether or not Gregor will be successful in his breast to bring back the 'hope of the hopeless.'