Kipling, Rudyard
Explore the characters and worlds created by Kipling, Rudyard
Works by Kipling, Rudyard
The Narrator
Storyteller, addresses the 'Best Beloved'
"Stories should be entertaining and instructive, even if they stretch the bounds of reality."
The Elephant's Child
A curious young elephant who gains a trunk.
"Knowledge is worth any price, even physical discomfort."
Taffimai Metallumai (Taffy)
A precocious Neolithic girl who invents writing.
"Necessity is the mother of invention, and children can be just as clever as adults."
Suleiman-bin-Daoud (Solomon)
A wise and powerful king who understands animals.
"Power should be used for the good of all, and humility is a greater virtue than pride."
Balkis
Suleiman-bin-Daoud's wise and beautiful head queen.
"Love and wisdom are the greatest strengths, and women are often more perceptive and resourceful than men."
The Cat
A wild animal who makes a bargain to live with humans.
"Self-preservation is the highest law, and all relationships are transactional."
Puck
The oldest Old Thing in England, a magical being connected to the land.
"Oak, Ash, and Thorn represent the enduring spirit of England; when they are gone, so too will be the magic and wonder of the land."
Dan
One of the children who encounters Puck and learns about England's history.
"The world is a place of adventure and discovery, and knowledge is power."
Una
The other child who encounters Puck and learns about England's history.
"The world is full of magic and wonder, and kindness and compassion are essential virtues."
Parnesius
A British-born Roman Centurion stationed on Hadrian's Wall.
"Duty to the Empire and loyalty to one's friends are paramount, but true understanding comes from embracing the land and its people."
Mowgli
A human boy raised by wolves in the Indian jungle.
"Loyalty and family are paramount, regardless of species or origin. The strong protect the weak, and the Law of the Jungle, though harsh, provides order and safety."
Baloo
A wise and somewhat lazy brown bear who teaches Mowgli the Law of the Jungle.
"The Law of the Jungle is essential for survival and harmony. Education and understanding are the best defenses against danger."
Bagheera
A sleek black panther who acts as a mentor and protector to Mowgli.
"Survival requires both strength and cunning. The jungle is a dangerous place, and one must be prepared to fight to protect those they care about."
Shere Khan
A powerful and vengeful Bengal tiger who is Mowgli's main antagonist.
"The jungle belongs to the strong, and humans are an unnatural and unwelcome presence. Any challenge to his authority must be crushed without mercy."
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