By the Hoof of the Wild Goat
The narrative unfolds in a remote, rugged landscape where a wild goat, embodying the primal forces of nature, interacts with a stone that has fallen from a cliff into a dark tarn. The stone symbolizes a being that is cursed and aware of its fate, lamenting its descent from the light into darkness. The goat's actions are depicted as both instinctual and predestined, suggesting a deeper connection between nature and fate. As the story progresses, themes of existence, judgment, and the interplay between light and darkness emerge. The stone's plea to a higher power reflects a search for meaning and understanding of its plight. The goat, representing untamed nature, acts without malice, yet its actions lead to the stone's suffering. This dynamic raises questions about the nature of sin and the moral implications of instinctual behavior. The narrative is rich with imagery and symbolism, exploring the relationship between the natural world and the human condition. The stone's descent serves as a metaphor for loss, isolation, and the struggle for redemption. The invocation of a divine judge emphasizes the tension between fate and free will, suggesting that while the forces of nature are indifferent, the search for understanding and justice remains a fundamental aspect of existence. Ultimately, the work delves into the complexities of life, the inevitability of fate, and the quest for meaning in a world governed by natural laws. The stark contrast between the goat's carefree existence and the stone's tragic fall encapsulates the duality of life, where beauty and suffering coexist. The narrative invites reflection on the nature of existence and the unseen forces that shape our destinies.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1935 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Philosophical Literature · 194 words
First lines
By the Hoof of the Wild Goat uptossed From the cliff where she lay in the Sun Fell the Stone To the Tarn where the daylight is lost, So she fell from the light of the Sun And alone!
Now the fall was ordained from the first With the Goat and the Cliff and the Tarn, But the Stone Knows only her life is accursed As she sinks from the light of the Sun And alone!
Oh Thou Who has builded the World, Oh Thou Who has lighted the Sun, Oh Thou Who has darkened the Tarn, Judge Thou The sin of the Stone that was hurled By the goat from the light of the Sun, As she sinks in the mire of the Tarn, Even now -- even now -- even now!
What this Textopian page supports
By the Hoof of the Wild Goat is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1935 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1935 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Philosophical Literature, Symbolism, Mythology
- Length: 194 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Nature Writing — The themes revolve around natural elements, specifically the goat and the cliff, reflecting on the relationship between nature and existence.
- Philosophical Literature — The text explores existential themes, questioning fate and the nature of sin, indicative of philosophical inquiry.
- Symbolism — The stone, goat, and tarn serve as symbols representing deeper meanings related to life, fate, and isolation.
Tags
Rudyard Kipling · poetry · nature · symbolism · mythology · existentialism · light and darkness · life and death · goat · stone · cliff · tarn