Darzee's Chaunt by Rudyard Kipling

Name: Darzee's Chaunt
Author: Rudyard Kipling

The narrative centers around a young mongoose who is adopted by a British family in India. The mongoose, named Rikki-tikki-tavi, is known for his bravery and quick reflexes. He quickly becomes a protector of the family, particularly the young boy, Teddy. Rikki-tikki's primary adversaries are two cobras, Nag and Nagaina, who threaten the safety of the household. The cobras are cunning and determined to eliminate Rikki-tikki, viewing him as a significant threat to their dominance in the garden. Rikki-tikki's encounters with the snakes are fraught with tension, showcasing his agility and intelligence as he devises strategies to confront them. The story unfolds with Rikki-tikki successfully thwarting Nag's initial attack, leading to a fierce battle. He demonstrates his prowess by outsmarting and ultimately killing Nag, which brings temporary peace to the garden. However, Nagaina seeks revenge for her mate's death, leading to a climactic confrontation where Rikki-tikki must protect the family from her wrath. Throughout the tale, themes of bravery, loyalty, and the struggle between good and evil are prevalent. Rikki-tikki embodies the qualities of a hero, showcasing courage in the face of danger and a commitment to safeguarding his adopted family. The narrative concludes with Rikki-tikki emerging victorious, solidifying his role as a guardian and earning the gratitude of the family and the other creatures in the garden. The song sung by Darzee, a tailor-bird, celebrates Rikki-tikki's heroism, emphasizing the impact of his actions on the lives of those around him.

By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1894 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Fantasy · 260 words

First lines

(Sung in honour of Rikki-tikki-tavi)

Singer and tailor am I -- Doubled the joys that I know -- Proud of my lilt to the sky, Proud of the house that I sew -- Over and under, so weave I my music -- so weave I the house that I sew.

Sing to your fledglings again, Mother, O lift up your head! Evil that plagued us is slain, Death in the garden lies dead. Terror that hid in the roses is impotent -- flung on the dung-hill and dead!

Who hath delivered us, who? Tell me his nest and his name. Rikki, the valiant, the true, Tikki, with eyeballs of flame, Rik-tikki-tikki, the ivory-fanged, the hunter with eyeballs of flame.

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Darzee's Chaunt is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1894 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Rudyard Kipling
Date: 1894 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure, Fable
Length: 260 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is structured as a lyrical poem, featuring rhythm and rhyme, focusing on themes of praise and celebration.
Children's Literature — The content is suitable for children, featuring animal characters and moral lessons, typical of Kipling's works.
Fantasy — The poem includes anthropomorphized animals and fantastical elements, characteristic of fantasy literature.
Adventure — The themes of bravery and heroism in the context of Rikki-tikki-tavi's actions suggest an adventurous spirit.