Sleipner," Late "Thurinda
The narrative follows a horse racing event and the intertwined fates of its participants, particularly focusing on a horse named Thurinda and her owner, Jale. Jale, an outsider in the racing community, suffers a severe injury during a race, leading to his impending death. Before he passes, he bequeaths Thurinda to a man named Hordene, who is a stranger to him but has shown kindness. As Jale clings to life, he insists that the races continue, demonstrating his commitment to the sport and the financial stakes involved. After his death, Hordene inherits Thurinda, who is initially perceived as a valuable asset. However, Hordene's luck with the horse turns sour as he experiences a series of misfortunes, including a disastrous race where Thurinda is poorly ridden by a native jockey. Hordene's frustrations mount as he grapples with the horse's peculiarities and the superstitions surrounding her. He learns that Thurinda was previously owned by Jale, who had a mysterious connection to her. Hordene's attempts to rid himself of the horse lead him to sell her to a subaltern named Guj, who later experiences strange occurrences linked to Thurinda, including the haunting presence of a grey horse. The story culminates in a revelation about Thurinda's true nature, as Guj discovers that she is not an ordinary horse but one that brings misfortune. After a series of bizarre events, including the death of another rider, Guj decides to shoot Thurinda, believing her to be cursed. The narrative explores themes of fate, superstition, and the unpredictable nature of life and death within the context of horse racing. Ultimately, the tale reflects on the bonds formed between humans and animals, the consequences of choices made in the face of mortality, and the lingering impact of those who have passed. The story concludes with a sense of unresolved mystery, as the characters confront the implications of their actions and the spectral presence of the past.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1935 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Sports Fiction · 5,307 words
First lines
There are men, both good and wise, who hold that in a future state Dumb creatures we have cherished here below Will give us joyous welcome as we pass the Golden Gate. Is it folly if I hope it may be so? -- _The Place Where the Old Horse Died._
If there were any explanation available here, I should be the first person to offer it. Unfortunately, there is not, and I am compelled to confine myself to the facts of the case as vouched for by Hordene and confirmed by "Guj," who is the last man in the world to throw away a valuable horse for nothing.[16]
What this Textopian page supports
Sleipner," Late "Thurinda is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1935 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Sports Fiction, Tragedy, Magical Realism
- Length: 5,307 words
- Structure: 1 section, 28 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Sleipner," Late "Thurinda by Rudyard Kipling
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Sleipner," Late "Thurinda?
- How does this short story by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Winged Hats by Rudyard Kipling
- Dray Wara Yow Dee by Rudyard Kipling
- Dartside by Charles Kingsley
- Ancient Riding by Frank R. Stockton
- The Horse Of Arabia by Frank R. Stockton
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of life, death, and the human-animal bond, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Drama — The story contains intense emotional conflicts and character-driven plot developments, typical of dramatic literature.
- Sports Fiction — The plot revolves around horse racing, focusing on the dynamics and culture of the sport.
- Tragedy — The story features tragic elements, including death and loss, particularly surrounding the character Jale and the fate of the horse.
Tags
mythology · adventure · fantasy · narrative · folklore · legend · courage · heroism · journey · nature · animals · friendship