The King's Ankus by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative follows Mowgli, a boy raised in the jungle, and Kaa, a large python, as they explore the depths of the jungle and uncover a hidden treasure guarded by a white cobra. Mowgli, who has grown into a master of the jungle, engages in playful banter with Kaa, who has recently shed his skin. Their camaraderie is evident as they discuss the nature of desires and the jungle's offerings. Kaa reveals that he encountered a white cobra in Cold Lairs, who claims to be the Warden of the King's Treasure, a vast hoard of riches hidden underground. Intrigued, Mowgli insists on visiting this treasure, despite Kaa's warnings about the dangers of the cobra. They navigate through the ruins of an ancient city, eventually meeting the white cobra, who boasts of his long-standing guardianship over the treasure. The cobra, however, is delusional, believing that the city still thrives above ground, despite Mowgli's insistence that it has long been abandoned. The cobra shows Mowgli the treasure, which includes gold, jewels, and an ornate elephant goad, or ankus. Mowgli is fascinated by the ankus and desires to take it with him, but the cobra warns him of its deadly nature, claiming it brings death to those who possess it. Mowgli, undeterred, tricks the cobra and pins it down with the ankus, revealing that the cobra's fangs have lost their venom. He decides to spare the cobra's life, believing that the treasure should have a new guardian. Mowgli takes the ankus, but soon learns of its dark legacy as he encounters the consequences of its power. As Mowgli and Kaa leave the treasure, Mowgli's curiosity leads him to test the ankus's effects on humans. He follows the trail of a man who has taken the ankus, leading to a series of deaths caused by the poison of the ankus. Mowgli realizes that the ankus is a tool of destruction, leading to chaos among men. In a moral reflection, Mowgli decides to return the ankus to the cobra, acknowledging the danger it poses. He understands that the true nature of the jungle is not one of greed and death, but of balance and respect for life. The story concludes with Mowgli's commitment to protect the jungle from the destructive influence of man and the treasures that corrupt.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1935 · Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Children's Literature · 9,340 words
First lines
These are the Four that are never content, that have never been filled since the Dews began -- Jacala's mouth, and the glut of the Kite, and the hands of the Ape, and the Eyes of Man. Jungle Saying.
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The King's Ankus is listed on Textopian as a novel 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: Novel
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1935 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Children's Literature, Fable, Mythology
- Length: 9,340 words
- Structure: 1 section, 162 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for The King's Ankus by Rudyard Kipling
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The King's Ankus?
- How does this novel by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Adventure — The plot revolves around Mowgli's exploration of the jungle and his encounters with various creatures, including the White Cobra and Kaa.
- Fantasy — The story features anthropomorphic animals and magical elements, typical of Kipling's works set in the jungle.
- Children's Literature — The narrative is suitable for children, with themes of friendship, adventure, and moral lessons.
- Fable — The story conveys moral lessons through the interactions between animals and humans, characteristic of fables.
Tags
adventure · fantasy · mythology · India · animals · fable · moral · courage · friendship · betrayal · magic · treasure