The Legend of Evil
The narrative unfolds in a world where monkeys lament the loss of their carefree existence in the forest, which was disrupted by the encroachment of farmers. The monkeys recount how their ancestors, once playful and free, ventured into the cornfields to engage with humans, only to be captured and forced into labor. This transformation from freedom to servitude is marked by the loss of their tails, symbolizing their dignity and autonomy. The monkeys now observe their fathers, who toil in the fields, burdened and subdued, unable to communicate with their offspring for fear of further oppression. The story shifts to a biblical context, where Noah prepares to board the Ark with various animals. Among them is a stubborn donkey, who initially resists joining the others. Despite Noah's attempts to persuade and ultimately curse the donkey, it eventually boards the Ark. As the journey begins, chaos ensues within the Ark, leading to the death of several animals due to the unstable conditions. Noah, noticing the commotion, discovers the devil among the animals, causing havoc. The devil claims he was invited by the donkey, leading to a confrontation between him and Noah, who challenges the devil's presence. The tale intertwines themes of freedom, oppression, and the consequences of human actions on nature. It reflects on the loss of innocence and the struggle against forces that seek to dominate and control. The monkeys' sorrowful song serves as a poignant reminder of the past, while the encounter on the Ark illustrates the complexities of coexistence and the unforeseen consequences of decisions made in times of crisis. The narrative ultimately critiques the loss of autonomy and the cyclical nature of oppression, leaving readers to ponder the implications of their choices and the impact on future generations.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1900 · Genre: Fable, Satire, Poetry · 643 words
First lines
I. This is the sorrowful story Told when the twilight fails And the monkeys walk together Holding their neighbours' tails: --
"Our fathers lived in the forest, Foolish people were they, They went down to the cornland To teach the farmers to play.
What this Textopian page supports
The Legend of Evil is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1900 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: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fable, Satire, Poetry, Fantasy, Allegory
- Length: 643 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Legend of Evil by Rudyard Kipling
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Legend of Evil?
- How does this short story by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fable first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Fable — The narrative uses animals to convey moral lessons, typical of fables.
- Satire — The text critiques human behavior and societal norms through humor and irony.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and rhyme.
- Fantasy — The story features anthropomorphized animals and fantastical elements.
Tags
Kipling · poetry · fable · animals · monkeys · farmers · labor · sorrow · twilight · myth · Noah · ark