The Song of the Little Hunter
The narrative follows a young hunter navigating the challenges of the jungle, where he encounters various manifestations of fear. The poem explores the psychological struggle between bravery and the instinctual response to danger. As the hunter moves through the wilderness, he is constantly reminded of the lurking presence of fear, which takes on a life of its own, represented as a shadow that stalks him. The imagery vividly depicts the jungle's environment, emphasizing the sounds and sights that heighten the hunter's anxiety. The tension builds as he faces both external threats, such as wild animals and natural elements, and internal fears that paralyze him. The refrain of "He is Fear" serves as a haunting reminder of the omnipresence of fear in the hunter's journey. As the poem progresses, the hunter's physical reactions to fear are described—sweat on his brow, weakness in his limbs, and a dry throat—illustrating the debilitating effects of fear on his ability to act. The juxtaposition of the beauty of the jungle with the terror it can evoke creates a complex emotional landscape. Ultimately, the work delves into the universal experience of fear, portraying it as an inevitable part of life that can overwhelm even the bravest individuals. The hunter's struggle is not just against the physical dangers of the jungle but also against the psychological barriers that fear erects. The poem concludes with a powerful acknowledgment of fear's grip, leaving the reader with a sense of the ongoing battle between courage and trepidation.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Adventure, Fantasy · 416 words
First lines
Ere Mor the Peacock flutters, ere the Monkey People cry, Ere Chil the Kite swoops down a furlong sheer, Through the Jungle very softly flits a shadow and a sigh -- He is Fear, O Little Hunter, he is Fear!
Very softly down the glade runs a waiting, watching shade, And the whisper spreads and widens far and near; And the sweat is on thy brow, for he passes even now -- He is Fear, O Little Hunter, he is Fear!
What this Textopian page supports
The Song of the Little Hunter is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Adventure, Fantasy, Children's Literature, Nature Writing
- Length: 416 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Song of the Little Hunter 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
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Adventure — The themes of hunting and survival in a jungle setting suggest an adventurous narrative.
- Fantasy — The anthropomorphism of fear and the mythical elements in the jungle create a fantastical atmosphere.
- Children's Literature — The title and themes are accessible and engaging for a younger audience.
Tags
Rudyard Kipling · poetry · fear · nature · jungle · hunter · adventure · emotion · survival · myth · animal imagery · childhood