The Story of Ung by Rudyard Kipling
In a distant past, a skilled artist named Ung creates images from snow and bone, depicting his tribe and the animals they encounter. His work is initially celebrated by his people, who admire the likenesses of themselves and the creatures they hunt. However, skepticism arises among the tribe, questioning how Ung can accurately portray these beings without having experienced them firsthand. Frustrated by their doubts, Ung seeks counsel from his father, an experienced picture-maker. His father explains that if everyone could create images as Ung does, the tribe would lose their reliance on the gifts they provide to him, such as food and materials. The father emphasizes the value of Ung's talent, suggesting that the tribe's ignorance is a blessing, as it allows Ung to thrive as an artist. Despite the criticism, Ung continues to create, finding joy in his craft and the appreciation of his tribe, even if they do not fully understand his vision. He ultimately embraces his role as a creator, celebrating the blindness of his people to the deeper truths behind his art. The narrative explores themes of creativity, perception, and the relationship between the artist and society, highlighting the tension between artistic expression and communal expectations.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1898 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Fable · 871 words
First lines
Once, on a glittering ice-field, ages and ages ago, Ung, a maker of pictures, fashioned an image of snow. Fashioned the form of a tribesman -- gaily he whistled and sung, Working the snow with his fingers. _Read ye the Story of Ung! _
Pleased was his tribe with that image -- came in their hundreds to scan -- Handled it, smelt it, and grunted: "Verily, this is a man! Thus do we carry our lances -- thus is a war-belt slung. Lo! it is even as we are. Glory and honour to Ung!"
What this Textopian page supports
The Story of Ung is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1898 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: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Fable, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
- Length: 871 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Story of Ung 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 Story of Ung?
- How does this short story by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Finest Story In The World by Rudyard Kipling
- Go Little Book The Ancient Phrase by Robert Louis Stevenson
- In The Neolithic Age by Rudyard Kipling
- Mr Philosopher by Robert Graves
- The Kite The Pigeons And The Hawk by Ambrose Bierce
- Ginger And Pickles by Beatrix Potter
Genres
- Fantasy — The story features imaginative elements such as a prehistoric setting and anthropomorphic animals, characteristic of fantasy literature.
- Adventure — The narrative involves exploration and the challenges faced by Ung as a creator, reflecting themes of adventure.
- Fable — The story conveys moral lessons about perception and creativity, typical of fables.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is reflective and rich in imagery, aligning with literary fiction.
Tags
Rudyard Kipling · The Story of Ung · fiction · short story · tribal culture · art · imagination · creativity · nature · animals · ice age · storytelling