Rikki-Tikki-Tavi

by Rudyard Kipling

Kipling wrote some of the best animal stories for children, including his Jungle Books and Just So stories. His language is rich, inventive, and sonorous. He is regarded as a major innovator in the art of the short story; his children's books are classics of children's literature. "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" is a short story in The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling about the adventures of a valiant young mongoose. Includes vintage illustration!

Genres: Classics, Fiction, Childrens, Short Stories, Animals, Picture Books, Fantasy

42 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1894

About the author

Joseph Rudyard Kipling was a journalist, short-story writer, poet, and novelist.

Kipling's works of fiction include The Jungle Book (1894), Kim (1901), and many short stories, including The Man Who Would Be King (1888). His poems include Mandalay (1890), Gunga Din (1890), The Gods of the Copybook Headings (1919), The White Man's Burden (1899), and If— (1910). He is regarded as a major innovator in the art of the short story; his children's books are classics of children's literature; and one critic described his work as exhibiting "a versatile and luminous narrative gift".

Kipling was one of the most popular writers in the United Kingdom, in both prose and verse, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Henry James said: "Kipling strikes me personally as the most complete man of genius (as distinct from fine intelligence) that I have ever known." In 1907, at the age of 41, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, making him the first English-language writer to receive the prize, and its youngest recipient to date. He was also sounded out for the British Poet Laureateship and on several occasions for a knighthood, both of which he declined.

Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1907 "in consideration of the power of observation, originality of imagination, virility of ideas and remarkable talent for narration which characterize the creations of this world-famous author."

Kipling kept writing until the early 1930s, but at a slower pace and with much less success than before. On the night of 12 January 1936, Kipling suffered a haemorrhage in his small intestine. He underwent surgery, but died less than a week later on 18 January 1936 at the age of 70 of a perforated duodenal ulcer. Kipling's death had in fact previously been incorrectly announced in a magazine, to which he wrote, "I've just read that I am dead. Don't forget to delete me from your list of subscribers."

Reviews

[Ellen Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is it weird that I want an alternate retelling from the snakes POV?

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mongoose

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi is one of the stories in Kipling's classic, The Jungle Book, now in the public domain and free, via Project Gutenberg. It's also available in several audiobook renditions.

The plot may be too scary or sad for some children, but yet I am heartened to see kids reading a few stories that are not sugar-coated.

This story is so vivid. The mongoose almost pops from the pages. Excellent characterization of this fierce critter. Kipling develops traits of curiosity, courage, determination, intelligence, and protectiveness.

Written over a century ago, and set in India at an English encampment, it's comprehensible, heartwarming, and suspenseful. Oh — and rather frightful at times. Gory even. Bloody.

Go, Rikki! Red-eyed warrior!

I love all creatures, but I don't want to hear anything at this point about the poor little king cobras. If one slithered into your bathroom to kill your little boy, you'd go nuts, too. (And plus, in the story, Kipling himself speaks up for the cobra's right to protect its turf.)

Good thing little Teddy has a ferocious guardian — a mongoose, somewhat resistant to snake venom and oh so quick! He's ideally suited to tackle Karait, Nag, and Nagaina. (Did Rowling name Valdemort's cobra, Nagini, after them??)

We all need a mongoose in our lives, an unrelenting guard-dog to watch over the bungalow while we sleep. And then, when the danger has passed, to nose curiously into everything, for "Run and Find Out" is the mongoose motto (rather destructive little pets, so they say.)

I could use a tailorbird like Darzee, too. Someone to mend my socks, and then partner up with my "watchdog" when a killer comes calling.

Learn about the mongoose's resistance to snake venom: http://blog.africaraw.com/the-key-to-...

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one on a whim and really enjoyed it. Full of suspense, this is a short story about "the great war" fought by a young and brave mongoose. It has a great message about loyalty and overcoming fears.

[Hana · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This is the story of the great war that Rikki-tikki-tavi fought single-handed, through the bathrooms of the big bungalow in Segowlee cantonment.


Darzee, the Tailorbird, helped him


and Chuchundra, the musk-rat, who never comes out into the middle of the floor, but always creeps round by the wall, gave him advice


but Rikki-tikki did the real fighting."


This classic harks back to my recent India reading challenge--the one that started me on my now infamous Around the World challenge. But mongooses are different--everyone should love these feisty critters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdg9g...

Be sure to watch this video while declaiming the poem that begins this story about brave little Rikki:

"Nag, come up and dance with death!
Eye to eye and head to head,
(Keep the measure, Nag.)
This shall end when one is dead;
(At thy pleasure, Nag.)
Turn for turn and twist for twist--
(Run and hide thee, Nag.)
Hah! The hooded Death has missed!
(Woe betide thee, Nag!)”

It's a delight--not quite up to the impossibly high bar set by Just So Stories or Kim, but a pleasure to read and Rikki is a total little hero! Three and a half stars.

Content rating PG: This is more violent and scary than the Just So Stories. Plenty of death, scary moments with snakes hiding in the bathroom. It's probably not for kids under six or so.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Kipling was an imperialist. Who cares? This is one of the greatest short stories ever written. I know, I know. Everyone raves about Mowgli. Forget him - Rikki-Tikki-Tavi all the way. Why Disney didn't make this one into a movie, I don't know. I can still remember the first time I read this.

Kipling's tale is about young mongoose who must protect his family. Think cute and cuddly, but with sharp teeth. A perfectly thrilling tale.

[Suhaib · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my rant/experience with the book. If you're looking for a summary, it's in the description.

I found this story scrolling down my Scribd app. Two things caught my attention: the title and the name Kipling. Rikki-Tikki-Tavi is the stupid nickname Anne, in George Bernard Shaw's Man and Superman, gives to her meek pursuer, Octavius. Anne doesn't want him. She wants challenge: Tanner, the superman, or, in our friend Nietzsche's words, the Übermensch!

Anyway, at first, I've found zero relevance between the short story and Shaw's play. Completely different! Then I asked myself this question, Why did Shaw choose Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, the mongoose's name in Kipling's story, as a nickname for his character?

There is no similarity between Octavius and the mongoose. Anne does not seem to hint at anything about Octavius by calling him Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, except that maybe she's familiar with the story. So why call him that?

Here's what I think. If there's a hint at all, it's from Shaw. By inserting the title of another work inside his play (an intertext), he's alluding to the fact that Anne, like any other "quality" woman on planet earth, chases after the best man around. In other words, her choice between Octavius (man) and Tanner (superman) is based on animal instinct and Natural Selection.

To be honest, I loved this story more after analyzing it in light of Shaw's play. I don't think I'd have read it if I haven't read Man and Superman last year.

Whether familiar with the play or not, the reader will definitely enjoy this short animal thriller. It's fast-paced, full of vigor and movement and fight, and can be finished in less than 30 minutes.

For me, this was a great refreshment of the MA analysis skills I took last year.

[Lesle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi (adapted from The Jungle Book) is a mongoose that protects a family in India from two King Cobras.
Rikki-Tikki came to live with the family after a flood. He would hang out in the family garden as his new hunting ground making friends with others.
It all started one day when Nag (the male King Cobra) ate a baby bird that fell out of the nest. From then on it was payback between Rikki-Tikki, the family and Nag and his wife Nagaina.
Rikki-Tikki ended up being a family treasure by saving the life of Teddy the young master of the house from the plot and planning's of Nag and Nagaina.

Morals in the story, Yes: Killing of others, name calling, and roles in life between male and female.
A well written Classic of Children's literature. A nice lead into reading the The Jungle Book and/or Just So Stories.

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter remembered the story, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, but I only recalled the name. Maybe I read it long ago, but the memory is gone. She had checked this book out of the library, and I read it the other day when I was babysitting her son. Another classic, delightfully illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Although Pinkney has done many books of his own, he has also teamed up with other authors and has illustrated classic texts such as this one by the British author, Rudyard Kipling, who wrote many stories set in India.

The mongoose, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, is a clever hunter not to mention a loving pet. Who would have thought?! The father is wise enough to know this and allows his son to keep the unusual creature, who more than returns the kindness to the family. I guess when you live in India, you need to keep a mongoose (or two!) as a pet. Based on this story, I definitely would!

Entertaining and educational.

[Tatevik · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite tale from childhood, I loved the cartoon, but never had a chance to read the actual story. The audiobook was excellent, I enjoyed the narrator's singing.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a favorite of my mom when she was young. It was fun to get to read something that she loved. Kipling showed his skill at weaving a compelling story in a short amont of time. He also does a great job with animals.

Also, B. J. Harrison is a skillful narrator.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must have read, or listened to, Rikki Tikki Tavi at some point in my life; I wonder if I had an abridged record (yes, I mean vinyl) when I was small. I wonder if I still have it. I knew the basics, but there was a lot more to it than I recalled (if I had a record when I was small, it was probably bowldlerized). I have to give Kipling credit – Rikki Tikki was cocky and self-important – but I liked him.

And the narration by Emma Lysy was a delight. I received this via Audiobookblast.com in exchange for a review. With thanks!

[Rosemary Standeven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must have read this as a child, but couldn't remember much about it - apart from it being about a mongoose. I had also forgotten how much I loved the writing of Rudyard Kipling.
This is a short, delightful tale, where various animals (with wonderfully developed characters) take centre stage, and humans are relegated to the side-lines. The hero is the young washed-up Rikki-Tikki-Tavi:
"It is the hardest thing in the world to frighten a mongoose, because he is eaten up from nose to
tail with curiosity"
Highly recommended (and free on Amazon Kindle)

[NOT FOR EVERYONE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Останнім часом читаю багато дитячих книжок або книжок з мого дитинства/підліткового віку. Хочу спіймати ностальгію.

4/5

[Ankit Saxena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious

Amazingly written this story as a part of the Epic and classic novel 'The Jungle Book', is too much enjoying and full of fun. Rikki-tikki is developed as a very funny character.
Though this is all seems to me inspired from the Mother of all the stories' collection, "PANCHTANTRA" by 'Pt. Vishnu Sharma'; in which he with very versatility cast the moral and funny stories based on animals as central characters.
Still, Rudyard Kipling had developed a very fine sense of storytelling and 'The Jungle Book' is undeniably a worldwide fame work of his.
I really enjoyed it and for me it deserves even better than 💯.
5.0/5.0

[James Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful classic tale of the little mongoose. Nicely illustrated also.

[Cole W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this cartoon as a child but had never actually read the book until now. Talk about a nostalgia overload. The story immediately pulled me in, and I was amazed at how powerful and engaging it was in such a short span. Kipling’s writing is vivid and alive, capturing so much emotion and atmosphere with just a few pages.

There is something timeless about this story. It blends charm, suspense, and heart in a way that stays with you. I’m so glad I finally gave the original a chance. It exceeded my expectations and reminded me why classic stories matter.

[D. B. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I typically have no use for Kipling, but Rikki-Tikki-Tavi is my favorite little dude. Anyone else remember the short animated movie?

[Patricia Hamill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This classic tale, featured originally in The Jungle Book, tells of the brave battle of Rikki-Tikki the mongoose against the deadly cobras, Nag and Nagaina. Rikki-Tikki is swept away from his family by a flood and finds himself a most welcome guest of a human family.

I remember reading this once in school, though I can't remember exactly when, and I was happy to come across it for free on Amazon. It's actually quite an exciting tale, though perhaps a little scary. The snakes, Nag and Nagaina, are sinister and plot the death of the entire family in the big house, hoping that Rikki-Tikki would then move on. But luckily their plot is discovered, and the mongoose defends his adoptive family with every fiber of his being.

The characters are varied and are each entertaining in their own right. I love the idiotic Tailorbird, Danzee. He weeps, sings, and celebrates in turn, without any regard to consequence, mostly because of his short attention span. The little fearful musk-rat, who runs along the walls, but never to the center of the room, is also amusing. His role as informant is important to winning the battle, but mostly because he's afraid he'll be mistaken for the mongoose.

But mostly, I love Rikki-Tikki himself. Too curious to be afraid and fiercely protective of the young family and the creatures of the yard, he is an admirable hero. Brave and funny, and believable, too. When he's not busy saving the day, he scampers around on the breakfast table, perches on the little boy's shoulder, and otherwise endears himself to both the family and the reader.

I also like the poem at the beginning and Danzee's song at the end, cut short because Danzee himself was interupted in the singing by Rikki-Tikki.

Overall, a short, but powerful story of triumph, bravery, and danger. I recommend this one to anyone who likes rooting for the underdog and those who enjoy animal characters.

[❤Marie Gentilcore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short and quick read. I enjoyed it very much. Almost makes me want a mongoose for a pet.

[Shanna Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are two schools of thought regarding illustrated adaptations of literary classics. One school holds that stories that are simplified for early listeners can be ruined in the process, because the listener's first experience doesn't contain the beauty and depth of the original. The second school holds that well-written adaptations can serve as stepping-stones to original works, making them more accessible. I am still between the two camps, but in making decisions about specific classic titles I ask two questions:

1. Is the story content appropriate for a reading level that can't yet master the language in the original? If not, it's probably better to wait until a child is linguistically and emotionally ready for the original.
2. Is the quality of the adaptation high enough that it entices, rather than discourages, readers to explore further? If it can't stand on its own merit but only piggybacks on the original's popularity, it may cause the reader to associate the original with mediocrity.

The answer to question 1 will be different for different families and readers. I would say that Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, a young Indian mongoose who is adopted by a British family and drives the venomous snakes out of their home and garden, may appeal more to boys than girls, and parents of sensitive children should certainly screen this book since it contains dramatic animal violence, multiple attempted murders by talking snakes (in one of these a child is threatened), and Rikki-Tikki's merciless execution of many cobras in their eggs. But this story is a classic for good reason: Rikki-Tikki exemplifies courage, loyalty, defending the helpless, and a relentless commitment to oppose the evil snakes regardless of the cost. Every child will want a pet mongoose after experiencing this story.

As for question 2, Pinkney's adaptation uses modern language, retaining almost none of Kipling's masterful language, but telling the story very well. What really makes this book are his lavish, exuberant watercolor paintings which draw the reader in and dramatize the story in a very vivid way.

I recommend this story for children who are able to tolerate suspense and conflict, who have no reptile phobias, and who are transitioning out of the picture-book stage but are not yet ready for Kipling's sometimes challenging language. Although this book could stand on its own as a part of a home library, I recommend that it ought to be followed very closely by a version with the original language. Once the story is understood, this method will provide a great opportunity for vocabulary expansion and an appreciation of more elevated prose.

[Scottsdale Public Library]

Absolutely, wonderful! This book is the embodiment of a timeless classic in children’s literature, a book that you can enjoy, and then enjoy again when reading it to your child. This is the story of a brave young mongoose adopting and then saving a family from the threat of the cobras living in the garden. My son and I read the book and watched the film adaptation together—the only negative is that my son is now convinced we need a mongoose just like Rikki-Tikki-Tavi!

-Alexis S.

[Deedra · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite childrens story told anew by a great narrator.Emma Lysy brings all the characters to life!"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast or MalarHouse dot com"

[Sterlingcindysu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick read, free on Amazon for Kindle. A child's book that I never read as a child, or to my children...and actually I don't know if I'd read it to my grandkids. Take that back, if they can eat cicadas, then they can handle a cobra being killed.

Ooooh, was that a spoiler alert? For a book written in 1894?

Chuck Jones brought it to video-life.

[Aušra Strazdaitė-Ziberkienė · Rating 4 out of 5]

Klausiau audible platformoje įskaitytą B.J. Harrison. Mėgau pagal šią istoriją sukurtą animacinį filmą (atsimenat “o puikusis baltadanti!”), tad su malonumu išklausiau originalą.

[forthefamilyssake Hailey White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introducing my 4 year old to this story was magical. We slowly cherished the story over several readings, stopping at the cliff hangers, and discussing it together throughout the days. A classic story that no child should miss!

[Jeannie Leighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Classic Tale

Prior to reading this tale, the only version i knew of was a song by Donovan. If I'd read it as a child, I don't remember. That being said, this is a delightful read.

[Mary Haas · Rating 3 out of 5]

my first large book to read as a child. Short stories by Rudyard Kipling. Riki Tiki Tavi was hiddened among them. It was the beginning of my imagination revealing the characters in the story. The book was illustrated by Kipling but, trying to dream about the characters was the best part.
I began reading the book in the summer, the year I turned 10. I thought myself very grown up to read a book that was so large and heavy. I carried everywhere I went that summer.

[Nikki "The Crazie Betty" V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet and fun story! I honestly must admit that I had never read this story before but I came across it on Amazon and wanted to check it out to see if it would be something my nephews/nieces enjoyed. Such a great story of bravery and loyalty that I think all kids could enjoy. I'll definitely be sharing it not only with my own nephews and nieces, but with those friends who have kids of their own.

[Eirian Houpe · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Classic tale of a mongoose pitted against the cobras and welcomed among his human family for it. Set culturally and language wise in the late 1800s, and the ruling classes during the occupation of the British Empire, it may be a little 'dated' but it's a perfect short story of the animal underdog winning the day.

[Malola · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, joyful book!

Mister Kipling was a genius.
Qué libro tan alegre. Rikki-Tikki-Tavi muestra a esas marcadas dicotomías del bien y del mal donde el bien triunfa. Rikki-Tikki es un protector, un guardián leal, un guerrero del bien.
Excelente cuento. Le saca una sonrisa a cualquiera.