Story Summary
Discover How the Elephant Got Its Trunk in this classic Rudyard Kipling tale. Follow the Elephant's Child on a journey of curiosity to the great Limpopo River.
In the High and Far-Off Times, the Elephant had no trunk; he had only a blackish, bulgy nose as big as a boot. But there was one Elephant’s Child who was possessed of 'insatiable curiosity.' He asked his tall aunt, the Ostrich, why her tail-feathers grew just so, and his tall uncle, the Giraffe, what made his skin spotty. One day, he asked a new question: 'What does the Crocodile have for dinner?' After being spanked by all his relatives for his rudeness, he set off for the banks of the great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River, all set about with fever-trees, to find out for himself. There, he met a Crocodile who told him to lean close to hear the answer. As the Elephant's Child put his head down, the Crocodile caught him by his little nose. The Elephant's Child pulled, and the Crocodile pulled, and the Bi-Coloured Python-Rock-Snake helped the elephant pull. They pulled and pulled until the nose stretched into a long trunk. Though it hurt at first, the Elephant’s Child soon discovered that his new trunk was wonderful for swatting flies, picking grass, and dousing himself with cool mud. He returned home to show his relatives that curiosity, while painful, had given him the most useful tool in the jungle.
The Moral
Curiosity and persistence may lead to initial hardship, but they often result in valuable growth and new abilities.
“He was full of 'satiable curiosity, and that means he asked ever so many questions.”
Fun Fact
Kipling’s daughter, Josephine, insisted that the stories be told 'just so' or exactly the same every time, which is how the collection got its famous title.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of How the Elephant Got Its Trunk?
The story suggests that while curiosity can lead to dangerous situations, it is also the primary driver for discovery and personal evolution. It encourages readers to ask questions and seek knowledge despite the risks.
Who wrote How the Elephant Got Its Trunk?
The story was written by Rudyard Kipling as part of his 'Just So Stories' collection, published in 1902. It was originally told as a bedtime story for his daughter.
What was the elephant's nose like before it was stretched?
According to the story, elephants originally had a short, bulgy, blackish nose about the size of a boot. They could wriggle it from side to side but could not pick anything up with it.
Why did the Elephant's Child go to the Limpopo River?
Driven by 'insatiable curiosity,' he wanted to find out exactly what the Crocodile ate for dinner. His relatives wouldn't tell him, so he went to the river to ask the Crocodile directly.
How did the Elephant's Child use his new trunk?
He discovered it was incredibly useful for swatting flies that bit him, plucking large bundles of grass to eat, and scooping up cool mud to slap on his head to stay cool.
What role does the Python play in the story?
The Bi-Coloured Python-Rock-Snake acts as a mentor and helper. He assists the Elephant's Child in the tug-of-war against the Crocodile and explains the advantages of having a long trunk.