Story Summary
Explore the origins of tides in The Crab That Played with the Sea, a classic Kipling tale where the Eldest Magician humbles a giant, mischievous crab.
In the Time of Very Beginnings, the Eldest Magician began to tell all the animals to play their proper play. The Elephant played with his trunk, and the Beaver played with his dam. But Pau Amma the Crab was lazy and proud. He escaped into the deep sea while the Magician was busy, thinking he could play his own play. Every day and every night, Pau Amma would leave his deep cavern to search for food, and his massive movements caused the waters of the world to rise and fall, creating the first tides that flooded the homes of the first Man. The Man complained to the Eldest Magician, who traveled to the center of the ocean to find the runaway. When the Magician found Pau Amma, he saw the crab's pride had made him too big for his own good. To teach him a lesson, the Magician stripped Pau Amma of his hard shell, making him soft and vulnerable. Only after Pau Amma promised to stop troubling the world did the Magician give him a new shell and the power to live in both the sea and on land, though he would forever remain smaller than he once was.
The Moral
True greatness comes from fulfilling one's purpose within the natural order rather than seeking power through disruption.
“Payah kun! (That is quite right!)”
Fun Fact
Rudyard Kipling drew inspiration for this story from the folklore of the Malay Archipelago, which is why several characters and terms have Malay origins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Crab That Played with the Sea?
The story teaches that everyone has a role in the natural world and that prideful disobedience leads to consequences. It highlights the importance of humility and balance within the ecosystem.
Who is Pau Amma in Kipling's story?
Pau Amma is a giant crab who lived in the 'Time of Very Beginnings.' He is portrayed as a selfish creature whose massive size caused the ocean's tides whenever he moved in and out of his home.
How does the story explain the origin of tides?
The story suggests that tides were originally caused by the giant crab Pau Amma moving in and out of his hollow to find food. This movement displaced the ocean's water twice a day, creating the ebb and flow.
What power does the Eldest Magician have?
The Eldest Magician is a creator figure who directs the behavior of all animals. He has the power to change an animal's physical form, as seen when he shrinks the crab and removes his shell.
Why did the crab lose his hard shell?
The Eldest Magician took the crab's shell to humble him and make him realize his vulnerability. This explains why crabs must periodically shed their shells and grow new ones as they age.
What is the role of the Man's daughter in the tale?
The little girl is the one who helps the Eldest Magician find the crab. She represents the cleverness of humanity and shows that even the smallest being can help restore order to the world.