The Law of the Jungle (Poem by Rudyard Kipling)

The Law of the Jungle

By Rudyard Kipling

Now this is the Law of the Jungle — as old and as true as the sky; And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the Wolf that shall break it must die.

As the creeper that girdles the tree-trunk the Law runneth forward and back — 

For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.

Wash daily from nose-tip to tail-tip; drink deeply, but never too deep;

And remember the night is for hunting, and forget not the day is for sleep.

The Jackal may follow the Tiger, but, Cub, when thy whiskers are grown,

Remember the Wolf is a hunter — go forth and get food of thine own.

Keep peace with the Lords of the Jungle — the Tiger, the Panther, the Bear;

And trouble not Hathi the Silent, and mock not the Boar in his lair.

When Pack meets with Pack in the Jungle, and neither will go from the trail,

Lie down till the leaders have spoken — it may be fair words shall prevail.

When ye fight with a Wolf of the Pack, ye must fight him alone and afar,

Lest others take part in the quarrel, and the Pack be diminished by war.

The Lair of the Wolf is his refuge, and where he has made him his home,

Not even the Head Wolf may enter, not even the Council may come.

The Lair of the Wolf is his refuge, but where he has digged it too plain,

The Council shall send him a message, and so he shall change it again.

If ye kill before midnight, be silent, and wake not the woods with your bay,

Lest ye frighten the deer from the crops, and the brothers go empty away.

Ye may kill for yourselves, and your mates, and your cubs as they need, and ye can;

But kill not for pleasure of killing, and seven times never kill Man!

If ye plunder his Kill from a weaker, devour not all in thy pride;

Pack-Right is the right of the meanest; so leave him the head and the hide.

The Kill of the Pack is the meat of the Pack. Ye must eat where it lies;

And no one may carry away of that meat to his lair, or he dies.

The Kill of the Wolf is the meat of the Wolf. He may do what he will,

But, till he has given permission, the Pack may not eat of that Kill.

Cub-Right is the right of the Yearling. From all of his Pack he may claim

Full-gorge when the killer has eaten; and none may refuse him the same.

Lair-Right is the right of the Mother. From all of her year she may claim

One haunch of each kill for her litter; and none may deny her the same.

Cave-Right is the right of the Father — to hunt by himself for his own:

He is freed of all calls to the Pack; he is judged by the Council alone.

Because of his age and his cunning, because of his gripe and his paw,

In all that the Law leaveth open, the word of the Head Wolf is Law.

Now these are the Laws of the Jungle, and many and mighty are they; But the head and the hoof of the Law and the haunch and the hump is — Obey!

Poem Analysis:

Rudyard Kipling's poem "The Law of the Jungle" outlines the principles and codes that govern the lives of the animals in the jungle. Through allegorical storytelling, Kipling imparts moral lessons and insights into human behavior, leadership, and societal norms.

Nature's Immutable Laws: The poem opens with the assertion that the Law of the Jungle is as old and unyielding as the sky itself. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to these laws for the survival and prosperity of the pack. The Wolf that adheres to the law may prosper, while the one who breaks it faces certain death. This establishes the foundation of the jungle's social order and the consequences of deviating from it.

Unity and Strength: Central to the Law of the Jungle is the principle of unity and collective strength. The strength of the Pack lies in the strength of the individual Wolf, and vice versa. This underscores the importance of cooperation, solidarity, and mutual support among members of the community for their survival and success.

Responsibility and Self-Sufficiency: The poem imparts lessons on personal responsibility and self-sufficiency. Wolves are encouraged to maintain personal hygiene, hunt for their own food, and respect the territory and resources of others. The emphasis on self-reliance and respect for others' boundaries reflects key principles of social conduct and ethical behavior.

Hierarchy and Governance: The poem delineates a hierarchical structure within the jungle community, with leaders and councils entrusted with maintaining order and resolving conflicts. The Head Wolf holds ultimate authority and is revered for his wisdom, experience, and judgment. The rules and regulations governing the behavior of individuals and the collective underscore the importance of leadership and governance in ensuring harmony and stability.

Ethical Conduct and Compassion: Throughout the poem, ethical guidelines and moral imperatives are emphasized. Animals are urged to refrain from unnecessary violence, to show compassion towards one another, and to respect the sanctity of life. Principles such as Pack-Right, Cub-Right, Lair-Right, and Cave-Right delineate the rights and responsibilities of individuals based on age, status, and familial bonds.

The Power of Obedience: The poem concludes with a powerful injunction to obey the laws of the jungle. Obedience to these laws is portrayed as essential for the well-being and survival of the community. It highlights the importance of order, discipline, and adherence to shared norms and values in maintaining social cohesion and achieving common goals.

In conclusion, "The Law of the Jungle" by Rudyard Kipling serves as a timeless allegory that explores themes of leadership, governance, social order, and ethical conduct. Through its vivid imagery and moral teachings, the poem offers profound insights into the complexities of human nature and the enduring principles that govern collective life.