Elephants of the Gun-Teams
By Rudyard Kipling
We lent to Alexander the strength of Hercules,
The wisdom of our foreheads, the cunning of our knees.
We bowed our necks to service; they ne'er were loosed again, —
Make way there, way for the ten-foot teams of the Forty-Pounder train!
Poem Analysis:
Rudyard Kipling’s Elephants of the Gun-Teams is a tribute to the strength, endurance, and unwavering service of the animals—specifically, elephants—that were used in military transport during the British colonial period. The poem explores the significant role of these animals in the workings of the Empire, highlighting both the weight of their physical labor and their symbolic importance to the colonial machinery. Through this, Kipling evokes themes of duty, loyalty, and sacrifice, using vivid imagery and a rhythmic style to create a sense of reverence for these mighty beasts.
Themes of Strength and Sacrifice
The poem begins with a grand invocation, suggesting that the elephants have been endowed with the strength of Hercules, the wisdom of the foreheads, and the cunning of their knees. These descriptions not only elevate the elephants to a mythical status but also symbolize their indispensable role in the colonial apparatus. Kipling uses mythological references to communicate the extraordinary qualities of the elephants, emphasizing their power, intelligence, and agility.
However, this grandeur is tempered by the acknowledgment that, once they have lent these qualities to the service of the Empire, the elephants “bow their necks to service” and never “loose” them again. This phrase conveys the notion of unwavering submission and sacrifice. The elephants' immense strength, cunning, and wisdom are no longer their own; they are absorbed into the machinery of imperial conquest, where their lives are entirely dedicated to labor.
Kipling’s use of the word “service” conveys not only physical labor but also the sense of duty, and, implicitly, of subjugation. There is a certain pathos in this image, as the elephants are portrayed not as masters of their own fate but as instruments in the larger game of imperialism.
Imagery and Symbolism
Kipling’s vivid and engaging imagery further deepens the sense of reverence and power surrounding the elephants. The elephants are not merely beasts of burden; they are “the ten-foot teams of the Forty-Pounder train,” a reference to the size of the artillery they would carry or pull. The image of ten-foot-long teams suggests the scale and weight of the task, as well as the vastness of the Empire these animals are meant to serve.
The phrase “make way there” introduces an almost ceremonial air to the elephant's procession. It implies that the elephants are not simply performing mundane labor but are part of something grander and more significant. The image of these massive animals marching with their heavy loads becomes a metaphor for the colonial enterprise itself—an unstoppable, weighty force that demands space and respect.
In this way, Kipling uses the elephants not only to symbolize the imperial machine but also to evoke the awe and reverence the Empire required from its subjects—whether human or animal. The elephants are depicted as dignified and noble, despite the burden they bear. This mirrors the way colonial subjects were often expected to endure hardship for the greater glory of the Empire.
The Role of the Elephant in Imperial Conquest
The choice of the elephant as the central symbol in this poem is particularly significant. Elephants have long been associated with strength, power, and wisdom in many cultures, particularly in Asia and Africa, regions that were heavily impacted by British imperialism. By elevating the elephant to the status of a heroic figure, Kipling casts the animal as a key player in the machinery of empire—responsible for transporting artillery, supplies, and personnel during military campaigns.
The poem can be read as a commentary on the expendability of both the animals and the people involved in the empire-building process. While the elephants are praised for their strength and endurance, they are ultimately part of a system that consumes them. Their lives are defined by their service to a greater cause, and in this sense, Kipling’s poem underscores the utilitarian nature of imperialism, where both animals and humans are often reduced to mere tools for a larger, impersonal mission.
There is also an implicit contrast between the physical prowess of the elephants and the less glorified nature of those who served alongside them—whether soldiers, colonial officials, or native laborers. While the elephants are revered for their size and strength, the humans involved are largely anonymous, reinforcing the idea that the machinery of empire runs not just on grand displays of power but on the quiet, tireless labor of those who are often overlooked.
The Rhythmic Structure and Tone
The structure of the poem, with its rhythmic flow and almost chant-like repetition, contributes to the sense of grandeur and ceremony that permeates the work. The use of simple but forceful language builds an imposing atmosphere, as though Kipling is calling upon the reader to stand in awe of these "ten-foot teams." The poem has a march-like quality, reinforcing the notion of movement and progress, while also evoking the monotony and repetition of the labor the elephants performed.
The rhythm of the poem underscores its themes of service and sacrifice. While the elephants are shown to possess extraordinary qualities, there is an inevitability in their fate—they are destined to serve and never be “loosed again.” The steady, almost militaristic pacing of the poem mirrors the inevitability of their toil, and the poem’s steady progression reflects the unrelenting forward march of imperialism itself.
Elephants of the Gun-Teams by Rudyard Kipling is a tribute to the power, strength, and enduring service of the elephants that played an essential role in British military campaigns. Through vivid imagery, rhythmic structure, and symbolic resonance, Kipling elevates the elephants to a mythic status, while also subtly critiquing the utilitarian nature of the Empire that consumed them. The poem speaks to the themes of strength, sacrifice, and duty, portraying the elephants as noble yet tragic figures caught in the web of imperial ambition. The poem’s celebration of their power is tempered by a recognition of the price they pay for their service, making it a nuanced commentary on the costs of empire for both human and animal alike.