The Rudyard Kipling Library

Books & Literature

About

Step into a quiet corner of the Empire of Stories, where the lamp is lit and the pages turn at their own unhurried pace. This podcast offers full-length readings of Rudyard Kipling’s tales - of jungle law and soldier’s duty, of wandering men, sharp-eyed children, and the strange roads between East and West. Each episode is spoken clear and steady, as though by a fireside companion, carrying you through adventure, mischief, and moral alike. Come listen, traveller, and let the old words march again beneath the steady drum of a human voice.

Episodes

  • The Second Jungle Book - The Miracle of Purun Bhagat Part 01

    The episode details the transformation of a high-caste Brahmin who renounces worldly success for a life of spiritual seeking in the Himalayan hills, finding peace and honor among villagers.

  • The Second Jungle Book - The Law of the Jungle

    This episode discusses the Law of the Jungle from The Second Jungle Book, focusing on Baloo's teachings about pack unity, respect, restraint, and obedience as essential for survival.

  • The Second Jungle Book - How Fear Came Part 02

    This episode details the ancient origin of fear in the jungle and the birth of the Law, as told by Hathi the elephant. It explores how the first tiger received its stripes and the secret pacts between man and tiger.

  • The Second Jungle Book - How Fear Came Part 01

    During a severe drought, all jungle creatures gather at a dwindling water source under a temporary truce. Mowgli and his companions observe the importance of unity and patience as they navigate the challenges of the parched land.

  • The Jungle Book - Her Majesty's Servants + Parade Song of the Camp Animals

    This episode from The Rudyard Kipling Library explores the characters and experiences of camp animals, including camels, mules, and elephants, as they navigate military life and participate in a grand parade.

  • The Jungle Book - Toomai of the Elephants + Shiv and the Grasshopper

    The episode follows Little Toomai's journey into the Garo hills, where his bond with the elephant Kala Nag allows him to witness the secret elephant dance. He is subsequently honored as 'Toomai of the Elephants' by hunters and the jungle i…

  • The Jungle Book - "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" + Darzee's Chant

    This episode covers "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" from The Jungle Book. It follows a mongoose who protects a family and their garden from cobras, facing danger to keep his friends safe.

  • The Jungle Book - The White Seal (part 2) + Lukannon

    The episode follows Kotick, a young white seal, on his quest to find a safe haven for his species away from hunters. Facing challenges and skepticism, Kotick's perseverance ultimately leads him to an extraordinary refuge, offering hope for…

  • The Jungle Book - The White Seal (part 1)

    The episode introduces Kotick, a white seal pup born on St. Paul Island, who grows up learning about the harsh realities of seal life and the impact of human actions.

  • The Jungle Book - "Tiger! Tiger!" (part 2) + Mowgli's Song

    This episode covers Mowgli's plan to trap a tiger using a herd of buffaloes, his victory, and his subsequent struggle to belong in the human village, leading him to hunt alone.

  • The Jungle Book - "Tiger! Tiger!" (part 1)

    This episode follows Mowgli, the man-cub, as he navigates a human village after leaving his wolf pack. He must adapt to human customs while staying true to his jungle upbringing and remaining wary of the tiger Shere Khan.

  • The Jungle Book - Kaa's Hunting (part 2) + Road-Song of the Bandar-Log

    Mowgli is taken to Cold Lairs by the Bandar-log, prompting his friends Baloo, Bagheera, and Kaa to launch a rescue. They use jungle law and friendship to defeat the monkeys and return Mowgli.

  • The Jungle Book - Kaa's Hunting (part 1)

    Mowgli, taught the Law of the Jungle, is drawn to the lawless Monkey People. His teachers, Baloo and Bagheera, enlist Kaa the Rock Python to rescue him from danger.

  • The Jungle Book - Mowgli's Brothers (part 2) + Hunting-Song of the Seeonee Pack

    This episode covers Mowgli's confrontation with the jungle assembly, facing challenges from Shere Khan and the pack's leadership under Akela, with guidance from Bagheera and Baloo.

  • The Jungle Book - Mowgli's Brothers (part 1)

    This episode covers the beginning of Mowgli's story, focusing on his discovery by a wolf pack and the ensuing conflict with Shere Khan. It details his upbringing under the Law of the Jungle with Baloo and Bagheera.

  • Rewards and Fairies Tale 11 - The Tree of Justice

    This episode follows children on an adventure in Dallington Forest, guided by Puck and Sir Richard Dalyngridge, where they learn about Norman and Saxon history and meet characters like Harold of England and Rahere.

  • Rewards and Fairies Tale 10 - Simple Simon

    This episode recounts the tale of Simon Cheyneys, a shipwright and friend to Sir Francis Drake, interwoven with a story of a wood-gang hauling a large oak log in Sussex.

  • Rewards and Fairies Tale 9 - A Doctor of Medicine

    In this episode, two children encounter a physician-astrologer who explains how he combatted plague using both astronomical insights and bravery. The story highlights the connection between ancient wisdom and the human spirit in overcoming…

  • Rewards and Fairies Tale 8 - The Conversion of St Wilfrid

    This episode recounts the story of Archbishop Wilfrid's trials and encounters among the South Saxons. A midnight service features devout priests, barnyard creatures, and tales of faith, friendship, and conversion.

  • Rewards and Fairies Tale 7 - A Priest in Spite of Himself

    Rewards and Fairies Tale 7 features a musician recounting adventures with various figures during the American Revolution and Napoleonic era, touching on themes of commerce and loyalty.

  • Rewards and Fairies Tale 6 - Brother Square Toes

    This episode features Pharaoh, a smuggler's son, narrating his adventures across different locales, including encounters with native chiefs and the backdrop of the revolution. The story highlights themes of music, friendship, and cultural…

  • Rewards and Fairies Tale 5 - The Knife and the Naked Chalk

    This episode describes two children learning ancient lore from a shepherd on the Sussex Downs, focusing on the struggle between humans and beasts, and the tale of a flint-worker's costly challenge against darkness.

  • Rewards and Fairies Tale 4 - Marklake Witches

    This episode recounts the adventures of Una, who encounters Philadelphia, the squire's daughter, and learns about her experiences with a Witchmaster and a French prisoner. The story blends village folklore with refined social interactions.

  • Rewards and Fairies Tale 3 - The Wrong Thing

    This episode follows young Dan as he learns a trade, encountering rivalries among craftsmen. It also recounts how King Henry VII identified deceit among his shipwrights and appointed Bob Brygandyne to oversee the fleet.

  • Rewards and Fairies Tale 2 - Gloriana

    In 'Rewards and Fairies Tale 2 - Gloriana,' two young rulers protect a hidden kingdom where a masked lady presents a masque about queenship and empire. The children navigate youthful daring against the backdrop of sovereign responsibilitie…

  • Rewards and Fairies Tale 1 - Cold Iron

    In "Cold Iron," the first tale from Rewards and Fairies, Dan and Una encounter Puck while tracking an otter. Puck reveals the influence of "Cold Iron" on mortals and folk, weaving tales of legend and fate in ancient England.

  • Rewards and Fairies Introduction

    An introduction to Rudyard Kipling's Rewards and Fairies, where siblings Dan and Una gain the ability to communicate with historical figures from England's past.

  • Just So Stories Tale 11 - The Cat That Walked By Himself

    In Rudyard Kipling's 'The Cat That Walked By Himself,' early humans form bonds with animals through kindness. The independent cat strikes a unique bargain to share their home.

  • Just So Stories Tale 12 - The Butterfly That Stamped

    This episode features the story 'The Butterfly That Stamped,' where Queen Balkis and Sovereign Suleiman-bin-Daoud observe a butterfly couple's quarrel, leading to a lesson on humility and harmony for quarrelsome queens.

  • Just So Stories Tale 9 - How The Alphabet Was Made

    This episode details how Taffimai and Tegumai invented the alphabet by creating visible sounds using pictures etched on birch-bark by the riverbank.

  • Just So Stories Tale 10 - The Crab That Played With The Sea

    This episode covers Rudyard Kipling's 'The Crab That Played With The Sea,' where the Eldest Magician organizes creatures and Pau Amma the Crab causes mischief. Through observation and magic, Pau Amma learns his role in shaping the tides.

  • Just So Stories Tale 8 - How The First Letter Was Written

    In 'How The First Letter Was Written,' a girl named Taffy uses birch-bark drawings to communicate, marking a significant moment in the invention of writing.

  • Just So Stories Tale 7 - The Beginning Of The Armadillos

    A Hedgehog and a Tortoise use their ingenuity to outsmart a Painted Jaguar by the Amazon River. Their transformations lead to the creation of the armadillo in this tale from Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories.

  • Just So Stories Tale 6 - The Sing-Song Of Old Man Kangaroo

    This episode of The Rudyard Kipling Library tells the story of a proud kangaroo who seeks to be unique and is pursued by an adversary. His relentless running and hopping change his form and fortunes, leaving a lasting mark on the landscape.

  • Just So Stories Tale 5 - The Elephant's Child

    In this episode, "The Elephant's Child," a curious young elephant travels to the Limpopo River to learn what crocodiles eat. His adventure leads to a unique physical change, impacting all elephants.

  • Just So Stories Tale 3 - How The Rhinoceros Got His Skin

    This episode of The Rudyard Kipling Library retells the tale of how a rhinoceros got its skin after an encounter with a Parsee man on a remote island. The creature's ill-mannered behavior and a heatwave lead to a ticklish predicament that…

  • Just So Stories Tale 4 - How The Leopard Got His Spots

    In this episode, 'How The Leopard Got His Spots,' listeners will learn how the leopard and Ethiopian discovered the survival advantage of blending with their surroundings. The story highlights nature's use of color and pattern as a disguis…

  • Just So Stories Tale 2 - How The Camel Got His Hump

    This episode of The Rudyard Kipling Library tells 'How The Camel Got His Hump.' It describes an obstinate camel in the desert who, unwilling to work, is given a hump by a Djinn, illustrating consequences of idleness.

  • Just So Stories Tale 1 - How The Whale Got His Throat

    This episode of The Rudyard Kipling Library retells 'How The Whale Got His Throat.' A hungry whale's unusual encounter with a clever fish and a mariner results in a permanent change to his throat, explaining his current eating habits.

  • Kim Chapter 15 Part 2

    A lama shares his spiritual experiences upon returning to his charge. Meanwhile, discussions of secret maps and escapes occur, and the boy reflects on his identity amidst the natural surroundings.

  • Kim Chapter 14

    In Chapter 14, Kim and the lama seek refuge in a mountain village. The lama experiences spiritual conflict, and Kim navigates new responsibilities amidst the villagers' attention.

  • Kim Chapter 15 Part 1

    In Kim Chapter 15 Part 1, a devoted chela carries his sick lama through difficult terrain. They receive aid from observant local women, and their interactions offer a gentle reflection on physical frailties and the enduring spirit.

  • Kim Chapter 13 Part 2

    Travellers encounter a lama discussing the Wheel of Life. An act of violence among the hill folk leads to whispered plans and shifting loyalties, with Kim involved in the ensuing power dynamics.

  • Kim Chapter 13 Part 1

    Chapter 13 Part 1 of The Rudyard Kipling Library follows the lama and Kim's journey through the Himalayas. They travel through mountain villages and snow, encountering travellers.

  • Kim Chapter 12 Part 2

    Kim encounters the Hurree Babu, who brings news of political intrigues and enlists Kim's aid in the Great Game. The lama and Kim prepare to journey into cooler climes.

  • Kim Chapter 12 Part 1

    In this episode, Kim helps a disguised Holy One escape capture at Delhi station, setting off a chain of events. The lama and Kim then travel through villages, reconnecting with traditional customs and the Wheel of Life.

  • Kim Chapter 11 Part 1

    In Chapter 11 Part 1 of The Rudyard Kipling Library, Kim journeys through Benares, showing compassion to a distressed family. This marks his growth as he and the lama prepare for a mystical Search together.

  • Kim Chapter 11 Part 2

    In this episode of The Rudyard Kipling Library, Kim travels by train with a lama and a Jat man, encountering a Mahratta who shares a story of being pursued. Kim works to protect this stranger amidst the complexities of local society and th…

  • Kim Chapter 9 Part 2

    This episode covers Kim learning disguise and character discernment in Mr Lurgan's shop, while the lama travels India, awaiting Kim's readiness for a great adventure.

  • Kim Chapter 10

    Chapter 10 follows Kim as he undertakes various adventures and trials, adopts disguises, and learns protective rites. He receives symbolic gifts and prepares for the Great Game under guidance, entering a world of secrets.