The female cobra in Rudyard Kipling's classic short story "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" is Nagaina, the cunning and dangerous wife of Nag. She is a central antagonist in the tale, known for her fierce protective instincts over her eggs and her venomous attacks.
Nagaina's Character and Role
Nagaina is portrayed as equally, if not more, formidable than her mate, Nag. She is driven by a deep desire to protect her territory and her unhatched brood, making her a relentless enemy to Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, the brave mongoose. Her intelligence and cunning are evident in her strategies to eliminate the human family and Rikki, whom she perceives as threats.
Key aspects of Nagaina's character include:
- Ferocity: Nagaina is fiercely protective and demonstrates extreme aggression towards anything that threatens her or her eggs.
- Cunning: She attempts various deceptive tactics, such as trying to ambush Rikki and the family members.
- Maternal Instincts: Her primary motivation throughout the latter part of the story is the safeguarding of her cobra eggs.
- Partnership with Nag: She and Nag work in tandem to dominate the garden and eliminate their perceived enemies.
The Conflict with Rikki-Tikki-Tavi
Nagaina's conflict with Rikki-Tikki-Tavi forms a significant part of the story's climax. After Rikki defeats Nag, Nagaina becomes even more determined to avenge her mate and secure her lineage. Her final confrontation with Rikki-Tikki-Tavi is a desperate struggle for survival, culminating in a dramatic underground battle.
For a clearer understanding of the main characters, consider the following:
| Character | Role in the Story | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Nagaina | Female Cobra, Primary Antagonist | Vicious, Cunning, Protective of her eggs |
| Nag | Male Cobra, Nagaina's Mate | Large, Treacherous, Initial threat |
| Rikki-Tikki-Tavi | Brave Mongoose, Protagonist | Agile, Fearless, Protector of the family |
| Darzee | Tailorbird, Rikki's Ally | Talkative, Provides warnings |
| Teddy | Young Human Boy | Friend of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi |
This fierce female cobra represents the untamed dangers of the wild that the small mongoose must overcome to ensure the safety of his human family. The story of "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" is a classic example of good versus evil, with Nagaina embodying the formidable antagonist. You can learn more about the story's enduring legacy on Wikipedia.
