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How did Karana hurt her leg in Island of the Blue Dolphins?

Published in Island of the Blue Dolphins 1 min read

Karana hurt her leg when she fell while attempting to flee from a charging young bull on the island.

The Perilous Encounter with Wild Bulls

The injury to Karana's leg occurred during a dangerous encounter with wild bulls, as she sought to hunt for her survival. Her aim was to secure resources from a young bull she had been tracking.

The specific circumstances leading to her fall and injury involved a sudden turn of events:

  • Hunting Pursuit: Karana had been actively hunting a young bull, and after an initial missed attempt, she was preparing to take another shot.
  • Intervention of Another Bull: An older bull unexpectedly entered the scene, engaging the young bull in a fight.
  • Unexpected Charge: In the midst of their struggle, the young bull abruptly broke off and charged directly at Karana, creating an immediate and serious threat.
  • Sudden Fall: As Karana tried to escape the charging animal, she ran but lost her footing and fell. It was at this moment, upon hitting the ground, that she felt a sharp pain, indicating the injury to her leg.

This incident highlights the constant dangers Karana faced living alone on the island and underscores the challenges of her self-sufficiency.