Rikkitikkitavi

Rikkitikkitavi is a fictional character, a brave mongoose, who is the protagonist of Rudyard Kipling's short story "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" from The Jungle Book. The story, first published in 1894, is set in a bungalow in the Seoni region of India.

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi's name reflects the chattering sound he makes. He is adopted by the human family living in the bungalow, a young boy named Teddy and his parents, after being washed away from his burrow during a flood. Upon arriving at the bungalow, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi quickly learns about the dangers of the garden and his instinctual duty to protect his human family.

His primary adversaries are Nag and Nagaina, a venomous cobra couple who plot to kill the humans and reclaim the garden for themselves. Rikki-Tikki-Tavi engages in a series of fierce battles with Nag and Nagaina, demonstrating remarkable courage and intelligence. He is instrumental in thwarting their plans and ultimately kills both cobras, ensuring the safety of Teddy and his family.

The story is often interpreted as a fable about bravery, loyalty, and the natural order of the wild. Rikki-Tikki-Tavi's unwavering determination to protect his adopted family highlights his heroic nature and establishes him as a beloved character in children's literature. His intelligence and agility are key to his survival and success against the formidable snakes.