The 5 Teachings Of “The Jungle Book ” To Children

The new version of The Jungle Book made by Disney has dazzled children and adults. A well-known story that has accompanied very different generations and that never seems to fail. It doesn’t matter that their songs or their characters change shape, the message always works, it always arrives.

Now  why do we like this story so much? Why excite and inspire people of all ages? The answer lies in the grandeur and durability of its message.

A fantasy story that does not stop keeping a certain parallel with reality. We can recall cases that recall Mowgli, such as the wild child of l’Aveyron or the exciting story of Marcos Rodríguez Pantoja, the boy who grew up surrounded by wolves in Sierra Morena, Córdoba. Stories that have been taken to the movies.

Going back to the movie The Jungle Book , if any of us were to see it, there would be an incentive that would make us enjoy it much more: see it accompanied by children, enjoying the adventures of the characters and, therefore, His teachings. Let’s look at some of those teachings.

1. We are one more part of our planet

The film explains how the human being is one more species among the many that occupy the Earth. It reminds us of the need to respect the environment and the rest of the living beings that inhabit it. Each species fulfills its function in the cycle of life, each species is capable for some things and is incapacitated for others.

When we are children we understand it, but as we grow up we realize that neither the environment nor the animals are respected, rather they are frequently exploited and mistreated. With the Jungle Book we become aware of this, trying in turn not to take for granted that looting, that continued damage to our environment.

Humans can take advantage of their rational side, a key difference from other species. Unfortunately, this ability values ​​personal motives over benefits to our species and others. We forget that we do not own the nature that surrounds us. That we are only your guests.

2. Family is more than blood

Little Mowgli came to the jungle protected by the Bagheera panther and was adopted by the she-wolf Raksha, who raises him as a member of the pack. The animals of the jungle know that he is human and that in theory this was a task that did not correspond to them. Yet they do.

Mowgli feels that this is his mother, the one who has licked his wounds, the one who cared for him, the one who has advised him how to do things and has guided him along safe paths so that they do not harm him.

Without being a mother of blood or race, Raksha perfectly exemplifies what a happy upbringing has to be : love, tenderness and education. The rest of the variables are secondary.

3. Nature is out there, enjoy it and be happy

If there is something that we must appreciate, it is the beauty and the resources that Nature gives us. A luxury of life, health and joy that gives us calm and tranquility.

When we are children we enjoy it in its fullness, without looking at clocks and excited because the brightest days of the year will come to enjoy them even more.

The message of the film regarding nature is the same that we continually receive from it: “You have to look for it, you have to follow it and put your problems aside.” Enjoy its light and its calm, because this life is only lived once and if you do it surrounded by nature you will have a fuller and happier life.

4. The Jungle Book teaches that resentment destroys lives

Shere Khan’s character is that of a tiger who, after a bad experience with humans, comes to the conclusion that people are his enemies. For this reason, he does not hesitate to warn the rest of the animals that they must hate Mowgly because the “human cub” will grow up and stop being a child and that in doing so he will be as ruthless as the rest of the humans.

Shere Khan is unable to understand that although some humans have hurt him, it does not mean that the rest will act the same. However, the rancor is such that it is established as the main objective to kill the human cub, regardless of who it weighs. Children have to understand that resentment is too heavy a burden.

5. Be faithful and honest in your friendship until the end

Another valuable lesson children learn from this story is the value of friendship. There is nothing in this life like having friends and, if you enjoy their company in an environment as authentic as the jungle or nature, those bonds will be much stronger.

Mowgli will meet different species in the film, but will be the bear Baloo and the panther Bagheera his faithful friends.

For each other they ensure their safety, to be able to stock up and are united to prevent Shere Khan from ending the life of Baloo. All of them will challenge their own abilities, put their lives in danger again and again and most importantly: they will never betray themselves.

Mogwli knows that his knowledge as a human can be used to both improve and destroy an entire ecosystem and he is unwilling to destroy the environment in which he and all his friends live. Doing right or wrong is just a decision.

Few stories have been so inspiring for so many generations. The values ​​derived from them will continue to be valid over time.