Kim · Chapter
Chapter II: The Prophecy of the Red Bull explained
Kim and the lama travel southward, stopping at a village where the lama's wisdom and horoscope-casting impress the locals.
What happens
Kim and the lama travel southward, stopping at a village where the lama's wisdom and horoscope-casting impress the locals. The family priest interprets Kim's prophecy of a Red Bull on a green field, foretelling the arrival of two men and war. They proceed to Umballa by train, aided by a charitable woman, and the lama preaches about the Buddha and the River of healing.
Themes in this chapter
Spirituality and the Search for Enlightenment
The lama's quest for the River of healing and his preaching of the Buddha's Law contrast with the worldly concerns of the villagers and travelers.
The Great Game and Espionage
Kim's overheard news of war and the prophecy of armed men subtly connect to the political tensions of the Great Game.
Cultural Diversity and Syncretism
The chapter showcases interactions among a Buddhist lama, a Hindu priest, Sikh soldiers, and a Muslim moneylender, highlighting India's religious and cultural mosaic.
Characters to notice
- Kim
Kim revels in his perceived favor with the stars, interprets the prophecy of the Red Bull, and cleverly secures a train ticket from a charitable woman.
- Teshoo Lama
The lama insists on departing despite hospitality, shares his past as a horoscope master, and preaches about the Buddha and the River of healing to the train passengers.
- The Old Soldier
A soldier of the Ludhiana Sikhs is present in the train compartment, commenting on the lama's preaching and recalling a similar prophet in his regiment.
- The Family Priest
A Sarsut Brahmin who engages the lama in theological discussion, draws Kim's horoscope in the dust, and interprets the prophecy of the Red Bull and coming war.
- The English Memsahib
An Amritzar girl (referred to as a 'Breaker of Hearts') who gives money for Kim's train ticket, described by the cultivator's wife as a 'nun'.
Key passages
“Hm! Thus say the stars. Within three days come the two men to make all things ready. After them follows the Bull; but the sign over against him is the sign of War and armed men.”
The priest interprets Kim's horoscope, predicting that two men will arrive in three days to prepare for the coming of the Red Bull, which is accompanied by a sign of war.
This prophecy sets the stage for Kim's future involvement with the British regiment and the Great Game.
“Great is the speed of the te-rain , said the banker, with a patronizing grin. We have gone farther since Lahore than thou couldst walk in two days: at even, we shall enter Umballa.”
The banker boasts about the train's speed, noting that they have traveled further from Lahore than the lama could walk in two days, and will reach Umballa by evening.
Highlights the contrast between traditional pilgrimage and modern transportation in colonial India.