Content Warning: This section references colonialism and ethnic stereotypes.

Rikki-tikki-tavi is brave almost to the point of fearlessness. In his confrontations with snakes, battle-lust—exemplified by his red eyes and chittering call—takes hold of him to the near exclusion of all other emotions. Indeed, one of the first things the story says of mongooses generally is that “It is the hardest thing in the world to frighten a mongoose, because he is eaten up from nose to tail with curiosity” (2). When Teddy’s family rescues Rikki-tikki-tavi curiosity drives the mongoose to explore his new surroundings thoroughly, even at the cost of his physical safety; on his first day in the house, he almost “drown[s] himself in the bath-tubs” by accident (3). Even before learning of the threat the snakes represent, Rikki-tikki-tavi is constantly in motion, and the story associates this activity and decisiveness with his bravery.  

Other courageous characters demonstrate a similar propensity to act. Teddy’s father twice attempts to kill snakes, once with a stick and later with a shot-gun. Another ally that comes to Rikki-tikki-tavi’s aid is Darzee’s wife, who feigns a broken wing to distract Nagaina and later “flap[s] her wings about Nagaina’s head” (16), allowing Rikki-tikki-tavi to catch up to Nagaina as the snake flees with her egg.