How The Camel Got His Hump is a fable written by Rudyard Kipling. The story centers around a lazy camel that refuses to work. The tale is set in an early time when animals had begun working for humans. While the horse, the dog, and the ox worked diligently every day, the camel, who lived in the Howling Desert, refused to help. The camel only ate sticks, prickles, and thorns and did not care about working. Whenever anyone asked him to work, he simply responded with “Humph!”

One day, the horse asked the camel to join in the work, but the camel refused. Then, the dog and the ox also approached the camel, but he continued to refuse, replying with his signature “Humph!” The horse, dog, and ox went to the man to complain about the camel’s laziness. The man, frustrated, redistributed the camel’s work among the other animals. The animals were angered and decided to hold a meeting, or panchayat, at the edge of the Desert.

At this point, the Djinn of All Deserts appeared in a cloud of dust. After hearing the complaints of the animals, the Djinn decided to punish the camel for his laziness. The Djinn found the camel admiring his reflection in a pond and ordered him to work. The camel replied, “Humph!” and, as a result, the Djinn caused a large hump to grow on the camel’s back. Astonished by his new appearance, the camel questioned the Djinn, who explained that the hump was a consequence of his refusal to work.

The Djinn further explained that, because the camel had not worked for three days, he would now have to work for three days without food or water. The camel, now burdened with his hump, began working like the other animals.

Conclusion of How The Camel Got His Hump

The story teaches an important lesson: laziness and neglecting one’s duties lead to consequences. The camel’s hump is a reminder that one must not waste time idly, and it is essential to work and fulfill responsibilities. Those who fail to do so will face the consequences of their actions in the end.