“Mijbil The Otter” By Gavin Maxwell Summary Class 10 English

Mijbil the Otter Summary Class 10 English

“Mijbil the Otter” is a story written by Gavin Maxwell, published in 1959. The book is a memoir of Maxwell’s time spent in Iraq during the 1950s, where he kept and trained an otter named Mijbil.

The book begins with Maxwell’s arrival in Iraq, where he is immediately struck by the beauty of the country and its wildlife. He becomes interested in the local marshes and the animals that live there, particularly the otters. He eventually comes across an otter named Mijbil, who has been trapped by local hunters. Maxwell takes the otter in and begins to train and care for him.

As the story progresses, Maxwell details his experiences with Mijbil, describing the otter’s intelligence and personality, as well as the challenges of keeping and training him. He also delves into the history and culture of the region, and the impact of modernization and development on the marshes and their inhabitants.

One of the main themes of the story is the relationship between humans and animals. Maxwell reflects on the way that humans have often treated animals with disregard and cruelty, and how this has led to the destruction of many species and habitats. He also explores the idea of the “wildness” of animals, and how this is often misunderstood and misconstrued by humans.

Another important theme is the relationship between humans and nature. Maxwell reflects on the impact of modernization and development on the natural world, and the importance of preserving and protecting the environment. He also reflects on the importance of understanding and respecting the traditional ways of life of the people who live in harmony with nature.

The story is considered a classic of nature writing, and is highly respected for its evocative descriptions of the landscape, wildlife and culture of the Iraqi marshes. It’s also a powerful reflection on the relationship between humans and nature, and the importance of preserving and protecting the environment.

In summary, the story “Mijbil the Otter” is a memoir of the author’s time spent in Iraq, where he kept and trained an otter named Mijbil. The book is a reflection on the relationship between humans and animals, and the relationship between humans and nature. It’s a detailed and evocative description of the landscape, wildlife, and culture of the Iraqi marshes, and is considered a classic of nature writing.

About the Author

Gavin Maxwell was a Scottish naturalist, author, and war hero, best known for his book “Ring of Bright Water” (1960), which describes his life with otters in the Scottish Highlands. He was born in 1914 in Scotland, and from an early age, he had a deep interest in natural history and animals, particularly otters.

In 1948, he moved to the small village of Sandaig on the west coast of Scotland where he built a house and established a smallholding. He bought an otter, whom he named Mijbil, and wrote a book called “Mijbil the Otter” which was published in 1959. He later wrote “Ring of Bright Water” which describes his life with two more otters he adopted, Edal and Teko. The book was a bestseller and was adapted into a film in 1969.

Maxwell was also a war hero, he served in the Special Air Service (SAS) during World War II, and took part in several dangerous operations behind enemy lines in North Africa and Europe.