The Second Jungle Book: Mowgli & Baloo (1997) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie is set in the jungles of India, where Mowgli is raised by a wolf pack. The story also takes place in an Ancient City that serves as the lair of the Bandar-Log and houses cobras in temple corridors.

• jungles of india
• ancient city
• setting
• location

The primary theme is belonging. Mowgli is torn between his jungle family (Baloo, Bagheera, and the wolves) and the lure of human society. His status as heir to his father's inheritance adds pressure to choose between his roots and a new life abroad.

• belonging
• identity
• family
• home

Greed drives several antagonists: Buldeo plots to murder his nephew Mowgli to secure the inheritance. Harrison initially plans to take Mowgli to America for a circus for profit. The Bandar-log and rival ambitions further illustrate how the pursuit of wealth and power corrupts relationships and endangers the innocent.

• greed
• buldeo
• inheritance
• exploitation

Courage is shown through allies across species working together to face danger. Mowgli, Baloo, and their human protectors demonstrate trust and teamwork in rescuing Mowgli from cobras and the Bandar-Log. The jungle teaches Mowgli to act with initiative and loyalty, showing how solidarity can prevail over scheming enemies.

• courage
• teamwork
• friendship
• rescue

Mowgli is a young orphan raised by a wolf pack in the jungle, befriended by Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther. He is intelligent and resourceful, torn between his wild upbringing and human connections. His choices drive the entire story as he navigates between loyalty to his jungle family and the appeal of human society.

• mowgli
• man-cub
• wolf pack
• protagonist

Baloo is the friendly bear who raises Mowgli alongside the wolf pack. He serves as Mowgli's mentor and protector, teaching him jungle wisdom and remaining loyal throughout the film's conflicts. His relationship with Mowgli represents the bonds of chosen family in the wild.

• baloo
• bear
• mentor
• jungle family

Bagheera is the panther who is one of Mowgli's key protectors and guardians in the jungle. Along with Baloo, he helps Mowgli navigate dangers and make choices about his future, representing the stable, protective presence in Mowgli's life.

• bagheera
• panther
• protector
• guardian

Buldeo is Mowgli's paternal uncle, a wealthy man who embodies ambition and treachery. He plots to murder Mowgli to secure his inheritance and gain control over the jungle's future. He represents the corruptive power of greed and the threat of human ambition against Mowgli's freedom.

• buldeo
• uncle
• villain
• inheritance

Harrison is an American traveler who initially intends to take Mowgli to America for a circus. However, he undergoes a transformation from exploitation to becoming a protector, ultimately offering Mowgli a genuine home rather than a stage life, and becomes a stead ally in keeping him safe.

• harrison
• american
• circus
• protector

King Murphy is the king of the Bandar-Log, the monkey people who live in the Ancient City. He wishes to crown Mowgli and use him to exert control over the jungle. He represents the lure of power and ruling ambition, offering Mowgli a position of authority that comes with strings attached.

• king murphy
• bandor-log
• ancient city
• power

The Ancient City is a looming backdrop where the Bandar-Log plot unfolds. It is a ruin filled with temple corridors where cobras hide. It represents the contrast between wild kinship and human ambition, serving as a place of danger and manipulation rather than true belonging.

• ancient city
• bandor-log
• temple
• ruins

This version introduces original characters like Buldeo (the murderous uncle), Harrison (the American traveler), and King Murphy (the Bandar-log king). It also adds Mowgli's status as rightful heir to his father's inheritance as a plot driver, creating conflict between human greed and jungle loyalty that goes beyond the traditional Disney story.

• adaptation
• differences
• original characters
• inheritance