CBSE Class 10 English Mijbil the Otter Summary
The Mijbil the Otter summary is essential for Class 10 students because it shifts the focus from common pets like dogs to the fascinating world of otters. Many students struggle to imagine the logistical nightmare of transporting a wild animal across the globe or understanding how a wild creature behaves in a domestic setting. This chapter, written by Gavin Maxwell, provides a detailed first-hand account that solves these curiosities.
The story begins in the marshes of Iraq and follows the journey all the way to London, showcasing the deep emotional tie between a man and his pet. Whether you are revising for exams or simply enjoy stories about nature, this guide will help you understand the themes of companionship, responsibility, and the lively nature of the animal kingdom.
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CBSE Class 10 English Mijbil the Otter Summary
The story begins with the author, Gavin Maxwell, traveling to Southern Iraq in 1956. He was very sad because his pet dog had died. He felt he couldn't get another dog right away. Instead, he thought the marshes of Iraq would be the perfect place to find an otter as a new friend.
Maxwell chose an otter for three main reasons:
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Ideal Habitat: Maxwell lived in Camusfearna, Scotland, which was surrounded by water and perfect for an aquatic pet.
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A New Experience: He wanted to try something different from traditional domestic pets.
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Friendship: He needed a loyal friend to fill the loneliness left by his previous pet.
Meeting the New Pet
Maxwell’s friend gave him a sack that two Arabs had brought. Inside was a small otter. When Maxwell first saw it, it looked like a "small dragon" covered in mud. This was the start of his experience.
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Mijbil the Otter Short Summary:What Was His Personality?
At first, the otter stayed away and acted indifferent toward Maxwell. However, after a few days, he became incredibly friendly and began sleeping in Maxwell's bed. Maxwell named him Mijbil. Interestingly, scientists later discovered this was a specific subspecies of otter previously unknown to them.
Mijbil’s First Days and Habits
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Water Joy: Mijbil was happiest in the bathtub, where he would splash and dive with pure excitement.
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Smart Moves: He was highly intelligent and quickly learned how to turn the bathroom tap on with his paws to watch the water flow.
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The Marble Hobby: Mijbil loved playing with small objects. He would lie on his back and roll marbles on his tummy without letting them fall.
Mijbil’s Journey to London
The hardest part of the summary of Mijbil the otter class 10 is the flight. Since the main airline wouldn't take animals, Maxwell had to fly to Paris first. The airline told him he must keep Mijbil in a small box on the floor.
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What Happened |
The Result |
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Putting Mij in the box |
He tried to get out and hurt himself. |
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Blood in the box |
Maxwell saw the otter had torn the box and was bleeding. |
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The Flight |
Mijbil escaped the box and ran around the plane. |
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The Air Hostess |
She was very sweet and helped Maxwell find his pet. |
Trouble on the Plane
When Maxwell opened the box a little, Mijbil zoomed out. He ran under the seats, making a woman scream that there was a rat. Maxwell tried to grab him but ended up with food on his face. Finally, the otter came back and sat on Maxwell’s lap.
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How was Mijbil Different : Playful Habits and Intelligence
Mijbil was not a typical pet; he was a bundle of energy and high intelligence. His personality is a major highlight of any Class 10th Mijbil the Otter Summary.
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Water Lover: Mijbil believed that water should never be still. He would splash in tubs and even learned to turn on bathroom taps with his paws to enjoy a running stream.
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Juggling Skills: He was remarkably dexterous. He loved lying on his back and juggling marbles or small objects between his paws without letting them drop.
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Creative Play: He didn't need expensive toys. He could entertain himself for hours with a ping-pong ball or a piece of rubber.
What People Thought
Londoners had never seen an otter before. They made funny guesses about what he was. Some thought he was a baby hippo or a beaver. One worker on the street even stopped Maxwell to ask, "Hey, what is that thing supposed to be?"
Final Thoughts on the Story
In the end, this summary shows that looking after a wild pet is a massive responsibility. It requires endless work, kindness, and patience. The story proves that animals and humans can be the best of friends if they respect each other's unique personalities.
Key Takeaways to Remember
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Kindness: Always treat animals with care, even when they are being mischievous.
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Patience: Building a bond with a wild animal takes a long time and can be quite messy.
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Nature: Even exotic animals have feelings and distinct personalities just like humans.
If you’re revising quickly, treat this as a mijbil the otter summary short read covers the plot, key moments, and themes in one go..
Read More: NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 8 Mijbil the Otter
Mijbil the Otter Summary FAQs
What did Mijbil like to play with most?
He loved playing with marbles. He would lie on his back and juggle them on his belly.
What did people in London think he was?
People were confused. They guessed he was a seal, a walrus, or a very small bear.
Why did Maxwell get an otter?
His dog had died, and he wanted a new friend. He lived near water, so an otter was a good choice.
What happened when he got out on the plane?
Mijbil ran under the seats and scared the passengers. One lady thought he was a rat.
Could Mijbil turn on the water?
Yes, he was very smart. He learned to turn the tap handle to make the water flow.
