| “ | Do you still practice the hunter's discipline out in the world of man, little frog? | „ |
| ― Baloo to Mowgli, Fables #39 — "Meanwhile" |
Baloo is a Fable bear who lives on the Farm. He appears in Fables #39 — "Meanwhile."
History
Baloo is one of the Kipling group of Fables,[2] who align themselves with Goldilocks' rebels in their scheme to overthrow the human residents of Fabletown.[3]
Following Shere Khan's demise at the hands of Snow White during[4] the failed revolution, Baloo performs a week-long song and dance revue at Khan's burial site, featuring seven nightly shows and a Sunday matinee.[1]
A few years after the unsuccessful revolution, Mowgli comes to Fabletown and heads to the Farm to meet his old friends from the jungle, starting with Bagheera, who fills Mowgli in on Baloo's dance revue; then Baloo himself. As Mowgli and the bear are taking a moment to unwind and lie down on the forest floor, Baloo queries Mowgli about whether he still practices the hunter's discipline in the world of humans. Mowgli replies that he does, yet when he comments on his human teeth, Baloo responds that they cannot enhance Mowgli's teeth, as he is bound to what nature has provided him. Nevertheless, Mowgli retorts that humans compensate for their absence of sharp teeth by creating lethal weapons. Baloo labels him a braggart and asks Mowli whether he wishes to meander down to the fishing hole or search for a honey tree. Unfortunately, Mowgli is pressed for time; he needs to head back to the city.[1]
Appearances
Fables
Fables #39 (only appearance)
Original source
Baloo is based on the character of the same name from Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book and The Second Jungle Book. Baloo, a sloth bear, is the strict teacher of the cubs of the Seeonee wolf pack. His most challenging pupil is the "man-cub" Mowgli. He and Bagheera, a panther, save Mowgli from Shere Khan the tiger, and endeavor to teach Mowgli the Law of the Jungle.