Why Mang?

A few people ask me about my cub leader name. Why Mang they ask?

When I joined the 433rd, we had our Akela and our Bagheera. And since Baloo was taking some time off and might return, I had to find something that else that fit from the list of characters. In other packs, a common fourth was Kaa, Chil, Hathi, or even Rikki-Tikki-Tavi.

Mang doesn't get much mention in the Jungle Book. All of the names above get more play in the book, but they didn't feel right. Mang was a great choice given my interests and the fact that both astronomers and bats are nocturnal. There was also the wonderful rhyme :

Now Chil the Kite brings home the night
That Mang the Bat sets free.

And, I always liked a good party!