CBSE Class 10 The Tale of Custard The Dragon Summary, Download PDF

CBSE Class 10 The Tale of Custard the Dragon Summary: The Tale of Custard the Dragon is a humorous poem by Ogden Nash included in the CBSE Class 10 English syllabus.

The poem narrates the story of a timid dragon named Custard who lives with a girl, Belinda, and her pets, Ink the cat, Blink the mouse, and Mustard the dog. While the other pets boast about their bravery and often mock Custard for his apparent cowardice, it is Custard who truly displays courage when a pirate attacks their home, fearlessly confronting the danger and saving everyone.

Despite his heroic act, Custard remains modest, while the others continue to claim they are brave.

This poem, as per the CBSE Class 10 exam pattern, is important for Class 10 Board Exams (21 February 2026) to understand the poetic devices, themes, and moral lessons. It highlights that true courage is shown through actions rather than words and underscores the value of humility. Students should focus on this poem to answer questions in Section B (Poetry) of their English paper, including theme analysis, character traits, and interpretation of the moral message.

CBSE The Tale of Custard the Dragon Class 10 Summary​ PDF

You can download the CBSE Class 10 English chapter “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” in PDF format using the link below.

This humorous poem by Ogden Nash tells the story of Custard, a seemingly cowardly dragon, who surprises everyone with his unexpected courage. The poem provides a fun and engaging way to understand how true bravery often comes from the most unlikely characters.

Understanding this chapter is important for the Class 10 board exam, as questions may be asked on its summary, theme, moral lesson, and poetic devices in Section B (Poetry) of the English paper. To access the complete The Tale of Custard the Dragon poem summary, click on the download link below:

The Tale of Custard the Dragon Class 10 Summary​

CBSE Class 10 The Tale of Custard the Dragon Summary

Belinda lived in a little white house with her adorable pets—a black kitten named Ink, a grey mouse named Blink, a yellow dog named Mustard, and a pet dragon named Custard.

While all the other animals and Belinda claimed to be fearless, Custard was constantly mocked for his cowardice. He often cried for a “nice safe cage,” which made the others laugh at him.

Despite his terrifying appearance—with sharp teeth, spikes, scales, and dagger-like toes—Custard was considered the most cowardly of all. Belinda and her pets would tease and ridicule him for lacking courage.

But everything changed when a pirate suddenly broke into their house through the window. The supposedly brave pets panicked—Mustard ran away, Ink and Blink disappeared to hide, and even Belinda was terrified. Surprisingly, it was Custard, the “cowardly” dragon, who faced the pirate. He fearlessly fought him off and ate him completely, saving everyone.

After the incident, Belinda and her pets were grateful and cheered for Custard. However, they quickly returned to their old ways, claiming they would have been braver if given a chance. Humble Custard, once again, simply agreed with them, never boasting about his heroic deed.

Theme and Message

The central theme of the poem revolves around true bravery versus pretended courage. It highlights how those who boast of their strength and courage may falter in real-life danger, while the quiet ones may rise heroically. Custard's bravery, despite being ridiculed, shows that actions speak louder than words. The poem also conveys a strong message about humility, as Custard never gloats about his bravery.

Poetic Devices Used

Ogden Nash uses several poetic devices to make the poem engaging:

• Repetition: Phrases like “realio, trulio” add rhythm and humour.

• Simile: “Brave as a barrel full of bears” adds vivid comparison.

• Alliteration: Helps in creating a musical effect.

• Imagery: Descriptive language brings characters and scenes to life.

About The Poet 

Ogden Nash (1902–1971) was a celebrated American poet renowned for his witty, light-hearted verse filled with playful rhymes and humorous observations on everyday life.​
Born in Rye, New York, he briefly attended Harvard before working in advertising, teaching, and editing, until his breakthrough poem was sold to The New Yorker in 1930.​
His debut collection, Hard Lines (1931), skyrocketed to success with seven printings, launching a prolific career of over 20 poetry volumes, children's books, and Broadway lyrics like One Touch of Venus.​
Nash's signature style—twisting words for comic effect—shines in CBSE Class 10's "The Tale of Custard the Dragon," satirizing bravery through a cowardly yet heroic dragon.

Class 10 The Tale of Custard the Dragon Conclusion

The Tale of Custard the Dragon by Ogden Nash is a humorous and light-hearted ballad that breaks stereotypes about bravery and cowardice. Though Custard the dragon is mocked for being a coward, he turns out to be the bravest of all when danger strikes.

The poem conveys an important message — true courage is shown through actions, not appearances or words. It teaches us not to judge someone based on how they seem, as even the seemingly timid can display great strength when it truly matters.

Through its playful language and amusing characters, the poem encourages humility, courage, and the value of inner strength.

Last-Month Preparation Tips for The Tale of Custard the Dragon

As the Class 10 board exams approach, focusing on effective last-month preparation for The Tale of Custard the Dragon can help you score well in the English paper. Here are some tips:

1. Master the Contrast (Irony)

The heart of this poem is irony. Focus on how the physical description of Custard (spikes, scales, dagger-toes) suggests he should be fierce, yet he cries for a "safe cage." In the exam, use the word "Juxtaposition" to describe how the poet places the dragon's scary looks against his timid personality.

2. Learn Specific Poetic Devices

Don't just memorize the definitions; find them in the text.

• Simile: "Mouth like a fireplace," "Brave as a barrel full of bears."
• Metaphor: "Chimney for a nose."
• Onomatopoeia: The sounds like "Weeek!" (Blink’s laugh), "Meowch!" (Ink), and "Clatter," "Clink," "Jangle."
• Poetic License: Notice how Nash changes the spelling of "really" and "truly" to "realio, trulio" to maintain the rhythm and humour. This is a very common 1-mark question.

3. Analyze the "Pirate Encounter" Stanza

Pay close attention to the stanza describing the pirate. Note his appearance: a pistol in each hand, a cutlass in his teeth, and a black beard. The Board often asks for a descriptive summary of this scene or a comparison between how Custard attacked (like a robin at a worm) versus how the others reacted.

4. Practice Extract-Based Questions

In the last month, solve at least 5 different extracts from this poem. Focus on the context: Who said this? Why are they laughing? What does 'Percival' refer to? (Reference to the knight of King Arthur who was mocked).