Jungle Tales of Tarzan · Chapter
The Witch-Doctor Seeks Vengeance explained
Tarzan rescues little Tibo from the clutches of the witch-doctor Bukawai, who had kidnapped him and imprisoned him in a cave with two hyenas.
What happens
Tarzan rescues little Tibo from the clutches of the witch-doctor Bukawai, who had kidnapped him and imprisoned him in a cave with two hyenas. After saving the boy and returning him to his mother Momaya, Tarzan later visits the village to stop her wailing, but spares her life upon recognizing her as Tibo's mother. Meanwhile, Bukawai flees into the jungle to avoid Momaya's wrath.
Themes in this chapter
Cruelty and Vengeance
Bukawai's cruel kidnapping and imprisonment of Tibo with hyenas, and Momaya's vengeful fury toward Bukawai and Rabba Kega.
Survival and Instinct
Tibo's terror and struggle to survive in the cave; Tarzan's instinctual battle lust and rescue.
Otherness and Prejudice
Tarzan's view of the Gomangani as deadly enemies despite his earlier attempt to adopt Tibo; the blacks' superstitious fear of Tarzan as a white devil-god.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Rescues Tibo from Bukawai's cave and returns him to his mother; later visits the village to stop Momaya's wailing but spares her.
- Tibo
Kidnapped by Bukawai and held in a cave with hyenas; rescued by Tarzan and returned to his mother.
- Bukawai
The witch-doctor who kidnaps Tibo for ransom, imprisons him with hyenas, and later flees when Tibo is rescued.
- Momaya
Tibo's mother; wails for her missing son and later confronts Bukawai before he escapes.
- Mbonga
The black chief present in the village when Tibo is returned.
- Rabba Kega
The village witch-doctor who faces Momaya's wrath after Bukawai's escape.
Key passages
“He was only a wild beast at heart and his wild beast's heart beat high in anticipation of conflict.”
Tarzan felt a primal excitement for battle, driven by his innate wildness.
Highlights Tarzan's savage nature and love of combat.
“Ten fat goats, ten fat goats,' the old Negro would croon over and over again.”
Bukawai repeatedly muttered about the ransom of ten fat goats he expected for Tibo.
Reveals Bukawai's mercenary motive for the kidnapping.
“The Gomangani were his deadly enemies, nor could they ever be aught else.”
Tarzan considered the black people his permanent foes, despite his earlier attempt to adopt Tibo.
Emphasizes the enduring hostility between Tarzan and the villagers.