Tarzan and the Ant Men · Chapter
The Audience with Elkomoelhago explained
Tarzan is brought before King Elkomoelhago of Veltopismakus, who initially mistakes him for a Zertalacolol due to his silence.
What happens
Tarzan is brought before King Elkomoelhago of Veltopismakus, who initially mistakes him for a Zertalacolol due to his silence. The king discusses a wager involving Zoanthrohago and a new vibratory principle. Tarzan is given a green slave tunic and later chained in a chamber, where he overhears news of a recent battle. He is healed and eventually led to the king's presence, marveling at the immense scale of the city's architecture and the giant antelope mounts.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Hierarchy
The court scene illustrates the absolute power of King Elkomoelhago and the sycophantic behavior of his courtiers.
Deception and Manipulation
Tarzan's silence leads to a mistaken identity, and the courtiers manipulate their speech to please the king.
Scale and Perspective
Tarzan is awed by the immense proportions of the dome and the giant antelopes, challenging his understanding of the world.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Captured and presented as a slave to King Elkomoelhago; remains silent, leading to being mistaken for a Zertalacolol; observes the city's wonders.
- Elkomoelhago
King of Veltopismakus; examines Tarzan, discusses the wager with Zoanthrohago, and orders Tarzan's treatment.
- Zoanthrohago
Mentioned as the owner of Tarzan and the subject of a wager with Dalfastomalo regarding a new formula.
- Gofoloso
A courtier who flatters the king and attempts to guess his thoughts.
- Kalfastoban
Not directly present but referenced as Dalfastomalo in the wager context.
Key passages
“He has not the features of the Zertalacolols, he pondered musingly.”
Elkomoelhago notices that Tarzan's appearance differs from that of the Zertalacolols.
The king begins to doubt his initial assumption about Tarzan's origin.
“These will soon be healed. In seven days, or less, he will be fit for the quarries.”
The healers predict Tarzan will recover quickly and be sent to work in the quarries.
Tarzan's fate is discussed openly, revealing the Veltopismakusians' plans for him.