# The Audience with Elkomoelhago explained — Tarzan and the Ant Men

> Chapter companion for Tarzan and the Ant Men by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_and_the_ant_men_se/chapters/ix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_and_the_ant_men_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_and_the_ant_men_se/chapters