The Wisdom of Klamataamorosal explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Power and Hierarchy

  The rigid caste system of Trohanadalmakus is detailed, with slaves distinguished by tunic colors and emblems, and the ruling class maintaining control through selective breeding and military force.

• Slavery and Freedom

  The chapter explores the treatment of slaves, from the brutal labor of first-generation prisoners to the relative freedom of skilled second-generation slaves, and the possibility of elevation through marriage.

• Survival and Adaptation

  Klamataamorosal's decree was a survival strategy to strengthen the warrior class through genetic diversity, illustrating adaptation to existential threats.

• Love and Sacrifice

  Komodoflorensal views marriage as a duty to produce an heir, dismissing love; Tarzan questions this, highlighting a contrast between romantic love and pragmatic union.

Characters to notice

• Tarzan

  Observes the construction of the new dome and the slave system; learns the Minunian language and history; plans escape from the thorn forest.

• Komodoflorensal

  Explains the history of Klamataamorosal's decree and the social structure; discusses his plan to marry Princess Janzara of Veltopismakus.

• Adendrohahkis

  King of Trohanadalmakus; owns the slaves employed on public works; mentioned as the father of Komodoflorensal.

• Klamataamorosal

  Ancient king of Trohanadalmakus who issued the decree allowing intermarriage between warriors and slaves to strengthen the race.

• Janzara

  Princess of Veltopismakus; described as the most beautiful creature in the world; intended mate for Komodoflorensal.

• Elkomoelhago

  King of Veltopismakus and father of Princess Janzara.

Key passages

• “He exhorted Klamataamorosal to issue a decree elevating to the warrior class any slave that was chosen as mate by either a man or woman of that class, and further to obligate each and every warrior to select at least one mate from among their slaves.”

  He urged Klamataamorosal to pass a law making any slave who was chosen as a mate by a warrior automatically become a warrior themselves, and to require every warrior to take at least one slave as a spouse.

  Komodoflorensal recounts the advice given to King Klamataamorosal to improve the warrior class through intermarriage with slaves.

• “The new, pure, virile blood of the slaves has washed the taint from our veins and so altered has our point of view become that whereas, in the past, the child of a slave woman and a warrior was without caste, the lowest of the low, now they rank highest of the high, since it is considered immoral for one of the royal family to wed other than a slave.”

  The fresh, strong blood of the slaves has cleansed our lineage, and our attitudes have changed so much that children of a slave and a warrior, once considered the lowest caste, are now the highest, as it is seen as improper for royalty to marry anyone but a slave.

  Komodoflorensal explains the reversal of social values after the decree, where slave ancestry became prestigious for the royal family.

• “She will bear me a son who will some day be king of Trohanadalmakus, and that is all that can be asked.”

  She will give me a son who will eventually become king of Trohanadalmakus, and that is all that matters.

  Komodoflorensal dismisses Tarzan's question about love, emphasizing duty and lineage over personal affection.