# The Wisdom of Klamataamorosal explained — Tarzan and the Ant Men

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

## What happens

Tarzan learns from Komodoflorensal about the history and social structure of Trohanadalmakus, including the revolutionary decree of Klamataamorosal that allowed intermarriage between warriors and slaves to strengthen the race. He observes the caste system, the treatment of slaves, and the preparations for war against Veltopismakus to capture Princess Janzara as a mate for Komodoflorensal. Tarzan also contemplates escape from the thorn forest but remains intrigued by the Minunians.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_and_the_ant_men_se/chapters/vi
- 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
