# XXI explained — Tarzan and the Ant Men

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

## What happens

Tarzan and his companions flee across the plain toward Trohanadalmakus, pursued by Veltopismakusian warriors. They reach the forest and eventually return to Trohanadalmakus, where Tarzan is made a prince. Komodoflorensal reveals his love for Talaskar, who is revealed to be a princess. After weeks without regaining his normal size, Tarzan decides to journey home through the thorn forest. He experiences a transformation and falls unconscious.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Hierarchy

Tarzan is made a prince by Adendrohahkis, and Komodoflorensal renounces his throne rights for love, challenging customary hierarchy.

### Love and Sacrifice

Komodoflorensal offers to renounce his throne for Talaskar; Janzara's love for Zoanthrohago transforms her character.

### Survival and Adaptation

Tarzan adapts to his reduced size and navigates the thorn forest, relying on his skills to survive.

## Character check-ins

### Tarzan

Leads the fugitives, is made a prince of Trohanadalmakus, and later decides to journey home through the thorn forest, where he experiences a transformation.

### Komodoflorensal

Returns to Trohanadalmakus with Tarzan, reveals his love for Talaskar, and renounces his throne rights for her.

### Talaskar

Revealed to be the daughter of King Talaskhago of Mandalamakus; Komodoflorensal declares his love for her.

### Janzara

Flees with the group, shows changed attitude and love for Zoanthrohago, and refuses to surrender to Veltopismakusians.

### Zoanthrohago

Flees with the group, refuses to surrender, and is loved by Janzara.

### Adendrohahkis

Welcomes his son Komodoflorensal and Tarzan, makes Tarzan a prince, and grants freedom to Janzara, Zoanthrohago, and Oratharc.

## Key lines

> To entertain Tarzan and to show him what great strides civilization had taken in the land of the Zertalocolols, the son of The First Woman seized a female by the hair and dragging her to him struck her heavily about the head and face with his clenched fist, and the woman fell upon her knees and fondled his legs, looking wistfully into his face, her own glowing with love and admiration.

To demonstrate their progress in civilization, the son of The First Woman violently struck a woman, who then knelt and showed adoration.

_Highlights the twisted concept of civilization among the Zertalacolols._

> As Zertolosto I am bound by custom to wed a prisoner princess taken from another city; but in this slave girl have I found the one I love. Let me renounce my rights to the throne and have her instead.

Komodoflorensal offers to give up his claim to the throne to marry Talaskar, a slave girl he loves, rather than follow custom.

_Shows Komodoflorensal's willingness to sacrifice power for love._

> I am the daughter of Talaskhago, king of Mandalamakus. My mother was captured by the Veltopismakusians but a few moons before my birth, which took place in the very chamber in which Komodoflorensal found me.

Talaskar reveals she is a princess, daughter of King Talaskhago, captured before her birth.

_Resolves the conflict between custom and love, as Talaskar is of royal blood._

## Links

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