Tarzan and the Golden Lion · Chapter
II: The Training of Jad-Bal-Ja explained
Tarzan, Jane, and Korak return home with the golden lion cub Jad-bal-ja and the dog Za.
What happens
Tarzan, Jane, and Korak return home with the golden lion cub Jad-bal-ja and the dog Za. They are warmly welcomed by Muviro and the Waziri, who have restored the estate. Tarzan trains the lion cub in obedience, teaching it to fetch, kill a dummy, and control its instincts. A wager is made between Tarzan and Korak about the lion's loyalty when faced with live prey, and Tarzan demonstrates his unique method of training based on trust and understanding.
Themes in this chapter
Mastery and Obedience
Tarzan's training of Jad-bal-ja exemplifies the theme of mastery over nature and the lion's obedience through trust and discipline.
Courage and Sacrifice
Muviro's loyalty and the Waziri's joyful welcome highlight the courage and sacrifice of those who defended the home.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Returns home and trains Jad-bal-ja, demonstrating his unique ability to command the lion through trust and understanding.
- Jane Clayton
Returns home with Tarzan and Korak; expresses skepticism about the training of the golden lion.
- Korak
Returns home with his parents; wagers a hundred pounds that Jad-bal-ja will follow its instincts when tasting live blood.
- Jad-bal-ja
The golden lion cub brought back from Pal-ul-don; undergoes rigorous training in obedience and hunting.
- Muviro
Faithful Waziri warrior who welcomes Tarzan and family home with great joy.
Key passages
“There was Tarzan, Jane, and Korak, and close beside Tarzan the golden lion—four jungle hunters—and of the four Jad-bal-ja, the lion, was the least accomplished.”
Tarzan, Jane, Korak, and the golden lion Jad-bal-ja formed a hunting party, with the lion being the least skilled.
Highlights the family's unity and the lion's role as a novice hunter.
“It is not animal training. The plan upon which I work would be impossible to anyone but Tarzan of the Apes.”
Tarzan explains that his method of training the lion relies on his unique upbringing and understanding of animal behavior, not conventional techniques.
Emphasizes Tarzan's exceptional bond with beasts.