Tarzan and the Golden Lion · Chapter
What the Footprints Told explained
Tarzan reflects on the training and nature of his golden lion, Jad-bal-ja, as rumors of ivory-raiding and slave-running reach him.
What happens
Tarzan reflects on the training and nature of his golden lion, Jad-bal-ja, as rumors of ivory-raiding and slave-running reach him. Financial strain from the war prompts him to plan another expedition to Opar for gold, despite Jane's fears. Leaving Korak and Jad-bal-ja behind, Tarzan sets out with fifty Waziri. During the march, he discovers a dead deer killed by a manufactured arrow, then finds the body of a slain ape, Gobu. Tracking the killer, he encounters a band of Mangani who mistakenly believe Tarzan himself killed Gobu, raising questions about a mysterious impersonator.
Themes in this chapter
Mastery and Obedience
Tarzan's training of Jad-bal-ja demonstrates the bond of command and submission between man and beast, as the lion obeys complex commands and hunts at his master's will.
Identity and Deception
The Mangani mistake Tarzan for the killer of Gobu, suggesting an impersonator is at work, which introduces a theme of mistaken identity and deception.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Plans a return to Opar for gold; discovers a dead ape and is accused by the Mangani of killing Gobu.
- Jad-bal-ja
The golden lion, now two years old, is described as magnificent and intelligent; he is left behind with Korak.
- Jane Clayton
Expresses dread at Tarzan's planned trip to Opar and urges him not to go.
- Korak
Remains at the bungalow to protect Jane and care for Jad-bal-ja during Tarzan's absence.
- Gobu
Found dead by Tarzan; the Mangani accuse Tarzan of killing him.
Key passages
“The obedience that a combination of sternness and affection had elicited from the cub had become largely habit in the grown lion.”
The lion's obedience, originally taught through a mix of discipline and love as a cub, had become ingrained behavior in adulthood.
Highlights the theme of mastery and obedience in Tarzan's relationship with Jad-bal-ja.
“It looks very much, Jane, as though another trip to Opar were on the books.”
Tarzan tells Jane that he likely needs to make another journey to Opar to obtain gold.
Sets up the motivation for Tarzan's expedition.
“We know you, yesterday we saw you when you killed Gobu. Go away or we shall kill you.”
The old bull ape accuses Tarzan of killing Gobu, claiming they witnessed the act the previous day.
Introduces the mystery of the impersonator and the theme of identity and deception.