# The Shaft of Death explained — Tarzan and the Golden Lion

> Chapter companion for Tarzan and the Golden Lion by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## What happens

Tarzan enters a Gomangani village where a Bolgani (gorilla-man) is demanding women and children as tribute for Numa, the Emperor. After the Bolgani kills a child, Tarzan kills him with a spear. He then leaves La in the village, promising to return after finding a way out of the valley, while the villagers debate whether to protect her or betray her to the Bolgani.

## Themes in this chapter

### Savagery and Civilization

The Bolgani's brutal rule and the villagers' fear contrast with Tarzan's intervention and La's commanding presence, highlighting the tension between savage oppression and a sense of justice.

### Courage and Sacrifice

Tarzan risks himself to defend the weak, killing the Bolgani and leaving La behind to find a safe path, demonstrating courage and self-sacrifice.

## Character check-ins

### Tarzan

Kills the Bolgani with a spear, then leaves La in the village while he scouts for an escape route.

### La

Left in the Gomangani village by Tarzan; she uses her regal authority to command the villagers to prepare a hut for her.

### Bolgani

The gorilla-man who demands women and children from the village; killed by Tarzan's spear.

## Key lines

> “I am a friend,” he said. “I am Tarzan of the Apes. Lower your spears.”

Tarzan identifies himself as a friend and commands the villagers to lower their weapons.

_Tarzan asserts his identity to defuse tension after killing the Bolgani._

> “You are right,” cried La, “the Tarmangani is great. Far better will it be for you to have him for friend than enemy.”

La warns the villagers that Tarzan is a powerful ally and a dangerous foe.

_La uses fear and respect for Tarzan to sway the villagers' decision._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/ix-the-shaft-of-death
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters