Tarzan and the Golden Lion · Chapter
VII: “You Must Sacrifice Him” explained
Tarzan awakens imprisoned in the dark pit beneath Opar, recognizing the familiar odors and the distant scream that identify his location.
What happens
Tarzan awakens imprisoned in the dark pit beneath Opar, recognizing the familiar odors and the distant scream that identify his location. Above, La, the High Priestess, struggles with her dilemma: her love for Tarzan and her promise of friendship conflict with the demands of her people and the treacherous High Priest Cadj, who plots to sacrifice Tarzan. Cadj and his followers track Tarzan's camp, find him unconscious, and prepare to kill him, but Dooth warns La that the only way to save herself is to personally sacrifice Tarzan on the altar.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Betrayal
La's loyalty to Tarzan is challenged by Cadj's betrayal and the conspiracy among the priests.
Savagery and Civilization
The half-bestial Oparian society contrasts with Tarzan's civilized yet primal nature.
Revenge and Justice
Cadj seeks revenge against Tarzan for defiling the temple, while La seeks justice through mercy.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Imprisoned in the dark pit beneath Opar, recovering from narcotic effects.
- La
High Priestess of Opar, torn between love for Tarzan and the demands of her people.
- Cadj
High Priest of Opar, plots to sacrifice Tarzan and undermines La's authority.
- Dooth
A lesser priest who warns La of Cadj's conspiracy and advises her to sacrifice Tarzan.
- Oah
Priestess involved in Cadj's plot against La.
Key passages
“He knew at last that he was in the dark pit beneath Opar.”
Tarzan realized he was imprisoned in the underground dungeon of Opar.
Tarzan identifies his location through sensory clues.
“You must, with your own hands, upon the altar of our temple, sacrifice the ape-man to the Flaming God.”
Dooth tells La that the only way to save herself is to personally kill Tarzan as a sacrifice.
Dooth advises La to perform the sacrifice to thwart Cadj's plot.