# VII: “You Must Sacrifice Him” explained — Tarzan and the Golden Lion

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/vii-you-must-sacrifice-him
- 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