Tarzan and the Golden Lion · Chapter
VIII: Mystery of the Past explained
Tarzan is freed from his Opar prison by a woman claiming to be sent by La, who leads him through underground passages into the mountains.
What happens
Tarzan is freed from his Opar prison by a woman claiming to be sent by La, who leads him through underground passages into the mountains. They discover a strange village of suspended huts inhabited by a primitive, bestial tribe. Tarzan senses they are being stalked by an unknown creature, and he carries La into the trees to evade it. From above, they observe the village and its inhabitants, who are unlike any Tarzan has seen before.
Themes in this chapter
Savagery and Civilization
The contrast between the advanced Opar civilization and the primitive, almost bestial tribe in the valley highlights the spectrum of human development.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Cadj's plot to betray La and have her killed underscores the theme of treachery within Opar's priestly hierarchy.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Freed from Opar's pits by a woman claiming to be sent by La; leads La through the forest and discovers a strange village of suspended huts.
- La
High Priestess of Opar; sends a woman to free Tarzan and accompanies him through the mountains, observing the strange village.
- Cadj
Plots with others to ambush Tarzan and accuse La of treachery, aiming to become High Priest.
- Dooth
Brought food to Tarzan in prison and informed him that La had saved him from Cadj.
Key passages
““Your life is in danger,” replied the voice. “Come, follow me.””
A woman warns Tarzan that his life is at risk and urges him to follow her to safety.
The woman claims to be sent by La to lead Tarzan out of Opar.
““I think there are men in this valley,” he said presently. “For some time I have been almost positive that we are being watched.””
Tarzan senses that they are being stalked by unseen observers in the valley.
Tarzan's acute senses detect a presence that even La cannot perceive.