Tarzan and the Golden Lion · Chapter
The Chamber of Horrors explained
Tarzan, La, and a small group of Gomangani defend the throne room against the Bolgani.
What happens
Tarzan, La, and a small group of Gomangani defend the throne room against the Bolgani. With the help of Jad-bal-ja, the golden lion, they turn the tide, forcing the Bolgani to surrender. Tarzan plans to free the Gomangani and restore La to power in Opar.
Themes in this chapter
Slavery and Oppression
The Gomangani are enslaved by the Bolgani, and Tarzan leads them to freedom.
Courage and Sacrifice
Tarzan risks his life to save La and the Gomangani, showing bravery in the face of overwhelming odds.
Mastery and Obedience
Tarzan commands Jad-bal-ja and the Gomangani, demonstrating his mastery over both beast and man.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Leads the defense, commands Jad-bal-ja, and devises a plan to free the Gomangani and restore La.
- La
Stands with Tarzan, expresses gratitude and concern for his safety.
- Jad-bal-ja
The golden lion, obeys Tarzan's commands, attacks the Bolgani, and is placed on the dais as the true emperor.
- Bolgani
The gorilla-men tyrants who attack the throne room and are ultimately forced to surrender.
- The Waziri
Referenced as Gomangani; the blacks who fight alongside Tarzan.
- Esteban Miranda
Appears briefly, offering to stand with Tarzan and die at his side.
Key passages
“I have not thanked you, Tarzan of the Apes, for what you have risked and done for me. I know that you must have come here in search of me, to save me from these creatures, and I know that it was not love that impelled you to this heroic and well-nigh hopeless act.”
La thanks Tarzan for risking his life to save her, acknowledging that his motives are not romantic but heroic.
La expresses gratitude and recognizes Tarzan's selfless courage.
“Not only must these people who show no hospitality to strangers be punished, but your own disloyal priests as well. To this latter end I intend to march out of the Valley of the Palace of Diamonds, down upon the city of Opar with a force of Gomangani sufficient to compel Cadj to relinquish the power he has usurped and replace you upon the throne of Opar.”
Tarzan plans to punish both the Bolgani and the disloyal priests of Opar, and to restore La to her throne.
Tarzan outlines his broader plan for justice and restoration.
“Jad-bal-ja, kill! Kill!”
Tarzan commands the lion to attack the Bolgani.
Tarzan uses his bond with Jad-bal-ja to turn the tide of battle.