Tarzan and the Golden Lion · Chapter
The Diamond Hoard explained
Tarzan is rescued from sacrifice by Jad-bal-ja, who kills the High Priest Cadj.
What happens
Tarzan is rescued from sacrifice by Jad-bal-ja, who kills the High Priest Cadj. La is restored to her throne, and Tarzan negotiates a new order for the Valley of the Palace of Diamonds, appointing an old man as king over the Gomangani and offering the surviving Bolgani a place as La's bodyguard in Opar.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Betrayal
Cadj's betrayal of La is punished, and the Bolgani pledge loyalty to La as her bodyguard.
Revenge and Justice
La's forces overthrow Cadj, and the Gomangani win their freedom from the Bolgani oppressors.
Slavery and Oppression
The Gomangani are freed from ages of Bolgani tyranny, and Tarzan advises the old king to protect their rights.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Bound on the altar, saved by Jad-bal-ja, then freed by La; later orchestrates the new governance of the valley and returns home.
- La
Queen and High Priestess of Opar, leads the search for Tarzan, cuts his bonds, and is restored to power with Tarzan's help.
- Cadj
The usurping High Priest, killed by Jad-bal-ja in the sacrificial courtyard.
- Jad-bal-ja
The golden lion, leaps upon Cadj to save Tarzan, later restrained during battle.
- Manu
A little gray monkey who spots the approaching army and flees to warn Opar.
- Oah
Priestess of Opar, confronts Cadj over his usurpation of the sacrificial rite.
- Bolgani
Gorilla-men who are given the choice to serve as La's bodyguard or leave; they agree to be loyal.
- The Waziri
Referenced as Tarzan's destination on his return journey.
Key passages
“Come, Jad-bal-ja," commanded Tarzan; "let no one harm Tarzan of the Apes.”
Tarzan orders Jad-bal-ja to protect him.
Tarzan asserts command over the lion after the sacrifice is thwarted.
“Your worst enemy is dead," said Tarzan, "and for his death you may thank Jad-bal-ja, as I thank him for my life.”
Tarzan tells La that Cadj is dead and credits Jad-bal-ja for both their sakes.
Tarzan acknowledges the lion's role in ending the threat.
“A Bolgani is never a traitor," replied the gorilla-man.”
A Bolgani claims they are incapable of betrayal.
The Bolgani pledge loyalty to La.
“You have been gone very long. You will find no friends left back there from whence you came.”
Tarzan warns the old man that civilization holds nothing for him.
Tarzan persuades the old man to stay and rule the Gomangani.