# The Diamond Hoard explained — Tarzan and the Golden Lion

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/xvi-the-diamond-hoard
- 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