Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar · Chapter
Prophecy and Fulfillment explained
Tarzan encounters a dying witch-doctor who warns him of danger ahead.
What happens
Tarzan encounters a dying witch-doctor who warns him of danger ahead. Despite the prophecy, Tarzan continues toward Opar to retrieve gold, unaware that Werper is following him. Werper discovers the treasure vault and plans to steal the gold. As Tarzan and his Waziri warriors transport the ingots, a rockfall injures Tarzan, shattering both his and Werper's hopes.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Betrayal
Werper's avarice drives him to follow Tarzan and plot to steal the gold, betraying his master's trust and risking his life.
Survival and Adaptation
Tarzan's jungle skills and physical prowess enable him to navigate the dangerous terrain and transport heavy ingots, while Werper struggles to survive the ascent.
Honor and Redemption
Tarzan shows mercy to the dying witch-doctor, reflecting his civilized honor, and the Waziri serve him out of loyalty and love.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Shows pity toward the dying witch-doctor, receives a prophecy of danger, and proceeds to Opar to retrieve gold. He is injured by a falling rock at the chapter's end.
- Albert Werper
Follows Tarzan to Opar, hides in the treasure vault, and plans to steal the gold. He is terrified by Tarzan's victory cry but continues out of fear of Achmet Zek.
- Basuli
Leads the Waziri warriors to assist Tarzan in transporting the gold ingots from Opar.
- Achmet Zek
Mentioned as Werper's master, whom Werper fears more than the unknown dangers.
Key passages
“I am Tarzan—Tarzan of the Apes”
Tarzan identifies himself with pride as the ape-man rather than by his noble title.
Highlights Tarzan's dual identity and his connection to the jungle.
“Turn back, Munango-Keewati! Turn back before it is too late. Danger lies ahead of you and danger lurks behind; but greater is the danger before.”
The witch-doctor warns Tarzan that the greatest peril lies ahead on his path.
Foreshadows the impending disaster and Tarzan's injury.
“He had heard the victory cry of the bull ape as Tarzan had screamed it forth into the face of Goro, the moon, and he had trembled then and hidden his face”
Werper was terrified by Tarzan's primal, triumphant roar directed at the moon.
Illustrates Werper's cowardice and the raw power of Tarzan's jungle nature.