Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar · Chapter
VII: The Jewel-Room of Opar explained
Tarzan, injured and lost in the subterranean passages beneath Opar, stumbles upon the forgotten jewel-room and collects a handful of gems.
What happens
Tarzan, injured and lost in the subterranean passages beneath Opar, stumbles upon the forgotten jewel-room and collects a handful of gems. He then emerges into the temple just as a lion attacks the worshippers, saving Werper and La by killing the beast in a primal display of strength.
Themes in this chapter
Civilization vs. Primitivism
Tarzan, reverted to a primitive state by his accident, relies on instinct and brute strength to survive and conquer the lion, contrasting with the civilized but helpless Werper and La.
Survival and Adaptation
Tarzan adapts to his amnesia and the dark tunnels, learning caution after falling into the well, and uses his primal skills to defeat the lion.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Recovers from a blow to the head, discovers the jewel-room, and kills a lion in the temple.
- Albert Werper
Lies bound on the altar as a sacrifice, witnesses Tarzan's battle with the lion.
- La
High Priestess of Opar, regains consciousness during the lion fight and watches Tarzan's victory.
- Numa
The lion that attacks the temple and is killed by Tarzan.
Key passages
“Tarzan, reverted to the primitive by his accident, had no conception of the fabulous value of his find. To him they were but pretty pebbles.”
Due to his amnesia, Tarzan saw the jewels as mere colorful stones, unaware of their immense worth.
Highlights Tarzan's regression to a primitive mindset.
“By a quick side step, Tarzan eluded the first swinging clutch of the lion's paws. Darting to the beast's side, he leaped upon the tawny back. His arms encircled the maned neck, his teeth sank deep into the brute's flesh.”
Tarzan dodged the lion's attack, jumped onto its back, and bit into its neck while stabbing it repeatedly.
Describes Tarzan's animalistic fighting style against the lion.