# VII: The Jewel-Room of Opar explained — Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar

> Chapter companion for Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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