Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle · Chapter
III: The Apes of Toyat explained
Tarzan, bound and guarded by Tantor, is rescued by the great ape M'walat after three days of captivity.
What happens
Tarzan, bound and guarded by Tantor, is rescued by the great ape M'walat after three days of captivity. He confronts Toyat, the king ape who hates him, and uses his authority and past deeds to win over the tribe, eventually ranging again with the Mangani.
Themes in this chapter
Survival and Resilience
Tarzan endures three days bound and helpless, relying on patience and the hope of rescue.
Loyalty and Betrayal
M'walat and Gayat show loyalty to Tarzan, while Toyat betrays their friendship out of jealousy.
Civilization vs. Wilderness
Tarzan, a Tarmangani, navigates the wild laws of the ape tribe, using his jungle upbringing to survive.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Bound and helpless, then rescued by M'walat; reasserts his identity and friendship with the Mangani.
- Tantor
Guards Tarzan for three days, brings food and water, then leaves when Tarzan refuses to move north.
- Toyat
King ape who hates Tarzan and tries to incite the tribe to kill him.
- M'walat
Recognizes Tarzan, cuts his bonds, and stands by him against Toyat.
- Manu
Monkey who initially fails to help but later fetches the Mangani.
- Gayat
Bull ape who defends Tarzan, recalling how Tarzan saved him as a balu.
Key passages
“I am Tarzan of the Apes, mighty hunter, mighty fighter; long did I range with the tribe of Kerchak; when Kerchak died I became king ape; many of you know me; all know that I am first a Mangani; that I am friend to all Mangani.”
Tarzan declares his identity and history as a member of the ape tribe, emphasizing his friendship with all Mangani.
Tarzan uses his past to assert authority and defuse hostility.
“You, Zutho! ... Have you forgotten, Zutho, the time that you were sick and the other members of the tribe left you to die? Have you forgotten who brought you food and water?”
Tarzan reminds Zutho of how he saved his life when the tribe abandoned him.
Tarzan appeals to personal loyalty to turn Zutho from an enemy into a friend.
“He is the friend of Tarzan.”
Zutho acknowledges Tarzan as his friend.
Zutho switches sides, demonstrating the power of Tarzan's words.