# Sir Richard explained — Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle

> Chapter companion for Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## What happens

Blake is brought before Prince Gobred in the court of Nimmr, where his claims of being a Knight Templar from New York are met with suspicion, particularly from Sir Malud. Sir Richard vouches for Blake, and after a meal, they ride to the castle. Blake is astonished by the medieval setting and is eventually taken before Sir Richard, who acts as Keeper of the Gate, leading to a confrontation about Blake's identity and the reality of the Saracen siege.

## Themes in this chapter

### Racial and Cultural Conflict

The suspicion toward Blake as a potential Saracen spy and the medieval society's isolation from the outside world highlight cultural and racial tensions.

### Honor and Chivalry

Sir Richard's vow to vouch for Blake and the knights' concern for honor and duty reflect the theme of chivalry.

### Survival and Resilience

Blake's survival in the jungle and his efforts to navigate the hostile medieval environment underscore resilience.

## Character check-ins

### James Hunter Blake

Blake is brought before Prince Gobred and later Sir Richard, insisting he is from New York and a Knight Templar, but his story is met with skepticism.

### Sir Richard

Sir Richard escorts Blake to the castle, vouches for him to Prince Gobred, and later acts as Keeper of the Gate, questioning Blake about his origins.

### Prince Gobred

Prince Gobred interrogates Blake about his origins and the supposed Saracen siege, showing suspicion but also curiosity.

### Sir Malud

Sir Malud accuses Blake of being a Saracen spy and argues against him, displaying hostility and jealousy.

### Princess Guinalda

Princess Guinalda defends Blake briefly, suggesting he might be a knight guarding pilgrims, and shows interest in him.

### Paul Bodkin

Paul Bodkin is a soldier who assists Sir Richard and confirms that there is no 'director' in Nimmr.

### Michel

Michel fetches a stool for Blake and later prepares horses for the ride to the castle.

## Key lines

> I have come for days through the forest and seen no living man. No enemy surrounds you.

Blake insists that there are no Saracen armies besieging Nimmr, contradicting the long-held belief of the inhabitants.

_This statement challenges the foundational myth of Nimmr's isolation._

> I’ll tell the world I would!

Blake enthusiastically agrees to enter Prince Gobred's service after seeing Princess Guinalda.

_Blake's modern slang contrasts with the medieval setting, amusing Sir Richard._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_lord_of_the_jungle_se/chapters/ix-sir-richard
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_lord_of_the_jungle_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_lord_of_the_jungle_se/chapters