# XI: Sir James explained — Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle

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

## What happens

Tarzan journeys with Zeyd, who asks to remain in a village to await Ibn Jad's return and protect Ateja. Tarzan agrees and then heads north, concerned about a European prisoner reported among the Arabs. He encounters the apes of Toyat, hunts with them, and later learns from monkeys that strange black men with guns are nearby. He finds Blake's abandoned safari and learns that Blake disappeared after a storm. Tarzan sends a message to summon the Waziri. Meanwhile, in Nimmr, Blake is being trained as a knight under Sir Richard's tutelage, learning sword and lance skills while facing skepticism from Prince Gobred and antagonism from Sir Malud.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Zeyd pledges loyalty to Tarzan for his kindness, while fearing betrayal from Fahd Ibn Jad. Blake's loyalty to Sir Richard is tested as he trains under scrutiny.

### Honor and Chivalry

The knights of Nimmr value honor and courage above wealth; Blake is being schooled in knightly duties and the code of chivalry.

### Survival and Resilience

Tarzan reverts to his primitive jungle self, hunting and surviving with ease. Blake adapts to a new culture and learns new skills in Nimmr.

## Character check-ins

### Tarzan

Travels with Zeyd, agrees to let him stay in the village, then heads north; hunts with the apes of Toyat, taunts Numa, and later investigates reports of strange Gomangani, finding Blake's camp and sending for the Waziri.

### Zeyd Ibn Jad

Travels with Tarzan, asks to remain in the village to await Ibn Jad's return and protect Ateja from Fahd; Tarzan grants him six months.

### James Hunter Blake

Now called Sir James in Nimmr, he is being trained as a knight under Sir Richard, learning sword and lance skills; his disappearance from the jungle is noted by Tarzan.

### Sir Richard

Takes Blake under his protection, trains him in knightly arts, and provides him with clothing, armor, and a horse.

### Princess Guinalda

Shows curiosity and interest in Blake's arrival; her influence may affect her father's attitude toward Blake.

### Sir Malud

Openly antagonistic toward Blake; his party gains recruits as Prince Gobred leans toward him.

## Key lines

> Sloughed was the thin veneer of civilization that was Lord Greystoke; back to the primitive, back to the savage beast the ape-man reverted as naturally, as simply, as one changes from one suit to another.

Tarzan shed his civilized identity and returned to his primal, savage nature as easily as changing clothes.

_Highlights Tarzan's reversion to his true jungle self when away from human society._

> The knights valued most highly their honor and their courage upon which there could be no price.

The knights prized honor and courage above all, considering them priceless.

_Reflects the chivalric values of Nimmr's society._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_lord_of_the_jungle_se/chapters/xi-sir-james
- 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