# XII: “Tomorrow Thou Diest!” explained — Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle

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

## What happens

Tarzan tracks the Beduins, believing Blake is their prisoner. Meanwhile, Blake prepares for a deadly duel with Sir Malud, who is jealous of Blake's relationship with Princess Guinalda. Batando plans to lead the Beduins into the forbidden valley, from which no one returns. Fejjuan relays Batando's terms to Ibn Jad, who reluctantly agrees to free the Galla slaves.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Chivalry

Blake faces a duel to the death to defend his honor and the princess's favor.

### Love and Sacrifice

Blake's growing feelings for Princess Guinalda complicate his impending duel.

### Survival and Resilience

Batando and the Galla use cunning to avoid direct conflict with the Beduins.

## Character check-ins

### Tarzan

Tracks the Beduins, convinced Blake is their prisoner.

### James Hunter Blake

Prepares for a mortal combat with Sir Malud, reflecting on his feelings for Princess Guinalda.

### Sir Richard

Warns Blake of Sir Malud's skill and jealousy, and discusses the history of Nimmr.

### Sir Malud

Challenges Blake to a duel to the death due to jealousy over Princess Guinalda.

### Princess Guinalda

Betrothed to Sir Malud; Blake is concerned about his feelings for her.

### Batando

Plans to lead the Beduins into the forbidden valley to avoid conflict.

### Fejjuan

Relays Batando's terms to Ibn Jad, feeling regret over betraying the Beduins.

### Fahd Ibn Jad

Reluctantly agrees to free the Galla slaves in exchange for guidance to the forbidden valley.

## Key lines

> “It is your move, Richard,” said one of the men. “You don’t appear to be very keen about the game tonight. What’s the matter?” “I be thinking of the morrow, James, and my heart be heavy within me,” replied the other.

Blake and Sir Richard play chess; Richard is troubled about Blake's upcoming duel.

_Richard's concern for Blake's fate is evident._

> “He would wed the Princess and he hath seen in what manner thou lookest at her,” explained Richard.

Richard explains that Sir Malud is jealous because Blake looks at Princess Guinalda with affection.

_Motivation for the duel is revealed._

> “It is not difficult to enter the forbidden valley, especially from the north. Every Galla knows how to find the northern pass through the mountains or the tunnel beyond the great cross that marks the southern entrance. There are only these two ways in⁠—every Galla knows them; but every Galla also knows that there is no way out of the forbidden valley.”

Batando tells Fejjuan that while there are two entrances to the forbidden valley, no one has ever returned from it.

_The valley is a trap from which there is no escape._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_lord_of_the_jungle_se/chapters/xii-tomorrow-thou-diest
- 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