Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle · Chapter
XIV: Sword and Buckler explained
Blake faces Sir Malud in a tournament duel in Nimmr.
What happens
Blake faces Sir Malud in a tournament duel in Nimmr. Discarding his buckler as cumbersome, he uses superior horsemanship and unconventional swordplay to wound Malud multiple times, disarm him, and finally knock him unconscious. Rather than kill his foe, Blake spares Malud, earning the applause of the crowd and the approval of Prince Gobred and Princess Guinalda.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Chivalry
Blake spares Malud's life after disarming him, demonstrating mercy and knightly grace.
Love and Sacrifice
Blake's glance at Guinalda when sparing Malud hints at romantic motivation.
Characters to notice
- James Hunter Blake
The American protagonist, fighting as Sir James in the tournament; discards his buckler and defeats Sir Malud through skill and mercy.
- Sir Malud
Blake's opponent in the duel; initially confident but outmatched, he is wounded, disarmed, and knocked unconscious, then spared by Blake.
- Sir Richard
Blake's second and friend; advises him before the fight and supports him during the duel.
- Edward
Loyal squire to Blake; expresses fierce confidence in his master and weeps with joy after the victory.
- Michel
A youth who jests with Edward about the duel; later celebrates Blake's triumph.
- Prince Gobred
Ruler of Nimmr; presides over the tournament and rules fairly on the buckler protest.
- Princess Guinalda
Watches from the grandstand; Blake glances toward her when sparing Malud.
- Sir Jarred
Second to Sir Malud; protests Blake's lack of a buckler but accepts the prince's ruling.
Key passages
“I do my devoirs to a noble and generous knight”
I pay my respects to a noble and generous knight.
Malud acknowledges Blake's mercy after being disarmed.
“Here is a brave knight with whom I have no real quarrel. I spare him to your service, Prince, and to those who love him”
This is a brave knight I have no true grievance with. I spare him for your service, Prince, and for those who care for him.
Blake publicly spares Malud, addressing Prince Gobred and glancing at Guinalda.