# XIV: Sword and Buckler explained — Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_lord_of_the_jungle_se/chapters/xiv-sword-and-buckler
- 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