Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle · Chapter
The Great Tourney explained
The chapter describes the Great Tourney between the Knights of Nimmr and the Knights of the Sepulcher, a centuries-old tradition that combines martial competition with a prize of five maidens.
What happens
The chapter describes the Great Tourney between the Knights of Nimmr and the Knights of the Sepulcher, a centuries-old tradition that combines martial competition with a prize of five maidens. Blake, now known as Sir James, participates in sword and buckler contests, and his personal feelings for Princess Guinalda create tension. Despite her initial rebuff, he declares his love, and she gives him a ribbon as a favor, though she accuses him of lying about his intentions.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Chivalry
The tourney is a display of knightly honor and chivalric duty, with knights pledging their swords to the glory of Nimmr and the protection of the princess.
Love and Sacrifice
Blake's declaration of love for Guinalda and his willingness to risk rebuff and danger for her favor highlight the theme of personal sacrifice for love.
Civilization vs. Wilderness
The structured, ritualized tourney contrasts with the untamed jungle world Tarzan inhabits, emphasizing the divide between civilized order and natural chaos.
Characters to notice
- James Hunter Blake
Participates in the Great Tourney as Sir James, competing in sword contests and declaring his love for Princess Guinalda.
- Princess Guinalda
The princess of Nimmr, who gives Blake a ribbon as a favor but rebuffs his declaration of love, accusing him of lying.
- Prince Gobred
Prince of Nimmr, who charges Blake to conduct himself as a true knight and appears pleased with Blake's chivalric pledge.
- King Bohun
King of the Sepulcher, who leads his knights to the tourney and camps north of the lists.
- Edward
Blake's squire, who follows him bearing his lance and buckler.
- Sir Richard
A knight of Nimmr present at the tilts to support Blake.
Key passages
“To the glory and honor of Nimmr and to the protection of my Princess I pledge my sword and my life!”
Blake swears his sword and life to the glory of Nimmr and the protection of Princess Guinalda.
Blake modifies the traditional tourney pledge to include his personal devotion to Guinalda.
“I love you, Guinalda, and—you love me!”
Blake tells Guinalda that he loves her and insists that she loves him too.
Blake boldly declares his love and asserts mutual affection despite her earlier disdain.
“Thou liest! I have heard what thou hast said concerning me!”
Guinalda accuses Blake of lying about his feelings, claiming she has heard his words about her.
Guinalda rejects Blake's declaration, citing rumors or reports she has heard.