Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle · Chapter
Jad-Bal-Ja explained
Tarzan rescues Princess Guinalda from the golden lion Jad-bal-ja, whom he raised from cubhood, and learns of her love for Blake.
What happens
Tarzan rescues Princess Guinalda from the golden lion Jad-bal-ja, whom he raised from cubhood, and learns of her love for Blake. Meanwhile, Zeyd kills Fahd upon discovering his lies about Ateja, and the Waziri march northward. Tarzan later finds Guinalda unharmed and reunites with her, promising to search for Blake.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Guinalda's devotion to Blake and Zeyd's desperate love for Ateja drive their actions, leading to rescue and revenge.
Survival and Resilience
Guinalda survives the lion's presence through stillness; Tarzan navigates the jungle to find her and continues his quest.
Justice and Vengeance
Zeyd exacts vengeance on Fahd for his lies about Ateja, reflecting a personal sense of justice.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Rescues Princess Guinalda from Jad-bal-ja, learns of her love for Blake, and continues his search for Blake.
- Princess Guinalda
Rescued by Tarzan from the golden lion; expresses her love for Blake and returns to Nimmr.
- Zeyd Ibn Jad
Kills Fahd after learning of his lies about Ateja, then marches north with the Waziri.
- Fahd Ibn Jad
Lies to Zeyd about Ateja's fate and is killed by Zeyd in revenge.
- Toyat
King of the apes; informs Tarzan that Numa (a lion) took Guinalda.
- Jad-bal-ja
The golden lion raised by Tarzan; guards Guinalda and later accompanies Tarzan.
- James Hunter Blake
Mentioned as the beloved of Guinalda; Tarzan searches for him.
Key passages
“lion not kill thee, Sir Tarzan? ... Why did the lion not kill me? repeated Tarzan. Because he is Jad-bal-ja, the Golden Lion, which I raised from cubhood.”
Guinalda asks why the lion didn't kill Tarzan, and he explains that Jad-bal-ja is a lion he raised from a cub, so it wouldn't harm him.
Tarzan reveals his bond with the golden lion, explaining its docility toward him.
“An' thou findst him, tell him that the gates of Nimmr be always open to him and that the Princess Guinalda awaits his return.”
Guinalda asks Tarzan to tell Blake that Nimmr's gates are open and she awaits his return.
Guinalda expresses her enduring love and hope for Blake's return.
“With a scream of rage Zeyd leaped upon him with drawn khusa, and before the Waziri could interfere or Fahd defend himself the keen blade had drunk thrice in the heart of the lying Beduin.”
Zeyd, enraged by Fahd's lies about Ateja, stabs him three times in the heart, killing him instantly.
Zeyd's vengeance is swift and fatal upon learning the truth.