# A-lur explained — Tarzan the Terrible

> Chapter companion for Tarzan the Terrible by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## What happens

Tarzan enters the Ho-don city of A-lur, posing as a messenger from Jad-ben-Otho. He is initially challenged by a child who notices his lack of a tail, but he uses his taillessness as proof of his divine origin. After confronting a warrior and then the guard Dak-lot, he demands to be taken to King Ko-tan, successfully intimidating them into compliance. The chapter also describes Tarzan's journey to A-lur, his appreciation of nature, and the architecture of the city.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Belonging

Tarzan's taillessness marks him as an outsider, but he exploits this difference to claim a divine identity, manipulating the Ho-don's beliefs to gain access.

### Power and Corruption

Tarzan uses deception and the fear of divine wrath to assert authority over the Ho-don, demonstrating how power can be seized through manipulation.

### Religion and Superstition

The Ho-don's belief in Jad-ben-Otho and the significance of having or lacking a tail are central to Tarzan's ruse, highlighting the role of superstition in their society.

## Character check-ins

### Tarzan

Enters A-lur posing as the son of Jad-ben-Otho (Dor-ul-Otho); uses his taillessness to claim divine authority.

### Ko-tan

King of Pal-ul-don; Tarzan demands an audience with him.

### Dak-at

The warrior who escorts Tarzan to the palace; he is terrified by Tarzan's claim to be Dor-ul-Otho.

### Ta-den

Mentioned in the context of the quarrel with Om-at about Jad-ben-Otho's tail, which inspired Tarzan's plan.

### Om-at

Mentioned in the context of the quarrel with Ta-den about Jad-ben-Otho's tail.

## Key lines

> With the same assurance that you might venture upon the main street of a neighboring city Tarzan strode into the Ho-don city of A-lur.

Tarzan walked into A-lur as confidently as if he were entering a familiar town.

_Highlights Tarzan's boldness and self-assurance in a foreign and potentially hostile environment._

> I come directly from Jad-ben-Otho. Look!

Tarzan claims to be a messenger from the god Jad-ben-Otho, showing his hands and taillessness as proof.

_Key moment where Tarzan establishes his false identity based on local religious beliefs._

> Have mercy, O Dor-ul-Otho, on poor old Dak-lot.

Dak-lot begs for mercy, addressing Tarzan as the son of the god.

_Shows the success of Tarzan's deception and the fear it instills in the Ho-don._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_the_terrible_se/chapters/viii-a-lur
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_the_terrible_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_the_terrible_se/chapters