Tarzan the Terrible · Chapter
XVI: The Secret Way explained
Tarzan escapes the gryf pool and finds a secret passage into the temple.
What happens
Tarzan escapes the gryf pool and finds a secret passage into the temple. Overhearing a plot, he disguises himself as a priest and learns that Jane has been taken by Mo-sar. He rescues Pan-at-lee and O-lo-a from an attacker, then pursues Mo-sar to save his mate, rallying loyal warriors against Lu-don's conspiracy.
Themes in this chapter
Survival and Adaptation
Tarzan adapts to the temple's secret passages, uses disguise, and leverages his wits to overcome overwhelming odds.
Power and Corruption
Lu-don's plot to install Mo-sar as king illustrates the corrupting influence of power and religious manipulation.
Love and Loyalty
Tarzan's unwavering determination to rescue Jane drives his actions, while Pan-at-lee and O-lo-a show loyalty to each other.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Escapes the gryf pool, dons a priest disguise, rescues Pan-at-lee and O-lo-a, and pursues Mo-sar to save Jane.
- Jane Clayton
Mentioned as having been taken by Mo-sar to Tu-lur; Tarzan's primary objective to rescue her.
- Pan-at-lee
Rescued by Tarzan from Bu-lot; provides information about Jane's abduction.
- O-lo-a
Present in the chamber with Pan-at-lee; attacked by Bu-lot and rescued by Tarzan.
- Mo-sar
Abducts Jane and plans to take her to Tu-lur; ally of Lu-don in the conspiracy.
- Lu-don
High priest plotting to seize the palace and make Mo-sar king; overheard by Tarzan.
- Ja-don
Mentioned as the rightful king by Tarzan; loyal warriors are defending him in the banquet hall.
- Ko-tan
Reported slain; his death is used by Tarzan to rally support for Ja-don.
Key passages
“Stop! I am the Dor-ul-Otho and I come to you with a word from Ja-don, who it is my father's will shall be your king now that Ko-tan is slain.”
Tarzan commands the warriors to halt, claiming divine authority and announcing Ja-don as the new king.
Tarzan uses his assumed identity to rally support and expose Lu-don's conspiracy.
“My life will be your guarantee. If you find that I have not spoken the truth you are sufficient in numbers to execute whatever penalty you choose.”
Tarzan offers his life as collateral to prove his honesty about Lu-don's plot.
Demonstrates Tarzan's confidence and leadership in a tense situation.
“Tell me, how I may know this city of Tu-lur? It lies upon the south shore of the second lake below A-lur, the lake that is called Jad-in-lul.”
Tarzan asks for directions to Tu-lur and is told it is on the southern shore of Lake Jad-in-lul.
Provides geographical context for Tarzan's pursuit of Mo-sar.