Tarzan the Terrible · Chapter
The Lion Pit of Tu-lur explained
Tarzan arrives in Tu-lur demanding the return of Jane from Mo-sar, who claims she escaped during the night.
What happens
Tarzan arrives in Tu-lur demanding the return of Jane from Mo-sar, who claims she escaped during the night. Mo-sar, torn between fear and duplicity, consults with priests of Lu-don and ultimately avoids direct confrontation, leaving the priests to deal with Tarzan. Meanwhile, the chapter reveals Tarzan's search for Jane, his pursuit by canoe, and the circumstances of her escape.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Corruption
Mo-sar's duplicity and cowardice, and the priests' manipulation, highlight the corrupt use of power and religious authority.
Identity and Belonging
Tarzan's claim as Dor-ul-Otho is contested, creating tension between his perceived divine identity and mortal reality.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Enters Tu-lur alone, boldly demanding Jane's return from Mo-sar, and later searches for her by canoe.
- Mo-sar
Chief of Tu-lur, terrified of Tarzan, claims Jane escaped and tries to shift blame to Lu-don's priests.
- Lu-don
High priest of A-lur, whose priests counsel Mo-sar to capture Tarzan alive for Lu-don.
- Jane Clayton
Escaped from Mo-sar's party during the night; Tarzan searches for her but misses her location.
- Ja-don
Mentioned as a rival who might seize Jane; Mo-sar fears pursuit from him.
Key passages
“The Dor-ul-Otho has come to Tu-lur and demands to see Mo-sar at once.”
A warrior announces that Tarzan, claiming to be the son of god, has arrived and wants to speak with Mo-sar.
Sets up Tarzan's bold entrance and the challenge to Mo-sar's authority.
“I am the Dor-ul-Otho, and I come to Tu-lur for the woman you stole from the apartments of O-lo-a, the princess.”
Tarzan declares his identity and demands the return of Jane, whom Mo-sar abducted.
Tarzan's direct confrontation and demand drive the chapter's conflict.
“She is not here. You may search the palace and the temple and the entire city but you will not find her, for she is not here.”
Mo-sar insists Jane is not in Tu-lur, claiming she escaped during the night.
Mo-sar's denial and explanation of Jane's escape create a turning point in the search.