A Journey on a Gryf explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Survival and Adaptation

  Tarzan and Jane adapt to the dangers of Pal-ul-don, subduing a gryf and navigating the landscape.

• Power and Corruption

  Tarzan's perceived divinity as Dor-ul-Otho is used by Ja-don to rally support, highlighting the political use of religious authority.

• Love and Loyalty

  Tarzan and Jane's reunion and their mutual support in the face of danger underscore their bond.

Characters to notice

• Tarzan

  Rides a gryf, is hailed as Dor-ul-Otho, and plans the attack on A-lur.

• Jane Clayton

  Travels with Tarzan, rides the gryf, and is left in Ja-lur for safety.

• Ja-don

  Leads the campaign, convinces Tarzan to ride the gryf to inspire his forces.

• O-lo-a

  Greets Tarzan and Jane in Ja-lur, is to marry Ta-den.

• Pan-at-lee

  Present in Ja-lur, happy to see Tarzan-jad-guru again.

• Ta-den

  Mentioned as returning to marry O-lo-a and leading a force from the northwest.

• Om-at

  Tarzan plans to visit him in Kor-ul-ja to give word of Pan-at-lee.

• Gryf

  Subdued and ridden by Tarzan; later enclosed in Ja-lur.

Key passages

• “The ape-man advanced straight toward him, Jane Clayton at his elbow. 'Whee-oo!' he cried again peremptorily.”

  Tarzan walked directly toward the gryf, with Jane beside him, and called out the Tor-o-don cry again in a commanding tone.

  Demonstrates Tarzan's courage and his method of controlling the gryf.

• “How they were to recross the morass was a matter of little concern to him as yet—it would be time enough to consider that matter when it became of more immediate moment.”

  Tarzan was not worried about crossing the swamp again; he would deal with it when the time came.

  Shows Tarzan's pragmatic and present-focused mindset.