# XXIII: Taken Alive explained — Tarzan the Terrible

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

## What happens

Tarzan's plan to infiltrate the temple and attack A-lur with Ja-don and Ta-den goes awry when he rushes ahead of his warriors and is trapped in a dark chamber. Meanwhile, Pan-sat captures Jane from Ja-lur and transports her downriver to A-lur, while the battle erupts and the priests spread word that the false Dor-ul-Otho is a prisoner.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Corruption

Lu-don's manipulation of the priests and warriors, and Obergatz's delusional claim to divinity, illustrate the corrupting influence of power.

### Survival and Adaptation

Tarzan's reliance on his own cunning and prowess, and Jane's resistance during capture, highlight survival instincts in hostile environments.

## Character check-ins

### Tarzan

Leads the infiltration of the temple but is trapped in a dark chamber after pursuing Pan-sat.

### Jane Clayton

Captured from Ja-lur by Pan-sat and two priests, gagged and bound, then taken by canoe toward A-lur.

### Erich Obergatz

Awakened by the battle, he rants as Jad-ben-Otho and is summoned to the palace by a priest.

### Ja-don

Leads the attack on the palace gates as part of the coordinated assault on A-lur.

### Lu-don

Hastens to the palace to direct his forces after the temple gong sounds, leaving Pan-sat to guard Jane.

### Pan-at-lee

Mentioned as the captive woman being dragged by Pan-sat, later identified as Jane.

## Key lines

> He who follows the right trail sometimes reaches the wrong destination

Even a well-planned path can lead to unexpected failure.

_Pal-ul-donian proverb reflecting the chapter's theme of plans going awry._

> With lightning I will blast the blasphemers who dare attack the holy city of A-lur.

Obergatz threatens divine retribution against the attackers.

_Shows Obergatz's delusion of godhood and his erratic behavior._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_the_terrible_se/chapters/xxiii-taken-alive
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_the_terrible_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_the_terrible_se/chapters