Tarzan the Untamed · Chapter
When Blood Told explained
Tarzan, disgusted by his failure to kill Bertha Kircher and haunted by the memory of his murdered mate, decides to leave the British forces and return to the primitive jungle.
What happens
Tarzan, disgusted by his failure to kill Bertha Kircher and haunted by the memory of his murdered mate, decides to leave the British forces and return to the primitive jungle. He crosses a barren, desolate plateau, struggling with hunger and thirst, and discovers the bleached skeleton of an ancient armored warrior in a canyon.
Themes in this chapter
Savagery vs. Civilization
Tarzan struggles with his civilized restraint (sparing Bertha) and his savage instincts, ultimately choosing to return to the primitive jungle.
War and Its Atrocities
The chapter reflects on the horrors of war, including murder, pillage, and rape committed by German soldiers at Tarzan's bungalow.
Survival and Adaptation
Tarzan's journey across a barren, waterless plateau tests his survival skills and primal instincts.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Disgusted with himself for sparing Bertha Kircher, he leaves the British camp and journeys westward across a barren plateau, battling hunger and thirst.
- Fräulein Bertha Kircher
Mentioned as the German spy Tarzan had in his power but left unscathed, causing him shame.
- Hauptmann Fritz Schneider
Slain by Tarzan; his death is recalled as part of Tarzan's vengeance.
- Underlieutenant von Goss
Died at Tarzan's hands, mentioned among the Germans Tarzan has already dealt with.
- Manu
The little monkey who chatters with Tarzan, warns him of Histah, and gives information about the Mangani.
- Ska
The vulture that follows Tarzan across the barren plateau, a harbinger of evil.
Key passages
“Tarzan of the Apes was disgusted. He had had the German spy, Bertha Kircher, in his power and had left her unscathed.”
Tarzan felt ashamed because he had captured the German spy Bertha Kircher but let her go unharmed.
Opening lines establish Tarzan's internal conflict over sparing Bertha.
“Always was he comparing their weaknesses, their vices, their hypocrisies, and their little vanities with the open, primitive ways of his ferocious jungle mates.”
He constantly contrasted the flaws of civilized people with the honest, straightforward behavior of his jungle companions.
Highlights Tarzan's disdain for civilization and his preference for the jungle.
“I am Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle. Tarzan of the Apes is not for Ska, eater of carrion.”
Tarzan defiantly declares his identity and refuses to be seen as prey for the vulture Ska.
Shows Tarzan's pride and determination even in dire circumstances.