The Beasts of Tarzan · Chapter
Betrayed explained
Tarzan and his wild company continue up the Ugambi River in pursuit of Nikolas Rokoff.
What happens
Tarzan and his wild company continue up the Ugambi River in pursuit of Nikolas Rokoff. After days of travel, Tarzan leaves his group to scout ahead. He encounters a cannibal village whose chief feigns friendship but secretly sends for Rokoff. While Tarzan sleeps, Rokoff and his men capture and bind him. Rokoff taunts and kicks Tarzan, threatening him with death and revealing that harm has befallen Jane.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Retribution
Tarzan's relentless pursuit of Rokoff is driven by a desire for vengeance, and Rokoff's capture of Tarzan sets the stage for a confrontation.
Savagery and Civilization
The chapter contrasts Tarzan's wild methods and companions with the deceptive 'civilized' treachery of Rokoff and the cannibal chief.
Survival and Resilience
Tarzan endures fatigue, betrayal, and capture, yet continues to adapt and plan his next move in the hostile jungle.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Leads the pursuit up the Ugambi, scouts ahead alone, and is betrayed and captured by Rokoff while sleeping in a village.
- Nikolas Rokoff
Arrives at the village after being summoned by the chief; oversees Tarzan's capture, taunts him, and kicks him.
- Mugambi
Remains with the boat party, following Tarzan's orders to continue upriver with the apes.
- Akut
Leads the apes under Mugambi's direction while Tarzan scouts ahead.
- Sheeta
Part of Tarzan's wild company, used to intimidate the natives during the earlier village encounter.
- Kaviri
The chief of the first village who reluctantly provides warriors for Tarzan's canoes.
Key passages
“The two savages, Kaviri and Mugambi, squatting before the entrance to Kaviri’s hut, looked at one another—Kaviri with ill-concealed alarm.”
Kaviri and Mugambi sat outside Kaviri's hut, exchanging worried glances as Kaviri tried to hide his fear.
Opening scene establishes tension and the wild nature of Tarzan's approach.
“A moment later a horde of terrified natives burst from the jungle, racing toward the shelter of their huts. Like frightened sheep they ran, and behind them, driving them as sheep might be driven, came Tarzan and Sheeta and the hideous apes of Akut.”
The villagers fled in panic from the jungle, herded back to their homes by Tarzan, Sheeta, and the apes.
Illustrates Tarzan's control over his wild followers and his power over the natives.
“Then they threw him down upon his back, and as his eyes turned toward the crowd that stood near, they fell upon the malign face of Nikolas Rokoff. A sneer curled the Russian’s lips. He stepped quite close to Tarzan. “Pig!” he cried. “Have you not learned sufficient wisdom to keep away from Nikolas Rokoff?” Then he kicked the prostrate man full in the face.”
After being bound, Tarzan saw Rokoff, who mocked him and kicked him in the face.
Key moment of betrayal and humiliation, escalating the conflict between Tarzan and Rokoff.