# The Swede explained — The Beasts of Tarzan

> Chapter companion for The Beasts of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## What happens

Tarzan confronts the wounded Swede, Anderssen, who reveals that Rokoff has taken Jane and the child. Despite his initial fury, Tarzan realizes Anderssen tried to protect them and shows him mercy before he dies. Meanwhile, Tarzan's pack of apes and Sheeta defend a village against attacking natives, and Mugambi arrives to free Tarzan from his bonds. After routing the savages, Tarzan learns from a prisoner that Rokoff's party has fled upstream by canoe, leading him to resume the search on a false trail.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revenge and Retribution

Tarzan's initial intent to kill Anderssen shifts to mercy, while his pursuit of Rokoff is driven by vengeance for the abduction of his family.

### Savagery and Civilization

Tarzan's struggle to command his savage pack contrasts with his civilized compassion for Anderssen, highlighting the duality of his nature.

### Survival and Resilience

Tarzan and his pack endure attacks from natives and continue the arduous search despite setbacks and losses.

## Character check-ins

### Tarzan

Interrogates Anderssen, shows mercy, leads the pack in battle, and resumes the search for his son.

### Sven Anderssen

Wounded Swede who reveals Rokoff's abduction of Jane and the child; dies after explaining he tried to protect them.

### Nikolas Rokoff

Antagonist who abducted Jane and the child, fled upstream, and is pursued by Tarzan.

### Mugambi

Arrives to free Tarzan from the stake and fights alongside him against the natives.

### Sheeta

The panther that aids Tarzan, bringing the apes to his rescue and fighting in the village defense.

### Akut

Leads the apes in the battle against the natives, though communication with Tarzan is limited.

## Key lines

> Where is my wife? Where is the child?

Tarzan demands to know the location of Jane and his son.

_Tarzan's immediate concern upon finding Anderssen._

> Ay did not hurt them. Ay tried to save them from that Russian.

Anderssen claims he attempted to protect Jane and the child from Rokoff.

_Anderssen's defense, which convinces Tarzan of his innocence._

> You go on an' look for the vife an' kid. Ay ban as gude as dead already; but—Ay hate to think of the hyenas. Von't you finish up this job?

Anderssen urges Tarzan to continue the search and asks for a merciful death to avoid being eaten by hyenas.

_Anderssen's final request, showing his acceptance of death._

> Ay tank it blow purty soon purty hard!

Anderssen predicts a storm before dying.

_Anderssen's last words, a metaphor for the coming turmoil._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beasts_of_tarzan_se/chapters/x-the-swede
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beasts_of_tarzan_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beasts_of_tarzan_se/chapters