# XVII: The White Chief of the Waziri explained — The Return of Tarzan

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

## What happens

Tarzan leads the Waziri in battle against Arab raiders and is chosen as their king after the death of old Waziri. He uses guerrilla tactics to harass the raiders, killing sentries and causing panic. The chapter culminates in Tarzan being crowned 'Waziri, king of the Waziri' in a primal ceremony, fully embracing his savage heritage.

## Themes in this chapter

### Civilization vs. Wilderness

Tarzan fully embraces his primitive nature, becoming a savage king among the Waziri, contrasting with his former civilized life in Paris.

### Survival and Physical Prowess

Tarzan's guerrilla tactics, strength, and agility are central to defeating the Arab raiders and securing his kingship.

### Colonialism and Otherness

The Arab raiders exploit African resources and people, while Tarzan, a white man, is accepted as chief by the Waziri, highlighting complex colonial dynamics.

## Character check-ins

### Tarzan

Becomes the white chief and king of the Waziri after leading them to victory against Arab raiders.

### Busuli

Waziri warrior who first proposes Tarzan as the new king.

### Countess Olga de Coude

Mentioned in Tarzan's reflection as someone who would not recognize his savage transformation.

### Jane Porter

Mentioned in Tarzan's reflection, questioning if she would still love him as a savage warrior.

### Lieutenant D'Arnot

Mentioned in Tarzan's reflection, wondering if he would recognize the savage king.

## Key lines

> The last remnant of his civilization was forgotten—he was a primitive man to the fullest now; reveling in the freedom of the fierce, wild life he loved, gloating in his kingship among these wild blacks.

Tarzan shed all traces of his civilized upbringing, fully embracing his primal instincts and delighting in his role as king of the savage Waziri.

_Highlights the theme of civilization vs. wilderness._

> There is only one, and that is the white man who has led us for the past few days.

Busuli declares that Tarzan is the only one fit to be their new king due to his successful leadership.

_Marks Tarzan's acceptance as chief._

> Today you die, oh, Manyuema, unless you lay down the ivory. Fall upon your cruel masters and kill them!

Tarzan calls out to the Manyuema porters, urging them to rebel against the Arabs and abandon the ivory.

_Shows Tarzan's psychological warfare tactics._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/xvii-the-white-chief-of-the-waziri
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters