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Tarzan the Terrible

Written by Edgar Rice Burroughs

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Adventure storiesFantasy fictionTarzan (Fictitious character)

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About this book

"Tarzan the Terrible" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a novel written during the late 19th century, continuing the adventures of Tarzan, the iconic character first introduced in "Tarzan of the Apes." In this installment, the story follows Tarzan as he embarks on a perilous journey through the savage wilderness in search of his wife, Lady Jane, who has been captured and believed to be held by hostile forces in a land filled with terrifying creatures and ancient tribes. The opening of the book immerses readers in a vivid and perilous jungle landscape, where Tarzan's quest begins after he learns that Lady Jane is alive but in danger. As he navigates treacherous terrain filled with both natural and human threats, Tarzan finds and befriends strange creatures, including the pithecanthropus, a man-like being with peculiar physical traits. The story sets up a blend of Tarzan's primal instincts and his human intellect as he battles lions and encounters various tribes, showcasing his strength and courage while introducing new allies and adversaries. As the narrative unfolds, the urgency of his quest to reunite with his wife becomes ever more palpable amid the looming dangers of this unexplored land.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Tarzan the Terrible, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • adventurous
  • suspenseful
  • exotic

In Edgar Rice Burroughs's 'Tarzan the Terrible,' Tarzan embarks on a perilous quest into the uncharted African interior to rescue his beloved wife, Jane, who has been kidnapped by German forces during World War I and subsequently captured by a lost race. His journey leads him to Pal-ul-don, a hidden land teeming with prehistoric creatures, tailed humanoids known as the Ho-don and Sto-don, and savage ape-men. Tarzan, accompanied by his son Korak and Meriem, navigates this dangerous world, battling monstrous beasts and warring tribes while constantly searching for Jane amidst the chaos. The novel explores themes of survival, loyalty, and the clash between civilization and primal instinct in a fantastical, action-packed setting.

“He was Tarzan of the Apes, and he was searching for his mate.”

Key themes

Civilization vs. Savagery
This core Burroughs theme is explored through Tarzan's dual nature and the various societies in Pal-ul-don. Tarzan, a man of noble birth raised by apes, constantly navigates the tension between his innate human intellect and his acquired primal instincts. The tailed Ho-don and Sto-don, the primitive Alalus, and the cannibalistic Gomangani represent different stages of evolutionary and social development, allowing Burroughs to examine what constitutes 'civilization' and 'savagery' in extreme forms.
Exploration and Discovery
The novel is fundamentally an adventure of discovery, as Tarzan ventures into the uncharted depths of Africa to find his wife. This leads him to Pal-ul-don, a classic 'lost world' filled with prehistoric life and unique humanoids, representing the ultimate unknown. The theme celebrates human curiosity, courage in the face of the unknown, and the thrill of encountering worlds beyond imagination.
Survival of the Fittest
In the brutal environment of Pal-ul-don, survival is a constant, paramount struggle. The novel vividly illustrates the harsh realities of a world where only the strong, intelligent, and adaptable endure. This theme is explored through Tarzan's physical prowess, strategic thinking, and his ability to outwit both beasts and hostile tribes. It's a raw depiction of natural selection in action, where weakness means death.

Worth discussing

How does Tarzan embody the conflict between 'civilization' and 'savagery' in this novel, particularly in the context of Pal-ul-don?

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