Tarzan and the Golden Lion
What is Tarzan and the Golden Lion about?
Tarzan and the Golden Lion, published in 1923, is the ninth novel in Edgar Rice Burroughs's Tarzan series. Tarzan raises an orphaned lion cub, naming him Jad-bal-ja, the Golden Lion, who becomes his fiercely loyal companion. Meanwhile, a group of schemers led by the treacherous Flora Hawkes plots to exploit Tarzan's connection to the lost city of Opar and its vast treasure. They hire Esteban Miranda, a Tarzan look-alike, to impersonate the ape-man and infiltrate Opar. The plot thickens as the real Tarzan, the impostor, La of Opar, and the treasure hunters converge in a complex web of mistaken identities, betrayals, and jungle perils. Tarzan also discovers a hidden valley beyond Opar inhabited by intelligent gorillas who have built their own civilization, the city of the diamond-studded palace. Jad-bal-ja proves himself a formidable ally throughout, fighting alongside Tarzan in some of the series' most exciting action sequences. Tarzan and the Golden Lion is a richly layered adventure that combines the treasure-hunt excitement of the Opar storyline with Burroughs's ongoing exploration of intelligence and civilization among non-human species.
Main themes in Tarzan and the Golden Lion
The bond between human and animal companions
Tarzan and the Golden Lion thoughtfully explores the bond between human and animal companions through its central conflicts.
Impostors and mistaken identity
Impostors and mistaken identity emerges as a defining element in Tarzan and the Golden Lion, shaping character development.
Treasure hunting and its moral costs
The presence of treasure hunting and its moral costs in Tarzan and the Golden Lion connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Non-human intelligence and civilization
The theme of non-human intelligence and civilization weaves through Tarzan and the Golden Lion, adding depth to its narrative.
Why Tarzan and the Golden Lion is still relevant today
Tarzan and the Golden Lion introduces one of the series' most beloved characters, Jad-bal-ja the Golden Lion, who became a recurring companion throughout later novels. The novel also features an impostor plot and returns to the lost city of Opar while introducing a civilization of intelligent gorillas, expanding Burroughs's exploration of non-human intelligence. As a public-domain work, it appeals to readers who enjoy animal companion stories, treasure hunts, and the rich mythology of the Tarzan universe.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jad-bal-ja?
Jad-bal-ja, the Golden Lion, is an orphaned lion cub that Tarzan raises from infancy. He becomes Tarzans fiercely loyal companion and a formidable fighter, appearing in this and several subsequent novels in the series.
What is Tarzan and the Golden Lion about?
Tarzan raises an orphaned golden lion while treasure hunters use an impostor to exploit the lost city of Opar. The real Tarzan, the fake Tarzan, the priestess La, and the schemers all converge in a web of adventure, while Tarzan discovers a civilization of intelligent gorillas.
Does this book feature the city of Opar?
Yes, the lost city of Opar plays a central role as treasure hunters scheme to steal its gold. The priestess La also returns as a significant character in the story.
Is there really a Tarzan impostor in this book?
Yes, Esteban Miranda is hired to impersonate Tarzan because of his striking physical resemblance to the ape-man. The mistaken-identity plot creates complications for both the real Tarzan and those around him.