Tarzan the Terrible
What is Tarzan the Terrible about?
Tarzan the Terrible, published in 1921, is the eighth novel in Edgar Rice Burroughs's Tarzan series. Tarzan enters the hidden land of Pal-ul-don, a prehistoric valley surrounded by impassable mountains, in search of Jane, who was taken captive during the events of the previous novel. In this lost world he encounters two races of tailed humanoids: the hairy Ho-don and the hairless Waz-don, who wage constant war against each other. Tarzan allies himself with warriors of both races as he navigates the dangerous terrain of swamps, cliffs, and primeval forests. The cruel king of the Ho-don city of A-lur, Lu-don the high priest, and other power-hungry leaders threaten Tarzan's mission at every turn. Tarzan eventually poses as the god Dor-ul-Otho to gain leverage in the political intrigues of Pal-ul-don. The novel features some of Burroughs's most elaborate world-building, including a complete invented language and a richly detailed prehistoric society. Tarzan the Terrible is a standout entry in the series for its imaginative setting and its sustained tension as Tarzan searches for Jane in an entirely alien landscape.
Main themes in Tarzan the Terrible
Lost prehistoric civilizations
Tarzan the Terrible thoughtfully explores lost prehistoric civilizations through its central conflicts.
The search for loved ones across impossible barriers
In Tarzan the Terrible, the search for loved ones across impossible barriers provides a lens for understanding the story's core message.
Religious manipulation and false gods
The theme of religious manipulation and false gods weaves through Tarzan the Terrible, adding depth to its narrative.
Tribal warfare and political intrigue
Tribal warfare and political intrigue emerges as a defining element in Tarzan the Terrible, shaping character development.
Why Tarzan the Terrible is still relevant today
Tarzan the Terrible showcases Burroughs's most detailed world-building in the Tarzan series, featuring a complete prehistoric society with its own language, religion, and political structure. The tailed humanoid races of Pal-ul-don are among his most creative inventions. The novel's lost-world premise influenced subsequent adventure fiction dealing with hidden prehistoric civilizations. As a public-domain work, it appeals to readers who enjoy detailed speculative world-building combined with rescue adventure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tarzan the Terrible about?
Tarzan enters Pal-ul-don, a hidden prehistoric valley, searching for Jane. He encounters two races of tailed humanoids, navigates their political conflicts, and poses as a god while fighting to rescue his wife from captivity.
What is Pal-ul-don?
Pal-ul-don is a hidden valley surrounded by impassable mountains, home to prehistoric creatures and two races of tailed humanoids: the hairy Ho-don and hairless Waz-don. Burroughs created a complete language and culture for these peoples.
Does Tarzan find Jane in this book?
Yes, Tarzans quest to find and rescue Jane drives the entire plot of Tarzan the Terrible. Their reunion comes after Tarzan navigates the complex and dangerous society of Pal-ul-don.
Did Burroughs create a language for this book?
Yes, Burroughs created an extensive vocabulary for the inhabitants of Pal-ul-don, including place names, character names, and common words, making it one of his most linguistically detailed works.