Tarzan and the Golden Lion · Character

Jad-bal-ja

Tarzan's golden lion, raised among men and trained to kill at a human effigy's throat, whose obedience is always one growl from the wild.

supporting

Also known as Jad, Jad - bal - ja

First appearance: II: The Training of Jad-Bal-Ja

As a supporting figure in Tarzan and the Golden Lion, Jad-bal-ja is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The golden lion cub adopted by Tarzan; nursed by the dog Za.

In the storyThe Golden LionOpen this moment free

Jad-bal-ja hunts beside Tarzan, Jane, and Korak, dragging his antelope kill back to his master's feet for praise — then bares his fangs at the smell of fresh blood and snaps at the ape-man's hand. Reared without the natural timidity of wild beasts, he is a danger even to those he loves, and Korak keeps him leashed for fear of what he might do loose in the jungle. His loyalty and his savagery are the same muscle.

See Jad-bal-ja in The Golden Lion Book page

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Character Web

20 connections

A slice of how Jad-bal-ja sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Treasure Hunt Antagonists
Expedition Members & Threats
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs as Kraski, driven by greed and paranoia, makes the desperate, soli…

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In the story

Jad-bal-ja appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Golden Lion
The golden lion cub adopted by Tarzan; nursed by the dog Za.
II: The Training of Jad-Bal-Ja
The golden lion cub brought back from Pal-ul-don; undergoes rigorous training in obedience and hunting.
What the Footprints Told
The golden lion, now two years old, is described as magnificent and intelligent; he is left behind with Korak.
The Fatal Drops
Escapes from his cage due to a caretaker's negligence and disappears into the forest.
The Chamber of Horrors
The golden lion, obeys Tarzan's commands, attacks the Bolgani, and is placed on the dais as the true emperor.
The Diamond Hoard
The golden lion, leaps upon Cadj to save Tarzan, later restrained during battle.
The Spoor of Revenge
Travels with Tarzan, hunts together, and helps rescue the conspirators; Tarzan trusts him to guard the camp.
A Barbed Shaft Kills
Accompanies Tarzan during his search.
The Dead Return
Sent by Tarzan to capture Esteban, mauls him, and retrieves the leopard skin map.
An Escape and a Capture
Pursues Esteban to the river, retrieves the abandoned leopard skin, and lays it at Tarzan's feet.

Chapter companion notes

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See Jad-bal-ja in II: The Training of Jad-Bal-Ja

See Jad-bal-ja in The Golden Lion