Tarzan the Terrible · Chapter
A-lur explained
Tarzan enters the Ho-don city of A-lur, posing as a messenger from Jad-ben-Otho.
What happens
Tarzan enters the Ho-don city of A-lur, posing as a messenger from Jad-ben-Otho. He is initially challenged by a child who notices his lack of a tail, but he uses his taillessness as proof of his divine origin. After confronting a warrior and then the guard Dak-lot, he demands to be taken to King Ko-tan, successfully intimidating them into compliance. The chapter also describes Tarzan's journey to A-lur, his appreciation of nature, and the architecture of the city.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this excerpt, the dramatic climax occurs because Tarzan’s relentless search brings him within literal sight…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Identity and Belonging
Tarzan's taillessness marks him as an outsider, but he exploits this difference to claim a divine identity, manipulating the Ho-don's beliefs to gain access.
- Power and Corruption
Tarzan uses deception and the fear of divine wrath to assert authority over the Ho-don, demonstrating how power can be seized through manipulation.
- Religion and Superstition
The Ho-don's belief in Jad-ben-Otho and the significance of having or lacking a tail are central to Tarzan's ruse, highlighting the role of superstition in their society.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Enters A-lur posing as the son of Jad-ben-Otho (Dor-ul-Otho); uses his taillessness to claim divine authority.
- Ko-tan
King of Pal-ul-don; Tarzan demands an audience with him.
- Dak-at
The warrior who escorts Tarzan to the palace; he is terrified by Tarzan's claim to be Dor-ul-Otho.
- Ta-den
Mentioned in the context of the quarrel with Om-at about Jad-ben-Otho's tail, which inspired Tarzan's plan.
- Om-at
Mentioned in the context of the quarrel with Ta-den about Jad-ben-Otho's tail.
Key passages
“With the same assurance that you might venture upon the main street of a neighboring city Tarzan strode into the Ho-don city of A-lur.”
Tarzan walked into A-lur as confidently as if he were entering a familiar town.
Highlights Tarzan's boldness and self-assurance in a foreign and potentially hostile environment.
“I come directly from Jad-ben-Otho. Look!”
Tarzan claims to be a messenger from the god Jad-ben-Otho, showing his hands and taillessness as proof.
Key moment where Tarzan establishes his false identity based on local religious beliefs.
“Have mercy, O Dor-ul-Otho, on poor old Dak-lot.”
Dak-lot begs for mercy, addressing Tarzan as the son of the god.
Shows the success of Tarzan's deception and the fear it instills in the Ho-don.
