Tarzan the Untamed · Character

Fräulein Bertha Kircher

A German spy dragged through lion-haunted gorges and mad villages, she refuses to abandon the wounded even when escape is still possible.

major

Also known as Fräulein Kircher, Fräulein, Bertha Kircher, Bertha, Miss Kircher

First appearance: i murder and pillage

As a major figure in Tarzan the Untamed, Fräulein Bertha Kircher is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Bertha is trapped under her horse and rescued by Tarzan; she is revealed as a German spy.

In the storyThe Golden LocketOpen this moment free

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Bertha Kircher is a woman with a past she does not explain, seized by lion-handling captors and hauled toward a forest that smells wrong, too dry for the jungle she knows. When Smith-Oldwick tells her to go on without him, she answers that if he dies here she dies with him, and she means it. Her endurance under nerve strain is the quiet counterweight to Tarzan's brute strength, and her stubborn loyalty repeatedly decides who lives.

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See Fräulein Bertha Kircher in i murder and pillage

Character Web

17 connections

A slice of how Fräulein Bertha Kircher sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

German and British officers
Jungle inhabitants and supporting characters
Protagonist

+12 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Bertha Kircher…

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In the story

Fräulein Bertha Kircher appears across 18 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Golden Locket
Bertha is trapped under her horse and rescued by Tarzan; she is revealed as a German spy.
VI: Vengeance and Mercy
Steals Tarzan's locket, escapes by train to Wilhelmstal, witnesses the fight between Tarzan and Schneider, and later retrieves hidden papers from Schneider's body.
When Blood Told
Mentioned as the German spy Tarzan had in his power but left unscathed, causing him shame.
VIII: Tarzan and the Great Apes
Bertha Kircher is captured by Usanga's band of deserters, marched between two black women, and treated roughly. Tarzan initially hesitates to rescue her because she is a German.
Dropped from the Sky
Fears being abandoned in the jungle, helps build the boma despite injuries, and is terrified of Go-lat but tries to hide her fear.
X: In the Hands of Savages
Leads the apes to rescue Tarzan; cuts his bonds; rides on Zu-tag's back through the jungle.
XI: Finding the Airplane
Feels safer with Tarzan present, considers leaving to find the airplane, and fetches a spear to help Tarzan during the panther attack.
Usanga's Reward
Captive of Usanga, she catches the rope thrown by Tarzan and helps him take control of the plane.
Mysterious Footprints
Survives the plane crash; feels regret at leaving Tarzan's world behind.
The Night Attack
Warns of the lions, is captured during the night attack.
XVII: The Walled City
Bertha Kircher is imprisoned in the city and is the target of Tarzan's rescue.
Among the Maniacs
Captured by maniacs after the lion attack; wrests a saber from a captor to defend Smith-Oldwick; promises to try to love him but feels only fondness.
The Queen's Story
Brought to the palace, bathed, dressed in native garb, and nearly assaulted by Prince Metak.
Came Tarzan
Her scent spoor is picked up by Tarzan as he tracks through the city.
In the Alcove
Mentioned as having been led into the city as a prisoner with Tarzan earlier.
Out of the Niche
Mentioned as having been taken to the king's palace; the search for her motivates Tarzan's actions.
The Flight from Xuja
Dragged to the gate by Otobu, moves silently with the group, and feels an involuntary attraction to Tarzan.
XXIV: The Tommies
Revealed as British intelligence agent Patricia Canby; shows fortitude despite exhaustion.

Chapter companion notes

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See Fräulein Bertha Kircher in i murder and pillage

See Fräulein Bertha Kircher in The Golden Locket