Tarzan the Untamed · Character

Numa

A young, starving black lion whose failed hunts leave him savage enough to stalk man-flesh for the first time.

supporting

Also known as XIV The Black Lion Numa

As a supporting figure in Tarzan the Untamed, Numa is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The lion senses Tarzan's presence as he travels through the jungle.

In the storyI: Murder and PillageOpen this moment free

See Numa in I: Murder and Pillage Book page

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Numa has not eaten in two days, and hunger has stripped the roar from him, leaving only a silent, grim stalk through the game trails. Robbed of a deer by Sheeta the panther, he comes upon the scent of man and considers meat he has always disdained. His hunger drives him into the gorge where Tarzan's saber and Smith-Oldwick's pistol must answer him, making him the jungle's own verdict on the fugitives.

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The fuller portrait of Numa sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Numa in II: The Lion's Cave

Character Web

10 connections

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

Relationship types

Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Jungle inhabitants and supporting characters
Historical and military figures
Jungle animals and predators
Protagonist
German and British officers

+5 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…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Tarzan
rivalry · negative
Numa the lion is a constant predator and enemy that Tarzan must overcome. How this plays out →
Tarzan
rivalry · negative
Numa the lion is a constant predator and enemy that Tarzan must overcome. How this plays out →
Tarzan
rivalry · negative
Numa the lion is a constant predator and enemy that Tarzan must overcome. How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Numa in II: The Lion's Cave

In the story

Numa appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I: Murder and Pillage
The lion senses Tarzan's presence as he travels through the jungle.
II: The Lion's Cave
A gaunt, hunger-mad lion whose cave serves as the setting for Tarzan's trap; he nearly catches Schneider but is temporarily thwarted.
In the German Lines
The lion Tarzan trapped; found gaunt and starving, fed by Tarzan with the carcasses of a deer and a hyena.
When the Lion Fed
The lion that Tarzan captures, bags, and tames; later led through the jungle and used to intimidate other lions.
The Golden Locket
Numa is the lion that Tarzan previously muzzled and loosed in a German trench; he is driven away from Bertha by Tarzan.
XIV: The Black Lion
A young, powerful black lion trapped by the Wamabos; hungry and savage, but accepts Tarzan's aid.
Mysterious Footprints
The lion Tarzan freed; shows gratitude and befriends Tarzan, leading them toward water.
The Night Attack
The black lion from the Wamabo pit defends Tarzan and helps him defeat the other lions.
XVII: The Walled City
Numa the lion chases Tarzan across the clearing and is later seen under the control of a strange man.
The Flight from Xuja
The black lion attacks the guards, saves Smith-Oldwick, and later responds to Tarzan's call to rejoin the group.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Numa unlock in the free preview.

See Numa in II: The Lion's Cave

See Numa in I: Murder and Pillage