Jungle Tales of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs

Introduction: Jungle Tales of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs

I know I’m familiar with Jungle Tales of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs. But I can’t remember if I know them because I read the book, or if I know them because I watched the series on TV. This graphic novel contains many tales about Tarzan's life, long before he met Jane. It’s interesting for the reader to learn what life was life for Tarzan growing up. We learn that his parents die, but we are not quite sure how. Tarzan has a locket with his mother’s photo that he looks at from time-to-time. The only family Tarzan knows are the apes he grew up with from the Tribe of Kerchak. Living in the jungle is dangerous, and they are constantly fighting for survival.

What I liked about Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Jungle Tales of Tarzan is that it wasn’t smooth sailing for him. He got himself into very difficult situations where he had to rely on his friends. When the cannibal tribe captures Tarzan, his friend, Tantor, the elephant helps to rescue him. Tarzan grapples with tough questions, such as, who God is. He has some of his deceased father’s things, including some books. He decides to find God. His search leads him to the Village of Mbonga. Tarzan has mixed feelings though, because someone from tribe murdered Kala, the she-ape, the only creature that had truly loved him. The tribe views Tarzan as the Tree Devil and fears him.

If someone fears him, that person cannot be God, surmises the ape-man. The people panic and flee except for Chief Mbonga. He tries to kill Tarzan, which enrages the ape-man. Chief Mbonga begs for his life in a language that's foreign to Tarzan, but he sees the terror in the Chief's eyes. Tarzan decides to spare his life – he shows mercy. He also saves Teeka's child from the deadly snake, Histah. Tarzan concludes that only good things come from God, but then he ponders, who made Histah the snake. This is human. People wonder all the time, why bad things happen to good people. And if there is a God, why does he or she allows so much evil to exist in the world.

While growing up, Tarzan played with Teeka, she-ape. His best friend Taug, had been a great companion while they were growing up. Now that they are young adults, both Taug and Tarzan are desperately in love with Teeka, who spurns him. Unreturned love is never an easy matter to deal with. He figures out that Taug, the he-ape, is better suited to be the mate of Teekka. Despite being spurned, when trouble befalls the Tribe of Kerchak, Tarzan is there to fight for them. When Sheeta the leopard stalks Teeka, Tarzan is there for her. He rescues the she-ape’s son when he is captured.

Conclusion: Jungle Tales of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs

 Edgar Rice Burroughs' Jungle Tales of Tarzan

Although this is a graphic novel, there are many important lessons:

1. As much as possible, take the high road.
2. Stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, community is important.
3. Question things and don’t just accept the status quo.

Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Jungle Tales of Tarzan is worth the read, and is also an easy read. I read this book as a part of the Read the World Extreme Reading Challenge.

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 Mars Trilogy: A Princess of Mars; The Gods of Mars; The Warlord of Mars Tarzan: The Novels: Volume 1 (Five Novels) [Second Edition] John Carter: Barsoom Series Barsoom Series Collection Collected Works of Edgar Rice Burroughs Tarzan of the Apes (Dover Thrift) The Girl from Hollywood (Annotated) Tarzan of the Apes & Other Tales: Centenary Edition The Edgar Rice Burroughs Collection: 30 Classic Novels Warlord of Mars: By Edgar Rice Burroughs – Illustrated