Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar
by Edgar Rice Burroughs
A Thrilling Jungle Adventure of Lost Treasure, Betrayal, and Survival
Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar by Edgar Rice Burroughs is an action-packed adventure combining lost civilizations, hidden treasure, jungle danger, and emotional conflict. The novel follows Tarzan as he returns to the mysterious ruined city of Opar, where ancient riches and dangerous enemies threaten both his survival and his identity.
Filled with suspense, betrayal, memory loss, and savage wilderness encounters, the story remains one of the most dramatic entries in the Tarzan series.
The Lost City of Opar Holds Ancient Wealth
The story begins when Tarzan returns to Opar, a forgotten city connected to the remnants of the ancient civilization of Atlantis. Hidden within its ruins are enormous treasures of gold and jewels that Tarzan secretly uses to support his estate and family.
However, enemies discover his connection to the city and attempt to steal the treasure for themselves. Their betrayal leads Tarzan into deadly danger deep within the jungle and the ruins of Opar.
The search for wealth soon becomes a desperate struggle for survival.
Tarzan Loses His Memory
One of the novel’s most dramatic developments occurs when Tarzan suffers an injury that causes memory loss. Stripped temporarily of his civilized identity, he reverts almost entirely to his primal jungle instincts.
This transformation creates emotional tension as Tarzan struggles unknowingly between his human life and the savage freedom of the wilderness.
Characters
- Tarzan – The jungle hero battling enemies, survival, and the loss of his identity
- Jane Porter – Tarzan’s loyal wife concerned for his safety and emotional well-being
- La – The high priestess of Opar deeply fascinated by Tarzan
- Achmet Zek – A dangerous criminal seeking Tarzan’s treasure
- Jungle tribes, explorers, and creatures surrounding the hidden city of Opar
The emotional and physical conflicts among these characters create the story’s intense adventurous momentum.
Themes
- The conflict between civilization and primal instinct
- The corrupting influence of greed and treasure
- Identity, memory, and self-discovery
- Survival within dangerous wilderness
- Loyalty, love, and emotional endurance
These themes add emotional depth to the novel’s fast-moving adventure.
Edgar Rice Burroughs’s Fast-Paced Adventure Style
Burroughs writes with nonstop action and vivid imagination. Jungle pursuits, hidden temples, dangerous animals, betrayals, and escapes create continuous excitement throughout the story.
The mysterious atmosphere surrounding Opar gives the novel a strong sense of ancient wonder and danger.
A Memorable Lost Civilization Adventure
The ruined city of Opar became one of the most famous locations in the Tarzan series. Its hidden treasure, strange rituals, and isolated culture reflect Burroughs’s fascination with lost civilizations and forgotten worlds.
The setting combines fantasy, archaeology, and jungle adventure into a vivid and memorable backdrop.
Why Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar Continues to Fascinate Readers
Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar remains popular because of its thrilling action, imaginative setting, and emotionally engaging exploration of Tarzan’s identity. Burroughs combines treasure hunting, survival adventure, and psychological conflict into one of the series’ most exciting stories.
For readers interested in classic adventure fiction, lost civilizations, and jungle narratives filled with danger and mystery, the novel offers a gripping and unforgettable journey into the hidden world of Opar.
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About the Author
Edgar Rice Burroughs transformed adventure fiction with his vivid imagination and unforgettable heroes, creating stories that have thrilled readers for more than a century. Born in Chicago in 1875, Burroughs found worldwide success by transporting audiences to exotic jungles, distant planets, and mysterious civilizations. Explore Edgar Rice Burroughs books to discover the author's life, literary career, and access notable works, including A Princess of Mars, Tarzan of the Apes, Warlord of Mars, The Gods of Mars , and more.
