Tarzan the Terrible
by Edgar Rice Burroughs
A Spectacular Jungle Adventure of Lost Civilizations and Dangerous Creatures
Tarzan the Terrible by Edgar Rice Burroughs is one of the most imaginative and adventurous novels in the Tarzan series. Combining jungle survival, lost civilizations, prehistoric creatures, and daring exploration, the story follows Tarzan on a relentless journey through unknown territories while searching for his lost wife, Jane.
Filled with battles, strange societies, and terrifying beasts, the novel expands the Tarzan world into one of Burroughs’s most ambitious fantasy adventures.
Tarzan Searches for Jane
The story begins after Tarzan learns that Jane may still be alive following earlier dangers and captivity. Determined to rescue her, he ventures deep into unexplored African regions far beyond the boundaries of ordinary maps and civilization.
His journey leads him into isolated valleys and hidden lands inhabited by unknown tribes and prehistoric creatures that have survived beyond the reach of the modern world.
The search for Jane becomes a dangerous expedition into a mysterious and hostile wilderness.
A Hidden World of Strange Creatures
One of the novel’s most memorable elements is the discovery of Pal-ul-don, a lost land populated by dinosaurs, primitive humans, and bizarre reptilian beasts. Burroughs imagines a world where ancient life forms continue to exist alongside violent tribal societies.
Tarzan must survive battles with monstrous predators while navigating conflicts among the region’s competing groups.
Characters
- Tarzan – The fearless jungle hero searching for Jane through unknown and deadly lands
- Jane Porter – Tarzan’s loyal wife trapped within dangerous circumstances
- Nkima – Tarzan’s small monkey companion providing loyalty and assistance
- Warriors, tribal leaders, and inhabitants of the hidden land of Pal-ul-don
- Prehistoric creatures and savage predators threatening survival at every turn
The relationships and conflicts among these figures create the novel’s adventurous intensity and emotional momentum.
Themes
- Survival within unknown and dangerous environments
- The conflict between civilization and primal existence
- Loyalty, love, and perseverance
- The fascination of lost worlds and prehistoric life
- Courage and adaptability in the face of overwhelming danger
These themes strengthen the story’s excitement and imaginative scope.
Edgar Rice Burroughs’s Imaginative Adventure Style
Burroughs writes with rapid pacing, vivid action, and dramatic descriptions of strange landscapes and creatures. Jungle battles, rescues, escapes, and encounters with monstrous animals create nonstop excitement throughout the novel.
The combination of fantasy, prehistoric adventure, and jungle exploration gives the story a uniquely thrilling atmosphere.
A Classic Lost World Adventure
Tarzan the Terrible belongs strongly to the lost-world adventure tradition popular in early twentieth century fiction. The hidden land of Pal-ul-don reflects Burroughs’s fascination with isolated civilizations and prehistoric survival.
The novel expands Tarzan’s adventures beyond ordinary jungle settings into a world of fantasy and ancient terror.
Why Tarzan the Terrible Continues to Entertain Readers
Tarzan the Terrible remains popular because of its imaginative setting, thrilling action, and unforgettable prehistoric atmosphere. Burroughs combines emotional determination with dangerous exploration in one of the most ambitious adventures of the Tarzan series.
For readers interested in classic jungle fiction, lost civilizations, and prehistoric fantasy adventure, the novel offers an exhilarating journey through a hidden world filled with danger, mystery, and heroic survival.
Similar Genres
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.
