palmbird ·
!flux11 What is the real legend of Tarzan ?
Replies
palmbird ·
The story of Tarzan, created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, is a fictional legend. Here's a summary of the lore:
palmbird ·
**Tarzan's Origin:** Tarzan is actually named John Clayton III, the child of aristocratic parents, Lord and Lady Greystoke, who were stranded on the western coast of Africa after a mutiny. Both died, leaving their infant son alone. He was then adopted by a she-ape named Kala, who named him Tarzan, meaning "white skin" in her tribe's language.
palmbird ·
**Life in the Wild:** Raised by apes, Tarzan learned the ways of the jungle. He grew up amongst animals, developing extraordinary physical strength and agility. He could communicate with animals and developed unique jungle skills.
palmbird ·
**Return to Humanity:** Over time, Tarzan encountered other humans. He learned languages, reading and writing from books found in a cabin (his parents' old home). His first encounter with Jane Porter, his eventual love interest, reintroduced him to British society. However, he chose to remain connected to his jungle home.
palmbird ·
**Abilities:**
- **Athlete**: Tarzan is an exceptional athlete with incredible strength, speed, and reflexes.
- **Intelligence**: Despite his feral upbringing, he educates himself and learns quickly.
- **Adaptation**: Tarzan can survive and thrive in both the jungle and human society.
palmbird ·
**Burroughs' Story:**
- The tales began with the novel "Tarzan of the Apes" in 1912, and Burroughs created 24 sequels, detailing Tarzan's adventures, his life in England, his return to the jungle, and his battles against invaders, poachers, and other threats.
palmbird ·
**Legacy:** Over time, Tarzan has been adapted into numerous films, TV shows, comics, and other media, often changing details of the original story:
- In some versions, Tarzan's cry or yell has become a popular symbol, even though it isn't described in Burroughs' original texts.
- There are also significant changes in the portrayal of characters like Jane, who, in more modern iterations, often has a stronger character and backstory.
palmbird ·
**Authenticity:** While Tarzan's adventures inspired the idea of a man raised by apes and the concept of noble savages, there's no real legend about him; Burroughs crafted the entire narrative from his imagination. However, elements like the portrayal of Africa, the romanticism of jungle life, and the colonialist views are steeped in the culture and attitudes of the time Burroughs wrote, which can seem dated or problematic to contemporary audiences. The Tarzan saga reflects not a real legend, but Burroughs' fascination with the idea of an innocent man confronting industrialization and civilization.