The narrative follows the adventures of a man raised by apes, who has developed a deep connection with the jungle and its creatures. He spends his days crafting tools and hunting, reflecting on his loneliness and desire for companionship. His affection for a young ape named Gazan leads him to take a black boy, Tibo, from his mother, Momaya, believing he can nurture and teach him as a surrogate child. Initially, Tibo is terrified of his captor, viewing him as a monstrous figure. However, as they spend time together, Tibo begins to trust Tarzan, though he remains haunted by memories of his mother. Tarzan, in turn, grapples with his feelings of isolation, recognizing the bond between Tibo and his mother, which he lacks. Momaya, distraught over her son's abduction, seeks the help of a witch-doctor, Bukawai, to find Tibo. She embarks on a perilous journey through the jungle, driven by maternal love. Meanwhile, Tarzan and Tibo venture further from the ape tribe, where Tibo starts to adapt to jungle life, albeit slowly and with difficulty. As Tarzan hunts, he witnesses the grief of a lioness mourning her dead cub, which resonates with his own feelings of loss and longing for connection. This moment deepens his understanding of parenthood and the emotional ties that bind creatures together. Momaya eventually encounters Tarzan while searching for Tibo. In a tense moment, she faces a lion, Numa, but Tarzan intervenes, saving her and her son. This act of bravery shifts Momaya's perception of Tarzan from a fearsome captor to a protector. In the aftermath, Tibo expresses his desire to return to his mother, and Tarzan, recognizing the bond they share, allows them to leave together. He watches them go, feeling the weight of his solitude. The story concludes with Tarzan reflecting on his unique existence, acknowledging that while others have their families, he remains alone in the jungle, a man without a true companion.
By Edgar Rice Burroughs · First published 1939 · Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Action