In a moonlit jungle, Tarzan, the ape-man, ventures out at night, driven by curiosity and the thrill of danger. He observes the stark contrasts between the daytime jungle and the nocturnal world, filled with unfamiliar sounds and creatures. As he explores, he encounters a group of terrified black warriors from the village of Mbonga, who are trying to fend off hungry lions using fire. Tarzan watches the lions, Numa and Sabor, as they circle the warriors, intrigued by their fear of fire. After witnessing the lions claim two victims, Tarzan returns to his resting place but remains awake, pondering the mysteries of life and death. His inquisitive nature leads him to contemplate the moon and stars, attributing personalities to celestial bodies. He shares his thoughts with Taug, a fellow ape, suggesting that the stars are the eyes of predators waiting to devour the moon, which he names Goro. The next day, Tarzan's unique perspective on life causes concern among the apes, who begin to plot against him, fearing his influence. Taug, loyal to Tarzan, defends him, but the tribe's fear grows. Meanwhile, Tarzan enjoys a peaceful day riding on Tantor, the elephant, until he encounters a brave black warrior, Bulabantu, who is surrounded by the apes. Tarzan intervenes, sparing Bulabantu's life due to his courage, but the apes turn against Tarzan, leading to a confrontation. As tensions rise, Taug defends Tarzan, but the apes are determined to kill him. Just as a fight seems inevitable, Tantor charges into the clearing, scattering the apes and allowing Bulabantu to escape. Tarzan decides to leave the tribe, feeling misunderstood and unappreciated. Time passes, and the apes notice the moon is disappearing, believing Numa is devouring Goro. In desperation, Taug volunteers to fetch Tarzan for help. When Tarzan arrives, he quickly assesses the situation and climbs a tree to confront Numa. Armed with a bow and poisoned arrows, he shoots at the celestial lion, ultimately causing Goro to reemerge from the darkness. With Tarzan's intervention, the moon is saved, and he returns to the tribe, earning their respect and admiration. The apes now view him as a superior being, solidifying his place among them. However, Tarzan himself remains skeptical of the mythic nature of his actions, reflecting his complex understanding of the world around him.
By Edgar Rice Burroughs · First published 1912 · Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Action