The End of Bukawai
The narrative follows a young Tarzan, who, while growing up in the jungle, learns to create strong ropes from fibrous grass. His playful antics often lead to trouble, particularly with Tublat, his foster father, who harbors resentment towards him. As Tarzan matures into a powerful jungle male, he becomes the target of Bukawai, a jealous witch-doctor who seeks revenge after Tarzan humiliates him. One day, while hunting, Tarzan is caught in a violent storm that ultimately leads to his near-death when a tree is struck by lightning. Bukawai discovers Tarzan unconscious and, believing him dead, captures him with the intent to exact revenge. He binds Tarzan with the very rope the ape-man had crafted and takes him to a secluded volcanic crater, where he plans to let his hyenas feast on him. As Tarzan regains consciousness, he realizes his predicament but remains calm. He recalls his childhood experience with ropes and begins to work against his bindings, rubbing them against a tree until they weaken. Meanwhile, Bukawai, confident in his plan, falls asleep, underestimating Tarzan's resilience. The hyenas, driven by hunger, approach Tarzan, prompting him to act. He breaks free from his bonds just as the hyenas attack. A fierce struggle ensues, with Tarzan overpowering the beasts. Bukawai awakens to the chaos and rushes to intervene, but Tarzan swiftly turns the tables, capturing Bukawai and binding him in the same manner he had been restrained. In a twist of fate, Tarzan leaves Bukawai to face the hungry hyenas, who return to the crater, leaving the witch-doctor to confront the consequences of his malice. The story concludes with a sense of poetic justice, as Bukawai's own creations become his undoing, while Tarzan reaffirms his dominance in the jungle.
By Edgar Rice Burroughs · First published 1932 · Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Action · 4,643 words
First lines
When Tarzan of the Apes was still but a boy he had learned, among other things, to fashion pliant ropes of fibrous jungle grass. Strong and tough were the ropes of Tarzan, the little Tarmangani. Tublat, his foster father, would have told you this much and more. Had you tempted him with a handful of fat caterpillars he even might have sufficiently unbended to narrate to you a few stories of the many indignities which Tarzan had heaped upon him by means of his hated rope; but then Tublat always worked himself into such a frightful rage when he devoted any considerable thought either to the rope or to Tarzan, that it might not have proved comfortable for you to have remained close enough to him to hear what he had to say.
What this Textopian page supports
The End of Bukawai is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edgar Rice Burroughs, dated 1932 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edgar Rice Burroughs
- Date: 1932 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Action, Coming-of-Age, Thriller
- Length: 4,643 words
- Structure: 1 section, 52 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The End of Bukawai by Edgar Rice Burroughs
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Adventure — The plot centers around Tarzan's survival and encounters in the jungle, showcasing his physical prowess and resourcefulness.
- Fantasy — The presence of supernatural elements, such as the witch-doctor Bukawai and the anthropomorphic qualities of Tarzan, contribute to a fantastical narrative.
- Action — The story features intense physical confrontations and dynamic sequences, particularly in Tarzan's battles against Bukawai and the hyenas.
- Coming-of-Age — The narrative explores Tarzan's growth from a boy to a powerful jungle male, highlighting his development and self-discovery.
Tags
Science Fiction · Adventure · Fantasy · Romance · Action · Drama · Mystery · Thriller · Epic · Quest · Good vs Evil · Friendship