The narrative follows the journey of a young ape-man, raised in the jungle, as he seeks to understand the concept of God. His curiosity is sparked by the word "God" found in the books of his deceased father, leading him to question the nature of divinity. He initially perceives God as a powerful figure, perhaps a king among the apes, but struggles to grasp the true meaning of the term. Tarzan's quest for knowledge leads him to consult various characters in the jungle, including his fellow apes, but their responses only deepen his confusion. He decides to investigate the nearby village of the Gomangani, hoping to find answers among the humans. Upon arriving, he witnesses a witch-doctor performing rituals that instill fear in the villagers, mistakenly believing this figure to be God. As he observes the witch-doctor's antics, Tarzan's desire to confront this supposed deity grows. When he finally approaches the witch-doctor, the latter, terrified, flees, revealing his true nature as a mere man rather than a god. This encounter leads Tarzan to reflect on his own strength and superiority, concluding that he is greater than this so-called God. Later, Tarzan saves a baby ape from a snake, Histah, demonstrating his bravery and loyalty. This act of heroism prompts him to ponder the nature of good and evil, attributing his actions to a higher power. He begins to associate all that is good in the world with God, while grappling with the existence of malevolent creatures like Histah. Ultimately, Tarzan's journey is one of self-discovery and philosophical inquiry. He recognizes that God embodies the beauty and goodness in nature, yet he remains troubled by the existence of evil. The story concludes with Tarzan's realization that while he has found a sense of divinity in the good around him, he is still left questioning the presence of malevolence in the world.
By Edgar Rice Burroughs · First published 1912 · Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction