The Lion by Edgar Rice Burroughs

Name: The Lion
Author: Edgar Rice Burroughs

The narrative follows a lion named Numa, who is driven by hunger as he stalks prey near a drinking pool frequented by various animals. His initial target is a zebra named Pacco, but the lion's stealth is thwarted when the zebra herd senses danger and flees. Frustrated, Numa's hunger intensifies, leading him to a tribe of apes led by Kerchak. Despite typically avoiding confrontation with the powerful apes, Numa's desperation compels him to attack, capturing a mother ape named Mamka. Tarzan, a young human raised by the apes, witnesses the attack and is filled with a sense of duty to protect his adoptive family. He rallies the apes to confront Numa, throwing sticks and rocks to distract the lion and prevent him from feeding on Mamka. The apes, initially hesitant, follow Tarzan's lead, and together they harass Numa, who is forced to abandon his kill. As the story progresses, Tarzan devises a plan to retrieve Mamka's body from Numa. He enlists the help of Taug, a strong ape, to distract the lion while he makes a daring move to reclaim the carcass. The plan succeeds, and Tarzan escapes with the body, leaving Numa enraged and hungry. The narrative explores themes of survival, the instinctual behaviors of animals, and the developing bond between Tarzan and the apes. Tarzan's cleverness and bravery are highlighted as he navigates the dangers of the jungle, ultimately teaching the apes the importance of vigilance against predators. The story culminates in a deeper understanding of the dynamics between species in the wild, showcasing Tarzan's unique position as a bridge between the human and animal worlds.

By Edgar Rice Burroughs · First published 1914 · Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Action · 5,819 words

First lines

Numa, the lion, crouched behind a thorn bush close beside the drinking pool where the river eddied just below the bend. There was a ford there and on either bank a well-worn trail, broadened far out at the river's brim, where, for countless centuries, the wild things of the jungle and of the plains beyond had come down to drink, the carnivora with bold and fearless majesty, the herbivora timorous, hesitating, fearful.

What this Textopian page supports

The Lion is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edgar Rice Burroughs, dated 1914 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: 1914 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Action, Animal Fiction, Coming-of-Age
Length: 5,819 words
Structure: 1 section, 72 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Adventure — The plot revolves around the thrilling encounters between Numa, the lion, and Tarzan, showcasing survival and the struggle for dominance in the jungle.
Fantasy — The story features anthropomorphic animals and a mythical jungle setting, blending elements of reality with fantastical aspects.
Action — The narrative is filled with dynamic sequences of hunting, charging, and combat, emphasizing physical confrontations.
Animal Fiction — The central characters include animals like Numa the lion and Pacco the zebra, exploring their instincts and behaviors.