In "The Nightmare" by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Tarzan of the Apes experiences a series of surreal and disturbing events after a night of hunger and frustration. While observing a village of black warriors feasting on elephant meat, he grapples with his envy and disgust for humanity. After stealthily killing an old warrior to steal food, he suffers from a strange illness caused by the decayed meat. As he sleeps, he dreams of being pursued by a lion that defies nature by climbing a tree, and he is ultimately rescued by a giant bird, only to fall back to the jungle. His dreams blur the line between reality and imagination, leading him to question the nature of his experiences. Upon awakening, he finds himself in his cabin, where he encounters Bolgani, a gorilla. Initially believing it to be another dream, he is forced into a violent confrontation that culminates in him killing the gorilla. This act leaves him pondering the distinction between dreams and reality, ultimately concluding that he will never eat elephant flesh again. The story explores themes of hunger, the grotesque nature of humanity, and the complexities of Tarzan's identity as both man and beast.
By Edgar Rice Burroughs · First published 1912 · Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Horror