Tarzan, the iconic character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, is synonymous with the adventures of a man raised by apes in the African jungle. But where did this enduring mythos originate?
The roots of Tarzan can be traced back to two primary influences: Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book" and Burroughs' own imagination.
Inspiration from "The Jungle Book"
"The Jungle Book," a collection of fables written by Rudyard Kipling, features a young boy named Mowgli who is raised by wolves. Burroughs, inspired by Mowgli's story, envisioned a similar tale but with an older protagonist and a different environment.
Burroughs shifted the setting from India to Africa and swapped wolves for apes, thus birth the concept of Tarzan.
Mowgli's Influence on Tarzan's Character
Tarzan's adaptability, his ability to communicate with animals, and his close bond with the ape Kala are all reminiscent of Mowgli's relationships with Baloo and Bagheera in "The Jungle Book."
However, unlike Mowgli, Tarzan is not an infant when he's taken in by apes, making him more of a wild man rather than a boy who is truly raised as an animal.
Burroughs' Unique Twist on the Jungle Boy Trope
Besides changing the setting, Burroughs added romantic elements and a complex backstory for his protagonist. Tarzan's mysterious origin, his struggles to reconcile his humanity with his animalistic upbringing, and his love for Jane Porter are all elements unique to the Tarzan mythos.
These additions transformed Tarzan from a mere jungle boy into a multifaceted, introspective character with a rich internal life.
Edgar Rice Burroughs' Role in Tarzan's Origin
Burroughs, an American pulp writer, created Tarzan as a way to earn a living after failing in various jobs. He wrote "Tarzan of the Apes" in 1912, with the character first appearing in a novella titled "Tarzan of the Apes."
The story was an instant success, leading to a series of novels, comic strips, films, and TV shows. Burroughs' skillful blend of adventure, romance, and suspense captivated audiences, making Tarzan one of the most iconic fictional characters of the 20th century.
Burroughs' Vision for Tarzan's Ape Family
Burroughs envisioned Tarzan's ape family - notably his adoptive parents, Kala and Kerchak - as complex characters with their own desires, fears, and growth. This lent an emotional depth to Tarzan's story that resonated with readers.
Kala's love for Tarzan, Kerchak's initial antagonism towards Tarzan, and the acceptance of Tarzan by the rest of the ape community were all early iterations of found-family trope, now a common theme in literature and media.
The Political and Social Commentary in Tarzan's Origin Story
Burroughs' Tarzan stories weren't just adventure serials; they also contained sharp commentary on colonialism, racism, and the "civilizing" of the African continent.
Through Tarzan, Burroughs explored themes of identity, culture, and the essence of humanity. Tarzan's struggle to accept his human identity, despite being raised by apes, can be seen as a metaphor for the African experience during colonialism.
In this perspective, Tarzan's origin story isn't just about a man raised by apes; it's a richly-layered narrative that touches on complex political, social, and psychological themes.
This unexpected depth, coupled with thrilling adventure and romance, is what has made Tarzan an enduring character for over a century, continually captivating new generations with his timeless tale.