CHAPTER 4 -The beasts of Tarzan

In Chapter 4 entitled “Sheeta” from “The Beasts of Tarzan,” Tarzan dedicates his time to crafting weapons, exploring his new environment, and refining his survival skills. Choosing the jungle as his home and workplace, he uses materials from his kills, such as tendons and hides, to make essential tools and attire, including a bow, arrows, and clothing. His knowledge of the jungle and its inhabitants deepens, and he identifies that he is stranded on unknown land, speculating on its geographical location based on the sun’s position and the marine direction, eventually hypothesizing he’s on an island.

Feeling a strong sense of loneliness and longing for companionship, Tarzan reminisces about his past interactions with a tribe of great apes and begins to miss their company. His solitary expedition is soon interrupted by the presence of Sheeta, a panther he wishes to kill for practical purposes. However, the hunt takes an unexpected turn when he discovers the panther stalking a tribe of apes led by Akut. Tarzan intervenes, saving Akut from Sheeta in a brutal confrontation, thereby strengthening his bond with the ape tribe and securing their loyalty through a demonstration of strength and mercy. This act of valor also serves to remind the apes of Tarzan’s prowess and cements a mutual respect among them.

Tarzan’s actions reinforce his dominance and influence within the jungle, reflecting a deep understanding and respect for its laws and creatures. His interaction with the apes and subsequent decision to explore further solidifies his belonging in the wild, distancing him from the last vestiges of civilization he once knew. The chapter concludes with a contemplative Tarzan making a poignant realization about his isolation. Yet, in a demonstration of his adaptability and resilience, he befriends a trapped panther named Sheeta by saving it, later collaborating in hunting and sharing meals, showcasing Tarzan’s ability to communicate and form alliances across species.

As Tarzan and Sheeta continue their symbiotic partnership, they encounter various jungle dangers together, reinforcing Tarzan’s role as a mediator between the wild’s brutality and the underlying connections among its inhabitants. His unwavering courage and innovative thinking, especially in using his skills to maneuver through challenges and build relationships within the animal kingdom, highlight his unique position as both a part of the natural world and a protector of those he aligns with. This chapter encapsulates Tarzan’s complex relationship with the jungle, portraying him as both a formidable predator and a compassionate being capable of profound connections across the natural world.