Understanding the Kinship of Tarzan
Tarzan, the iconic adventurer from the jungles of Africa, has caught the imagination of countless readers and moviegoers since the creation of his character by Edgar Rice Burroughs. In Burroughs' original novels, Tarzan is an orphaned human child raised by gorillas, and he does not have any human brothers. However, over the years, adaptations and fan interpretations have introduced various characters that have been considered as Tarzan's brothers.
Original Canon: No Biological Brother
In the original literature by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Tarzan does not have a biological brother. The character, as it was originally written, focuses on Tarzan's relationship with his adoptive parents, Kala, a gorilla, and her companions. Kala, in her role as a surrogate mother, raises Tarzan after he is abandoned in the jungle as a baby.
Adoptive Brothers in Film Adaptations
One of the most notable instances of an adoptive brother for Tarzan comes from a 2016 film adaptation, The Legend of Tarzan. In this film, an adoptive brother does exist. Akut, a mangani from a different tribe, is portrayed as being adopted into Tarzan's family. This storyline adds depth to Tarzan's character and offers a narrative that fans of the original stories can enjoy, adapting the character into a more traditional family structure.
The Role of Kala in Tarzan's Life
Kala, Tarzan's adoptive mother, plays a crucial role in his life. She is a wise and resourceful leader of the gorilla tribe, providing both a family structure and a unique upbringing for Tarzan. Kala's role extends beyond mere nurturing; she trains Tarzan in the ways of the jungle, ensuring his survival and growth from a young child to an accomplished and respected member of the tribe.
Mangani: Beyond Tarzan's Family
Mangani, often referred to as gorillas or apes in the text, hold a significant place in Tarzan's world. Terkoz, for example, is the son of Tarzan's ancestral gorilla Tublat. Although it remains ambiguous whether Kala, Tarzan's adoptive mother, was Terkoz's mother, the relationship is intriguing nonetheless. This ambiguity adds layers of complexity to the narrative, creating a world that is rich and nuanced, blending human and ape cultures in ways not often seen in literature.
Conclusion: The Evolution of Tarzan Across Media
From the original works of Edgar Rice Burroughs to modern film adaptations, Tarzan's kinship story has evolved. While there is no biological brother in the original Tarzan stories, modern adaptations and fan interpretations have brought new meanings and relationships into Tarzan's life. These stories not only enrich the character but also explore themes of family, relationships, and the bond of motherhood in a way that resonates with audiences today. Whether it's through Kala's nurturing or the friendship developed with Akut, the kinship of Tarzan continues to captivate our imagination and inspire new generations of readers and viewers.