Is Tarzan Real? The Fictional Character and Real-life Inspirations

The legendary character of Tarzan, first introduced in the early 20th century, remains a staple of popular culture. But is Tarzan a real person or merely a fictional creation inspired by historical events and accounts?

The Fictional Tarzan

Tarzan, the fictional character created by American author Edgar Rice Burroughs in 1912, is a manifestation of the Wild Man trope in literature. The character is the product of a unique storyline where a white man is raised by apes in the African jungle and later returns to civilization. The character has been depicted in numerous books, films, and TV series, becoming an enduring symbol of adventure and wilderness.

Historical and Mythological Inspiration

The concept of a 'wild man' or a 'feral child' guided in part by non-human caretakers is not new. Historically and in mythology, this theme appears repeatedly. For instance, the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the earliest written works of literature, contains a character named Enkidu, a wild being who is 'civilized' through the influence of a woman.

A similar narrative can be found in the Roman legend of Romulus and Remus, where twin brothers, abandoned and raised by a wolf, eventually establish a city. These stories underscore the human fascination with the potential of individuals raised isolated from conventional society and their integration into human civilization.

Real-life Inspiration

While Tarzan is a creation of fiction, the narrative has roots in real-life experiences. One notable case involved an 11-year-old English boy named William Mildin, who was shipwrecked in Africa and reportedly adopted and raised by monkeys for 15 years before being returned to civilization. This real-life account adds a layer of authenticity to the fictional narrative.

The Film: 'The Legend of Tarzan'

In 2016, 'The Legend of Tarzan,' a film adaptation of Burroughs' novel, premiered, marking a modern interpretation of the Tarzan story. The movie, directed by and starring Chris Weitz, introduced several new elements to the narrative, such as a greater emphasis on themes of equality and colonialism, often linked to white privilege and oppression.

The film received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its storyline and action sequences, particularly the CGI animals, which were described as 'spectacular.' However, other critics criticized the story for its perceived missteps and its controversial depiction of colonialism. Reviews from notable sources such as The Guardian and Vox provide a range of perspectives on the film's impact.

Real-Life Modern Tarzans

The concept of 'real-life Tarzans,' people who have lived solitary lives in the wilderness, continues to intrigue the public. For example, Ho Van Lang, a man from Vietnam who lived in the jungle for 40 years before succumbing to liver cancer, was labeled a 'real-life Tarzan.' While such cases are rare, they provide a fascinating real-world counterpart to the fictional stories of Tarzan.

In summary, Tarzan is a beloved fictional character whose story is rooted in both fiction and historical narratives. The character's real-life inspirations and modern interpretations continue to captivate audiences, blending elements of adventure, historical authenticity, and contemporary social commentary.

Further Reading and Resources

To learn more about the real-life inspiration behind Tarzan, see articles like 'Erzegebirge, the Swiss National Park, and Italo Calvino's Cosmicomics' on ERBzine. For a deeper dive into the modern adaptation of 'The Legend of Tarzan,' visit Wikipedia's entry on the film.