In the language of the Mangani, also known as the great apes, the name Tarzan translates directly to "white-skin."
This iconic name, bestowed upon the character in Edgar Rice Burroughs's novels, literally describes his appearance among the ape tribe that adopted and raised him.
Origin and Significance of the Name
The Mangani are a fictional species of great apes from Burroughs's Tarzan novels, known for their unique spoken language. It is within this linguistic context that Tarzan's name gains its specific meaning. This detail underscores Tarzan's distinctive status as a human raised in the jungle, set apart by his skin color from his primate family.
Interesting Facts Related to "Tarzan"
Beyond its literal translation in ape language, the name "Tarzan" carries significant cultural and legal weight:
- Trademark Status: While the copyright on the original novel Tarzan of the Apes has expired in the United States and other countries, the name "Tarzan" itself is actively claimed as a trademark by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. This allows the company to maintain control over various forms of media and merchandise associated with the character.
- Geographical Naming: The community of Tarzana in Los Angeles, California, is famously named after Tarzan. This area was once a sprawling ranch purchased by Edgar Rice Burroughs in 1919, which he named "Tarzana Ranch" in honor of his world-renowned creation.
These points highlight the enduring legacy and impact of the character and his name, stemming from a simple descriptive term in a fictional ape language.
