Tarzan

A young Tarzan, in the 1999 Disney Movie, Tarzan.

Tarzan swings on a vine. From a physics textbook problem involving Tarzan.

Tarzan is the orphaned son of a British lord who was raised by a pride of apes in the African jungle and later discovered by a group of explorers. John Clayton was stranded with his parents, the Lord and Lady Greystoke, on the West coast of Africa. Being forced to fend for themselves, his parents soon died while John was only an infant. He was then taken in and raised by a group of great apes. One in particular took on the parental role, she was known as Kala. John was named Tarzan which means "White Skin".

Tarzan will teach himself to read and write the English language from reader books of his dead parents.

He will also learn to speak several languages but only after he is an adult and from the explorers who come to the jungle.

As an adult Tarzan happened upon a group of human explorers, among them Jane Porter, with whom he developed a romantic attraction. In time John would marry Jane and they will have a son which they will name Jack.

Abilities

Due to his wild upbringing and need to survive in a dangerous jungle environment, Tarzan has developed extraordinary abilities. He has acute senses of smell and hearing. His body is in peak physical condition and his agility is far above average, enabling him to climb and leap from trees and fight animal foes with his bare hands if need be.

Tarzan carries a simple knife and commonly wears only a tattered loin cloth as protection. He sleeps in the trees and eats raw meat and vegetation as his diet.

The Lord of the Jungle on numerous occasions comes to the aid of those in need, both human and animal. He strongly values family and living with honor.