Opar (fictional city)

Opar is a fictional lost city featured prominently in the Tarzan novels of Edgar Rice Burroughs. It is described as a ruined, gold-rich city located deep within the jungles of Africa, inhabited by a savage people descended from a Roman legion that became lost centuries ago.

Description: Opar is depicted as a city of crumbling stone buildings, overgrown with jungle vegetation. Immense wealth in the form of gold is readily available, contributing to the city's allure and danger. The city is guarded by fierce warriors and often features dangerous creatures, both natural and supernatural.

Inhabitants: The Oparians are typically portrayed as barbaric, fierce warriors. They are often described as having a mix of Roman and African physical characteristics, reflecting their mixed heritage. A key character associated with Opar is La, the High Priestess, a powerful and often ruthless figure who serves as the city's ruler or spiritual leader. Oparian society is often depicted as brutal and hierarchical, with rituals and customs that reflect their savage nature.

Significance: Opar serves as a recurring element in the Tarzan series, representing a place of danger, adventure, and great reward. It is a symbol of lost civilizations and the potential for savagery to persist even in those with a supposed "civilized" ancestry. The lure of Opar's gold often motivates characters in the novels, leading them into perilous situations and testing their morality. The city is a crucial location for plot development and character arcs in many of the Tarzan stories.