Anyone who enjoys comic book history, will enjoy this post!
I'm surprised there are not more Tavanes out there in the world considering the popularity of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan comic books. There are a few of us named Tavane. For a while I thought I was the only one but with the explosion of social media I have found some of us. Here is the story of how I came to be Tavane as written by my mother:
"Once upon a time there was a little girl (my mother) who loved to read - but she was frustrated because only boys or men were brave or had any adventures in anything she read. The girls and women were only good for screaming or being rescued. Then one day she read a comic book, a story about the 'Brothers of the Spear' and about Tavane, the beautiful wife of King Dan-el, who fought battles and did everything her husband did. The little girl said to herself 'When I grow up, if I have a baby girl I will name her Tavane.' And when that little girl grew up and married, her first born child was a girl and she was named Tavane. She was a beautiful baby who grew into a talented and beautiful woman, worthy in every way of her namesake, and made her mother very proud."
Way to go mom! Thank you for your beautiful words.
If it wasn't for the United States postal rules, Tavane might not have come to be. During the 1940's, smaller stories were added to the main comic in order to qualify for cheaper postage rates as a "periodical". Brothers of the Spear was created as a backup story for the popular Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan. The series ran 132 issues straight in Dell comics Tarzan #25 (1951) through #156 (1966). Brothers of the Spear changed hands to Gold Key Comics and had a run of 18 issues on its own in the 1970s. Amazing! Brothers of the Spear ran for over a quarter of a century was in one of Dell's most popular comics of the 50's and 60's. Tarzan sold over half a million copies of each issue during 1961, beating out Archie, DC's Batman, and every Marvel superhero comic. Based on those kind of statistics along with Brothers of the Spear's lengthy run, the name Tavane should be as common as the name Mary (in my opinion).
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| Brothers of the Spear has its own comic in 1972 |
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| Brothers of the Spear first appear in Tarzan #25 |
Brothers of the Spear is sometimes known in comic book circles as under appreciated for its cultural and historical significance in history. Back in 1951, America was a segregated country. Brothers of the Spear introduced two main characters: Dan-el - a white king and Natongo - a black king. Both shared equal importance as the main characters and became blood brothers as both sought to restore their lost tribes in Africa. Later on in the series, both married beautiful princesses - Dan-el to Tavane and Natongo to Zulena. My mother first began reading Brothers of the Spear at the age of seven in 1952. She was mesmerized by the women of the series who did everything their husbands did. Tavane and Zulena were woman of strength and character who joined their husbands on the battlefield. Solid female role models in the fiction world were far and few between back then. Here are just a few quotes about Tavane:
"The Princess Tavane is wise"
"Tavane does not fear death, nor do her spearsmen"
"Tavane, bravest of women - we all owe you our lives tonight"
"Victory Tavane, thanks to you"
"You have a rare gift, Tavane of dreaming things beyond the reach of human sight"
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| A comic ahead of its time in race relations during the 1950's |
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| Queen Tavane in action: Saving her husband's life |
The Christian faith of Gaylord Du Bois, creator of Brothers of the Spear, defined how he wrote. The series was not evangelistic in nature, but did reflect his world view as a man of devout faith. Du Bois did not complete seminary, but he often acted as lay pastor at his church. He and his wife would take in young people to help them get their lives back on track. Championing the rights of black integration ran in the family, through the work of his great grandfather Charles McIlvaine, an episcopalian Bishop. For Du Bois, having a close friend and hunting companion that was black posed no issues. To his white friends who had any concerns, he had the attitude that "It was their problem."
I find it fascinating that the creator of my name is a Christian. In fact, Du Bois always prayed before he wrote his stories, asking God to bless his work. He would set aside his stories overnight for further prayer and reflection should there be any issues with his story line. I believe this shines through in his characters. There is always a battle between good and evil with good triumphing over witch doctors, users of black magic, and power mongers intent on stealing kingdoms. A fundamental spiritual motif running through the Brothers of the Spear is that of "true faith" where the characters make references to the belief in one true God, and true faith that delivers them from evil. "Tavane, Tavane, may the One on High Guard your life," says Dan-el in #68.
The choosing of names was much more serious during Bible times then it is today. Names carried great meaning into the character and nature of a person. Names were also prophetic and symbolic. According to the Bible, the first woman was called Eve, because she is the giver of all life. Abraham means "Father of a Great Multitude." Jeremiah means "Exalted of the Lord." Jesus' name literally means "The Lord Saves."
About 20 years ago, a woman I barely knew from my church decided to get me one of those name cards with a bible verse and Christian meaning. Good luck with that, I thought. You will never find one of those. Nonetheless, I was touched by her thoughtfulness and was thrilled when she actually found one and gave it to me. I still have the card today!
Perhaps the researchers found the strong and courageous Queen Tavane in Africa with her husband Dan-el, and Natango and Zulena. I love my name and I will be strong and of good courage. I will not be afraid or dismayed, for my God is with me wherever I go. The battle today against evil is still very real, and is taking place in the spiritual realm. Like Queen Tavane, I will go out into battle and put on my weapons of warfare and be strong in the Lord.
If names are indeed prophetic as in scripture, then I am thankful my mother choose such a noble name and that I was able to walk into the Christian heritage that is the kingdom of Queen Tavane.
I pray for each and every Tavane out there in the world to be blessed with all the blessings that come with their given name, to walk in everything that God has for them, and to stand firm in the battle that is raging all around us.
The Armor of God
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God - Ephesians 6:10-17.
Written Mother's Day 2015 with for my mother and Tavane G., who I think are also brave and courageous.
(Historical information taken from the forwards of Brothers of the Spear Volumes 2 and 3, Dark Horse Archives, published by Dark Horse Books, 2012 and 2013.) Brothers of the Spear has been compiled and reprinted into three separate volumes.
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