A Princess of Mars · Chapter
An Air Scout for Zodanga explained
John Carter recovers from his injuries and returns to Zodanga with Kantos Kan, where he witnesses a military honors ceremony and is unexpectedly decorated by Than Kosis for his bravery in defending the jeddak's cousin.
What happens
John Carter recovers from his injuries and returns to Zodanga with Kantos Kan, where he witnesses a military honors ceremony and is unexpectedly decorated by Than Kosis for his bravery in defending the jeddak's cousin. He is appointed a padwar of The Guards and quartered in the palace. Later, Carter learns more about Martian agriculture and society during his journey, and hears troubling news about Dejah Thoris's possible death. He reunites with Kantos Kan, who is working undercover as an air scout to find the princess. Carter joins the air-scout squadron using a ruse, and learns to fly the advanced Martian aircraft powered by the eighth ray.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Custom
The military honors ceremony and Carter's decoration reflect the formal customs of recognition and duty in Martian society.
Courage and Combat
Carter is honored for singlehandedly vanquishing three green warriors, highlighting his bravery and combat skill.
Alienation and Belonging
Carter's bond with Woola contrasts with the unwelcome attention the calot draws; Carter must part with his only loyal companion to fit into Zodangan society.
Survival and Adaptation
Carter adapts to Martian technology and customs, learning to fly and using a ruse to join the air scouts.
Characters to notice
- John Carter
Decorated by Than Kosis for bravery and appointed padwar of The Guards; joins the air-scout squadron under a ruse to find Dejah Thoris.
- Kantos Kan
Undercover as an air scout in Zodanga; helps Carter enroll in the squadron and teaches him to fly.
- Than Kosis
Jeddak of Zodanga; honors Carter and appoints him to the palace guard.
- Dejah Thoris
Believed dead by some; Carter and Kantos Kan seek to learn her whereabouts.
- Tardos Mors
Jeddak of Helium; mentioned as the grandfather of Dejah Thoris, who would rather see her dead than wed against her will.
- Mors Kajak
Father of Dejah Thoris; mentioned as the ruler of Helium.
- Woola
Carter's loyal calot; left outside Zodanga to avoid unwanted attention.
- Sab Than
Prince of Zodanga; commander of the navy division, suspected of imprisoning Dejah Thoris.
Key passages
“In recognition, John Carter, of your remarkable courage and skill in defending the person of the cousin of the jeddak Than Kosis and, singlehanded, vanquishing three green warriors, it is the pleasure of our jeddak to confer on you the mark of his esteem.”
The officer publicly announces that Carter is being honored for his bravery in protecting the jeddak's cousin and defeating three green warriors alone.
Carter is formally recognized and decorated during the military ceremony.
“The water which supplies the farms of Mars is collected in immense underground reservoirs at either pole from the melting ice caps, and pumped through long conduits to the various populated centers.”
Mars's farms are irrigated by water stored in polar underground reservoirs and distributed via long pipes.
Description of Martian agricultural water system.
“This ray, like the ninth ray, is unknown on Earth, but the Martians have discovered that it is an inherent property of all light no matter from what source it emanates.”
The eighth ray, which propels light, is a fundamental property of light discovered by Martians but unknown on Earth.
Explanation of the eighth ray used in Martian aviation.
