At the Earth’s Core · Chapter
Slaves explained
David Innes and Abner Perry, enslaved in Phutra, plan an escape.
What happens
David Innes and Abner Perry, enslaved in Phutra, plan an escape. David discovers sleeping Mahars and proposes killing them to flee, but Perry objects on moral grounds, arguing the Mahars are an intelligent dominant race. Perry reveals the Mahars' history: a female-only race sustained by a chemical formula for egg fertilization, hidden in Phutra. He suggests stealing this secret to empower humanity. They forge weapons and are joined by Ghak. Hooja the Sly One is recaptured, but Dian remains missing, deepening David's feelings for her. Ghak's homing instinct offers hope for navigation in Pellucidar's vast, starless world.
Themes in this chapter
Science vs. Superstition
Perry's scientific analysis of Mahar biology and the chemical secret contrasts with the Mahars' superstitious view of humans as non-reasoning beings.
Slavery and Oppression
The enslavement of humans by Mahars and Sagoths is central; David and Perry plan to overthrow this oppression.
Characters to notice
- David Innes
Plans escape, considers killing Mahars, grows determined to find Dian.
- Abner Perry
Moral objections to killing Mahars; reveals Mahar history and secret formula; proposes stealing it for humanity's benefit.
- Ghak
Reluctantly agrees to escape plan; demonstrates homing instinct for navigation.
- Hooja the Sly One
Recaptured and confined in same building as David; reports Dian missing.
- Dian the Beautiful
Missing after escape; David's affection for her grows.
Key passages
“It would be murder, David... Murder to kill a reptilian monster?”
Perry argues that killing the Mahars is murder because they are an intelligent, dominant race.
Moral dilemma over killing Mahars for escape.
“David, if we can escape, and at the same time take with us this great secret what will we not have accomplished for the human race within Pellucidar!”
Perry suggests stealing the Mahars' chemical formula to empower humanity.
Plan to use Mahar science for human liberation.
“I believe that God sent us here for just that purpose—it shall be my life work to teach them His word—to lead them into the light of His mercy while we are training their hearts and hands in the ways of culture and civilization.”
Perry sees their mission as divinely ordained to civilize and Christianize Pellucidar.
Religious and civilizing mission.
“You might blindfold any man of Pellucidar and carry him to the farthermost corner of the world, yet he would be able to come directly to his own home again by the shortest route.”
Ghak explains that Pellucidarians have a homing instinct that allows them to navigate without compass or stars.
Unique navigation ability in Pellucidar.