Phutra Again explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Exploration and Discovery

  David explores the geography of Pellucidar and attempts to introduce scientific concepts to Ja, highlighting the clash between empirical knowledge and local myth.

• Clash of Civilizations

  The conversation between David and Ja reveals the fundamental differences between outer-world science and Pellucidarian superstition, as well as the cultural gap between humans and Mahars.

• Heroism and Sacrifice

  David voluntarily returns to captivity in Phutra to rescue his friends, demonstrating selfless bravery despite the risk of death.

Characters to notice

• Ja

  Rescues David from the cliff edge, offers him a home in Anoroc, and debates the shape of Pellucidar.

• David Innes

  Determined to return to Phutra to rescue Perry and Dian; attempts to teach Ja about gravity and the outer world.

• Abner Perry

  Mentioned as the friend David must rescue from Phutra.

• Dian the Beautiful

  Mentioned as the woman David seeks to find and make amends to.

• The Sagoths

  Guard the entrance to Phutra and capture David upon his return.

• The Mahars

  Referenced as the rulers of Phutra and the ones who hold David's friends captive.

Key passages

• “I had given you up for lost when you tumbled into the Mahar temple, for not even I could save you from their clutches, and you may imagine my surprise when on seeing a canoe dragged up upon the beach of the mainland I discovered your own footprints in the sand beside it.”

  Ja explains that he thought David was doomed after falling into the Mahar temple, but was astonished to find David's footprints on the mainland beach near a canoe.

  Ja recounts his search for David after the temple incident.

• “You saved my life; from that moment it became my duty to protect and befriend you. I would have been no true Mezop had I evaded my plain duty; but it was a pleasure in this instance for I like you.”

  Ja states that because David saved his life, he feels obligated to protect him, and adds that he genuinely enjoys David's company.

  Ja explains his motivation for helping David.

• “The Mahars say it is round, like the inside of a tola shell, but that is ridiculous, since, were it true, we should fall back were we to travel far in any direction, and all the waters of Pellucidar would run to one spot and drown us.”

  Ja dismisses the Mahar theory that Pellucidar is round, arguing that if it were true, people and water would fall off or collect in one place.

  Ja expresses the common Pellucidarian belief about the flatness of their world.

• “Your own illustration proves the falsity of your theory. Without support even this tiny fruit falls until it strikes something that stops it. If Pellucidar were not supported upon the flaming sea it too would fall as the fruit falls—you have proven it yourself!”

  Ja uses David's own fruit-dropping demonstration to argue that Pellucidar must be supported by a flaming sea, otherwise it would fall like the fruit.

  Ja counters David's explanation of gravity with a literal interpretation of the demonstration.

• “It is what a brave man and a good friend should do; yet it seems most foolish, for the Mahars will most certainly condemn you to death for running away, and so you will be accomplishing nothing for your friends by returning.”

  Ja acknowledges David's courage and loyalty but warns that returning to Phutra will likely lead to his execution without helping his friends.

  Ja tries to dissuade David from returning to captivity.