# The Ivory Hand explained — Brood of the Witch-Queen

> Chapter companion for Brood of the Witch-Queen by Sax Rohmer.

## What happens

Robert Cairn, alone in his chambers, struggles with paranoia and supernatural phenomena as he examines a silken cord left by Antony Ferrara. He experiences auditory hallucinations, a mysterious shadow, and an unconscious writing episode. After a phone call from his father, Dr. Cairn reveals that the cord was stolen from the British Museum, and Ferrara likely planted it as a focus for his sorcery. Robert then feels a spectral hand on his shoulder—the ivory hand of the Witch-Queen—and falls into a trance vision of a ritual before being roused by the telephone.

## Themes in this chapter

### Sorcery vs. Science

Robert attempts to use rational deduction and a revolver against Ferrara's supernatural attacks, but is overwhelmed by hypnotic and occult forces.

### Possession and Identity

Robert experiences unconscious writing and a trance vision, suggesting his mind is being controlled or influenced by Ferrara's sorcery.

### The Occult and Ancient Egypt

The vision of the Witch-Queen, the ring of Thoth, and the Book of Thoth ritual evoke ancient Egyptian occult practices.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Cairn

Protagonist; alone in his chambers, he experiences auditory hallucinations, a mysterious shadow, and unconscious writing. He examines the silken cord and falls into a trance.

### Antony Ferrara

Antagonist; referenced as the source of the silken cord and the supernatural attacks. His basilisk eyes and unholy campaign are recalled.

### Dr. Bruce Cairn

Robert's father; calls to warn Robert that the cord was stolen from the British Museum and that Ferrara planted it as a focus for sorcery.

### Myra Duquesne

Robert's beloved; he fondly remembers her appearance in Mr. Saunderson's garden, her pale beauty, and her rebellious curls.

## Key lines

> He had been writing unconsciously! And this was what he had written: 'Robert Cairn—renounce your pursuit of me, and renounce Myra; or tonight—'

Robert discovers he has written a threatening message from Ferrara without being aware of it.

_Demonstrates Ferrara's supernatural influence over Robert's mind._

> A hand crept over his shoulder—followed by a bare arm of the hue of old ivory—a woman’s arm!

A spectral ivory-colored hand and arm appear over Robert's shoulder.

_Climactic supernatural manifestation; the 'Ivory Hand' of the chapter title._

> 'Ferrara meant you to find that cord, boy! Remember, he is unacquainted with your chambers and he requires a focus for his damnable forces!'

Dr. Cairn explains that Ferrara planted the cord as a magical focus to attack Robert.

_Reveals Ferrara's strategic use of objects for sorcery._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se/chapters/xxvi-the-ivory-hand
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se/chapters