# The Book of Thoth explained — Brood of the Witch-Queen

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

## What happens

Dr. Cairn and Robert Cairn break into a barn where Antony Ferrara has hidden his occult tools. Dr. Cairn destroys the Book of Thoth, robbing Ferrara of his armor and control over his summoned servant. The next morning, they find the barn empty with an overpowering odor of burning flesh, and Dr. Cairn declares the brood of the Witch-Queen extinct.

## Themes in this chapter

### Sorcery vs. Science

Dr. Cairn uses practical, methodical actions (breaking a padlock, destroying a book) to counter Ferrara's sorcery.

### Good vs. Evil

The Cairns' mission to destroy Ferrara's occult tools represents a direct confrontation between good and evil forces.

### The Occult and Ancient Egypt

The Book of Thoth is a central artifact of ancient Egyptian occult power, and its destruction is a key plot point.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. Bruce Cairn

Leads the expedition to the barn, destroys the Book of Thoth, and later confirms the extinction of the Witch-Queen's brood.

### Robert Cairn

Assists his father in breaking into the barn and witnesses the destruction of the Book of Thoth.

### Antony Ferrara

Referenced as the owner of the hidden occult tools and the Book of Thoth, which is destroyed.

## Key lines

> I have robbed him of his armour... I have destroyed the Book of Thoth!

Dr. Cairn announces that by destroying the Book of Thoth, he has stripped Ferrara of his protective magical power.

_This moment signifies a turning point in the battle against Ferrara._

> The brood of the Witch-Queen is extinct!

Dr. Cairn declares that the evil lineage of the Witch-Queen has been completely wiped out.

_This line marks the apparent end of the supernatural threat._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se/chapters/xxxi-the-book-of-thoth
- 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