Journey to the Center of the Earth · Chapter
XXX: A New Mare Internum explained
Axel and his uncle discover a vast subterranean sea, which the Professor names the Liedenbrock Sea.
What happens
Axel and his uncle discover a vast subterranean sea, which the Professor names the Liedenbrock Sea. Axel is overwhelmed by the immense cavern, illuminated by an electric light, and describes the strange landscape including a forest of giant mushrooms. They walk along the shore, noting the Hansbach stream flowing into the sea, and Axel reflects on the sublime and terrifying nature of this underground world.
Themes in this chapter
The Unknown and the Sublime
Axel's overwhelming awe and fear in the face of the immense, alien subterranean sea and cavern highlight the sublime power of the unknown.
The Power of Nature
The vast ocean, electric light, giant mushrooms, and geological forces demonstrate nature's grandeur and indifference to human scale.
Characters to notice
- Axel Liedenbrock
Axel is the awestruck narrator, recovering from his ordeal and marveling at the subterranean sea and its strange features.
- Professor Otto Liedenbrock
The Professor is already familiar with the wonders, names the sea after himself, and guides Axel along the shore.
Key passages
“The sea! I cried. Yes, my uncle replied, the Liedenbrock Sea; and I don’t suppose any other discoverer will ever dispute my claim to name it after myself as its first discoverer.”
Axel exclaims in surprise at the sight of a vast underground sea, which the Professor proudly claims as his own discovery and names after himself.
This moment marks the discovery of the Liedenbrock Sea, a key milestone in their journey.
“Words of human tongue are inadequate to describe the discoveries of him who ventures into the deep abysses of earth.”
Axel reflects that language fails to capture the overwhelming scale and wonder of the subterranean world.
Highlights the theme of the limits of human knowledge and expression.
“I felt as if I was in some distant planet Uranus or Neptune—and in the presence of phenomena of which my terrestrial experience gave me no cognisance.”
Axel feels as though he has been transported to another planet, so alien is the environment around him.
Emphasizes the otherworldly nature of the subterranean realm and Axel's disorientation.