# Our March Into the Desert explained — King Solomon’s Mines > Chapter companion for King Solomon’s Mines by H. Rider Haggard. ## What happens The expedition buries the elephant tusks, including those from the bull that killed Khiva, and buries Khiva's remains. They march to Sitanda's Kraal, the last outpost before the desert. From a slope, Sir Henry and Allan Quatermain gaze at the distant Suliman Berg, and Umbopa reveals his knowledge of the mountains and offers to join them. He delivers a philosophical speech about life and death, and hints at a mysterious land beyond the mountains. The party prepares for the desert crossing, leaving their heavy gear with a superstitious native, and sets out with minimal supplies. ## Themes in this chapter ### Adventure and Exploration The chapter focuses on the expedition's march to the desert's edge, the decision to cross into unknown territory, and the preparation for a perilous journey toward the legendary Solomon's Mines. ### Fate and Destiny Umbopa's philosophical speech about life as a 'feather' or 'seed of grass' and Sir Henry's belief that he will reach his brother reflect themes of fate, mortality, and purpose. ### Superstition and Magic Quatermain uses threats of witchcraft and haunting to ensure the native caretaker protects their rifles, highlighting the role of superstition in cross-cultural interactions. ## Character check-ins ### Allan Quatermain Narrates the chapter; organizes the camp, translates between Sir Henry and Umbopa, and expresses suspicion of Umbopa's knowledge. ### Sir Henry Curtis Determined to cross the desert to find his brother; engages in philosophical dialogue with Umbopa and shows quiet confidence. ### Ignosi (Umbopa) Reveals his knowledge of the mountains and a strange land beyond; delivers a poetic speech on life and death; offers to join the expedition. ### Captain John Good Mentioned as supervising camp arrangements; part of the five-man expedition team. ### Ventvögel Listed as one of the five members of the expedition carrying kit across the desert. ### Khiva His remains are buried in an ant-bear hole after being killed by an elephant; his death is referenced. ## Key lines > We had killed nine elephants, and it took us two days to cut out the tusks, and having brought them into camp, to bury them carefully in the sand under a large tree, which made a conspicuous mark for miles round. After killing nine elephants, the party spent two days extracting the tusks and buried them under a prominent tree for later retrieval. _Describes the aftermath of the elephant hunt and the burial of ivory._ > As for Khiva himself, we buried what remained of him in an ant-bear hole, together with an assegai to protect himself with on his journey to a better world. Khiva's remains were interred in an ant-bear hole, with a spear placed beside him for protection in the afterlife. _Details the burial of Khiva, reflecting local customs and beliefs._ > There is nothing, Umbopa, that he cannot do, there are no mountains he may not climb, there are no deserts he cannot cross, save a mountain and a desert of which you are spared the knowledge, if love leads him and he holds his life in his hands counting it as nothing, ready to keep it or lose it as Heaven above may order. Sir Henry asserts that with love and determination, a person can overcome any physical obstacle, except those unknown spiritual trials. _Sir Henry expresses his resolve to find his brother, emphasizing the power of love and faith._ > Out of the dark we came, into the dark we go. Like a storm-driven bird at night we fly out of the Nowhere; for a moment our wings are seen in the light of the fire, and, lo! we are gone again into the Nowhere. Life is nothing. Life is all. Umbopa poetically describes life as a brief, mysterious journey from darkness to darkness, both insignificant and all-important. _Umbopa's philosophical reflection on the nature of existence._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/king_solomon_s_mines_se/chapters/v-our-march-into-the-desert - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/king_solomon_s_mines_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/king_solomon_s_mines_se/chapters