# X: The Witch-Hunt explained — King Solomon’s Mines

> Chapter companion for King Solomon’s Mines by H. Rider Haggard.

## What happens

Infadoos explains the tyranny of King Twala and the brutal witch-hunt ritual. Umbopa reveals himself as Ignosi, the rightful heir to the Kukuana throne, by showing the snake tattoo. Infadoos pledges to rally the chiefs and regiments for a rebellion. The chapter culminates in the horrific witch-hunt where Gagool and her witch-doctresses 'smell out' and execute dozens of victims, with Twala counting each death.

## Themes in this chapter

### Violence and Warfare

The witch-hunt is a brutal display of state-sanctioned violence, with mass executions ordered by King Twala.

### Superstition and Magic

Gagool and the witch-doctresses use ritualistic dancing and divination to 'smell out' wizards, demonstrating the power of superstition in Kukuana society.

### Loyalty and Brotherhood

Infadoos pledges loyalty to Ignosi, and the white men stand by him as friends, forming a bond of brotherhood against tyranny.

## Character check-ins

### Allan Quatermain

Narrates the chapter; questions Infadoos about Twala's cruelty and later observes the witch-hunt with horror.

### Infadoos

Explains the tyranny of Twala and the witch-hunt; later recognizes Ignosi and agrees to rally support for his claim.

### Ignosi

Reveals his true identity as the rightful king by showing the snake tattoo; recounts his survival and journey.

### Twala

Presides over the witch-hunt, ordering executions and counting the dead.

### Gagool

Commands the witch-doctresses during the witch-hunt; orchestrates the 'smelling out' of victims.

### Scragga

Echoes the kill command with a hollow chuckle during the executions.

### Sir Henry Curtis

Present during the witch-hunt; wears the chain armour sent by Twala.

### Captain John Good

Present during the witch-hunt; comments on the silence of the army and later compares Twala to Madame Defarge.

## Key lines

> It is the great witch-hunt, and many will be smelt out as wizards and slain. No man's life is safe.

Infadoos warns that the witch-hunt will result in many innocent people being accused and killed.

_Sets the stage for the brutal ritual._

> I am Ignosi, rightful king of the Kukuanas!

Umbopa declares his true identity as the legitimate heir to the throne.

_Key revelation that changes the political landscape._

> Kill! said the king. Kill! squeaked Gagool. Kill! reechoed Scragga, with a hollow chuckle.

The king, Gagool, and Scragga all command the execution of the accused wizard.

_Illustrates the collective cruelty of the ruling powers._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/king_solomon_s_mines_se/chapters/x-the-witch-hunt
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/king_solomon_s_mines_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/king_solomon_s_mines_se/chapters