King Solomon’s Mines · Chapter
XVI: The Place of Death explained
The expedition reaches the foot of the 'Three Witches' mountains and Solomon's Great Road, discovering the vast diamond mine pit, the three colossal statues (the Silent Ones), and the Place of Death—a cave containing the preserved bodies of
What happens
The expedition reaches the foot of the 'Three Witches' mountains and Solomon's Great Road, discovering the vast diamond mine pit, the three colossal statues (the Silent Ones), and the Place of Death—a cave containing the preserved bodies of Kukuana kings seated around a table presided over by a colossal skeleton. Gagool leads them toward the treasure chamber.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Wealth
The expedition's intense excitement and risk-taking are driven by the promise of Solomon's diamonds, despite the ominous warnings and past deaths.
Superstition and Magic
Gagool's curses and laughter, the awe of the Silent Ones, and the superstitious dread of the Place of Death pervade the chapter.
Colonialism and Imperialism
The white explorers' appropriation of local knowledge and resources, and their interpretation of ancient monuments through a Western biblical lens, reflect colonial attitudes.
Characters to notice
- Allan Quatermain
Narrates the chapter; identifies the diamond mine pit and speculates on the origins of the Colossi.
- Sir Henry Curtis
Travels with the party; comments on the statues and the ancient deities they may represent.
- Captain John Good
Part of the expedition; notes the anatomical perfection of the skeleton statue.
- Gagool
Guides the party; mutters curses and laughs ominously; leads them to the Place of Death.
- Infadoos
Accompanies the party; salutes the Silent Ones and asks about entering the Place of Death.
- Foulata
Waits on the party; stores food and water for the cave expedition.
Key passages
“Walk more slowly, white men... why will ye run to meet the evil that shall befall you, ye seekers after treasure?”
Gagool warns the white men to slow down, implying they are rushing toward their doom in their greed for treasure.
Highlights the theme of greed and the foreboding of danger.
“Can't you guess what this is?... Then it is clear that you have never seen the diamond diggings at Kimberley. You may depend on it that this is Solomon's Diamond Mine.”
Quatermain identifies the vast pit as an ancient diamond mine, comparing it to the Kimberley mines.
Establishes the location as the legendary mine and connects it to real-world diamond mining.
“Anything more awe-inspiring than the spectacle of this long line of departed royalties... wrapped, each of them, in a shroud of ice-like spar... it is impossible to imagine.”
The narrator describes the terrifying sight of twenty-seven preserved kings seated around a table in the cave, with a giant skeleton as the host.
Conveys the macabre and awe-inspiring atmosphere of the Place of Death.