Pellucidar · Chapter
Captive explained
David Innes is captured by the brute-men of Gr-gr-gr, a tribe of sheep-gorilla hybrids living on a mesa.
What happens
David Innes is captured by the brute-men of Gr-gr-gr, a tribe of sheep-gorilla hybrids living on a mesa. He learns they are enemies of Hooja and hopes to ally with them against Hooja to rescue Dian. He is put to work in their fields. Meanwhile, he recounts his earlier failed attempt to enlist the help of Goork's tribe, his journey to the island, and his subsequent capture by Gr-gr-gr's people.
Themes in this chapter
Survival and Resilience
David endures capture, forced labor, and the harsh environment while maintaining his resolve to rescue Dian.
Civilization vs. Savagery
Gr-gr-gr's tribe practices agriculture and has a code of justice (no killing except in self-defense or punishment), contrasting with Hooja's perceived savagery.
Species and Evolution
David speculates on the origins of man and the brute-men, proposing that evolution may involve accidental 'freaks' rather than gradual change.
Characters to notice
- David Innes
Narrator and protagonist; captured by Gr-gr-gr's tribe, put to work in fields, seeks alliance against Hooja.
- Gr-gr-gr
King of the brute-men; scarred, one-eyed, sheeplike eye; questions David and orders him to work.
- Hooja the Sly One
Mentioned as enemy of Gr-gr-gr's tribe; stole David's mate Dian.
- Dian the Beautiful
David's mate; stolen by Hooja, David seeks to rescue her.
- Raja
David's jalok companion; accompanies him to Goork's tribe, later deserts him.
- Goork
Leader of a tribe David encounters; suspicious of David, gives him food and directions but refuses alliance.
Key passages
“an accident of breeding, either by crossing or the hazards of birth. In other words, it is my belief that the first man was a freak of nature—nor would one have to draw overstrongly upon his credulity to be convinced that Gr-gr-gr and his tribe were also freaks.”
David theorizes that the first human and Gr-gr-gr's people arose from random genetic mutations rather than gradual evolution.
David's reflection on evolution and the origin of species in Pellucidar.
“We do not kill except in self-defense, he replied; self-defense and punishment. Those who would kill us and those who do wrong we kill.”
Gr-gr-gr explains that his tribe only kills in self-defense or as punishment for wrongdoing.
Gr-gr-gr's moral code, contrasting with Hooja's people.
“I saw that they were not naturally a warlike tribe, for they preferred that I leave in peace rather than force them to attack me, whereas the Sarians would have killed a suspicious stranger first and inquired into his purposes later.”
David observes that Goork's tribe is peaceful, unlike the Sarians who would attack first.
Comparison of tribal attitudes toward strangers.