Pellucidar · Chapter
Gore and Dreams explained
David Innes, Dian, and Juag are rescued by the newly built Pellucidarian navy, a fleet of fifty feluccas armed with cannon, commanded by Abner Perry and Ja the Mezop.
What happens
David Innes, Dian, and Juag are rescued by the newly built Pellucidarian navy, a fleet of fifty feluccas armed with cannon, commanded by Abner Perry and Ja the Mezop. After a naval battle against Hooja's fleet, David and Dian are hailed as emperor and empress, and David creates Ja king of Anoroc and the other captains dukes. Perry explains how the fleet was built and the Mezops' rapid technological progress.
Themes in this chapter
Technology and Progress
Perry's cannon, rifles, and the fleet demonstrate the transformative power of technology in Pellucidar.
Power and Empire Building
David creates kings and dukes, solidifying the empire of Pellucidar through ceremony and naval might.
Exploration and Discovery
The fleet's voyage and mapping of the Unfriendly Isles expand the known world of Pellucidar.
Characters to notice
- David Innes
Emperor of Pellucidar; rescued by the navy, he commands the fleet and bestows titles.
- Dian the Beautiful
Empress of Pellucidar; rescued alongside David, she participates in the ceremonies.
- Juag
Companion to David and Dian; present during the rescue and naval battle.
- Hooja the Sly One
Antagonist; his dugout is sunk by cannon fire, and his fleet is defeated.
- Abner Perry
Inventor and builder of the navy; explains the fleet's construction and the Mezops' progress.
- Ja the Mezop
Commander of the fleet; created king of Anoroc by David.
- Raja
One of the two hounds; present with Dian and David during the ceremonies.
- Ranee
One of the two hounds; present with Dian and David during the ceremonies.
Key passages
“It was the navy! It was the navy of the empire of Pellucidar which I had instructed Perry to build in my absence. It was my navy!”
David realizes the approaching fleet is his own navy, built by Perry.
Key moment of recognition and triumph.
“Perry had perfected gunpowder and built cannon! It was marvelous!”
David is amazed that Perry successfully created gunpowder and cannons.
Highlights technological progress.
“Thus ended the first real naval engagement that the Pellucidarian seas had ever witnessed”
The battle marks the first true naval combat in Pellucidar's history.
Historical milestone for the inner world.