# Conquest and Peace explained — Pellucidar

> Chapter companion for Pellucidar by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## What happens

David Innes consolidates his empire, defeats Hooja's forces, restores Juag's island, establishes a code of laws with Gr-gr-gr, and returns to find Ghak's army besieging Thuria. He negotiates peace with Goork, who swears allegiance, and describes the growing civilization of Pellucidar with its factories, printing press, wireless, and railway plans.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Empire Building

Innes consolidates his empire through military conquest, treaties, and the establishment of a centralized government with laws and trade.

### Technology and Progress

Perry introduces printing press, wireless, telephone, railway, and firearms, advancing Pellucidar toward a utopian society.

### Civilization vs. Savagery

Innes contrasts the 'civilized' empire with the 'hideous' Mahars and the 'brute-folk,' aiming to bring order and peace.

### Love and Loyalty

David's contentment with Dian and his loyalty to his friends and allies underscore the chapter's personal stakes.

## Character check-ins

### David Innes

Narrates the chapter; leads the fleet, negotiates treaties, and reflects on his happiness with Dian.

### Abner Perry

Builds arsenal, printing press, and plans a railway; helps identify Ghak's army through glasses.

### Dian the Beautiful

Lives with David in the palace; described as his 'wondrous empress'.

### Juag

Made king of the island after Hooja's defeat; helps arrange laws with Gr-gr-gr.

### Ghak the Hairy One

King of Sari; leads the army besieging Thuria and is saluted by the fleet.

### Gr-gr-gr

Chief of the beast-men; agrees to a code of laws with David and Juag.

### Hooja the Sly One

His former stronghold is captured; his horde surrenders.

### Kolk

Not directly mentioned in excerpts; omitted.

## Key lines

> The task of ridding Pellucidar of these hideous creatures is one which in all probability will never be entirely completed, for their great cities must abound by the hundreds and thousands in the far-distant lands that no subject of the empire has ever laid eyes upon.

Innes acknowledges that completely eliminating the Mahars is likely impossible, as their cities are countless in unexplored regions.

_Reflects the ongoing threat and the limits of imperial reach._

> We have just laws and only a few of them. Our people are happy because they are always working at something which they enjoy.

The empire's simple laws and fulfilling work keep the populace content.

_Highlights the utopian governance Innes promotes._

> There is no money, nor is any money value placed upon any commodity. Perry and I were as one in resolving that the root of all evil should not be introduced into Pellucidar while we lived.

Innes and Perry ban money to prevent greed, basing the economy on barter and state redistribution.

_Shows their deliberate rejection of outer-world economic systems._

> I am content here. Even without my imperial powers and honors I should be content, for have I not that greatest of all treasures, the love of a good woman—my wondrous empress, Dian the Beautiful?

Innes declares his happiness in Pellucidar stems from Dian's love, not his imperial status.

_Emphasizes personal fulfillment over political power._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pellucidar_se/chapters/xv-conquest-and-peace
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pellucidar_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pellucidar_se/chapters