# Gathering Tarel explained — Pirates of Venus

> Chapter companion for Pirates of Venus by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## What happens

Carson Napier, now living with Duran and Kamlot, prepares for his first expedition to gather tarel, a valuable material. Kamlot instructs him on the importance of carrying weapons and the dangers of the forest. They climb through the trees to find tarel, which turns out to be a giant spider-like creature's web. They cut it down, and Carson learns about the properties and value of tarel. The chapter also includes Carson's earlier encounter with Duare in the garden, where he declares his love for her, and his audience with Mintep, where he is offered a position as a soldier in the jong's guard.

## Themes in this chapter

### Survival and Resilience

Carson must adapt to the dangerous environment of Venus, learning to use weapons and gather tarel, a vital resource, while facing unknown threats.

### Love and Social Customs

Carson's impulsive declaration of love to Duare defies Vepajan social norms and the strict rules of the jong's household, creating tension and danger.

## Character check-ins

### Carson Napier

Prepares for his first tarel-gathering expedition, learns about Vepajan weapons and customs, and reflects on his encounter with Duare.

### Kamlot

Guides Carson on the tarel expedition, demonstrates his agility in the trees, and explains the use of the spear and tarel cord.

### Duare

Encountered by Carson in the garden; she warns him of danger and reacts with anger and horror to his declaration of love.

### Mintep

The jong of Vepaja, who questions Carson and offers him a position as a soldier in his guard.

### Duran

Hosts Carson in his house and is present at the audience with Mintep.

### Danus

Escorts Carson to the audience with Mintep and invites him to visit often.

## Key lines

> I cannot say that I looked forward with any considerable degree of enthusiasm to spending the day gathering tarel.

Carson was not excited about the prospect of collecting tarel all day.

_Shows Carson's initial reluctance and expectation of monotony._

> It is not only a custom, but it is the law. We never know when we may be called upon to defend ourselves, our houses, or our jong.

Kamlot explains that carrying weapons is both a tradition and a legal requirement, as danger can arise at any time.

_Highlights the constant threat of violence in Vepajan society._

> If we get a bagful between us we may do some tall boasting when we return.

Kamlot suggests that finding even a bagful of tarel would be a significant achievement.

_Indicates the scarcity and value of tarel._

> I am not lazy, but I like work that keeps my mind on the alert.

Carson prefers mentally engaging tasks over monotonous labor.

_Reveals Carson's character and his attitude toward work._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pirates_of_venus_se/chapters/vi-gathering-tarel
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pirates_of_venus_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pirates_of_venus_se/chapters