# III: Snake-Devil’s Trail explained — Star Born

> Chapter companion for Star Born by Andre Norton.

## What happens

Dalgard and Sssuri track a snake-devil through an abandoned alien city, discovering tracks that lead to a river. They encounter a frightened hopper, suggesting the recent presence of 'Those Others.' After camping, Sssuri learns from night runners that a great peril from the sea has driven creatures south. They decide to investigate a forbidden city upriver, wary of ancient defenses.

## Themes in this chapter

### Survival and Adaptation

Dalgard and Sssuri rely on hunting skills and caution to navigate a dangerous environment.

### Legacy and History

The ruins and Sssuri's knowledge of the past shape their understanding of the present threat.

### Alien Encounter and Otherness

The fear of Those Others and their ancient weapons underscores the alien threat.

## Character check-ins

### Dalgard Nordis

Tracks a snake-devil and investigates signs of Those Others with Sssuri.

### Sssuri

Hunts alongside Dalgard, uses mind-questing to gather information from animals, and warns of ancient dangers.

## Key lines

> And in the muddy verge of the stream, pressed deep, was the fresh track of a snake-devil.

Dalgard finds a fresh snake-devil track in the mud by the stream.

_The hunt begins with physical evidence of the creature._

> He is afraid of those who walk erect as we do, he made answer.

Sssuri explains that the hopper fears bipedal beings like them.

_Indicates recent encounters with Those Others._

> Within days they have been here. But they have gone once more.

Sssuri reports that Those Others were recently in the area but have left.

_Confirms the transient presence of the aliens._

> This is one way into the forbidden city, Sssuri announced. Once they stationed guards here.

Sssuri identifies a dome as an entrance to the forbidden city, once guarded.

_Highlights the danger of ancient defenses._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/star_born_se/chapters/iii-snake-devil-s-trail
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/star_born_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/star_born_se/chapters