# Captured explained — The Chessmen of Mars

> Chapter companion for The Chessmen of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## What happens

Tara of Helium is captured by the Kaldanes after attempting to escape through the fields. She witnesses the horrifying transfer of heads between bodies and is taken to Luud's tower, where she is imprisoned.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mind vs. Body

The Kaldanes' separation of head and body, with heads controlling different bodies, highlights the theme of mind-body duality.

### Courage and Resilience

Tara of Helium fights bravely against overwhelming odds, refusing to surrender even when capture is inevitable.

## Character check-ins

### Tara of Helium

Captured by the Kaldanes after a failed escape attempt; she kills two rykors and a Moak before being overpowered.

### Luud

The Kaldane leader to whom Tara is taken as a prisoner; his authority is invoked by her captor.

### Ghek

Not directly present, but the Kaldanes (including Luud and Moak) are of the same species as Ghek.

## Key lines

> Shadow of her first ancestor! What had she done to deserve so cruel a fate?

Tara laments her misfortune, feeling undeserving of her capture.

_Expresses Tara's despair and sense of injustice._

> Take her alive! Do not harm her!

An authoritative voice commands that Tara be captured without injury.

_Shows that the Kaldanes value Tara alive, possibly for interrogation or ritual._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_chessmen_of_mars_se/chapters/iv-captured
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_chessmen_of_mars_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_chessmen_of_mars_se/chapters