# A Repellent Sight explained — The Chessmen of Mars

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

## What happens

Gahan of Gathol discovers Tara of Helium's disabled flier and deduces she is a prisoner in the nearby tower. He devises a plan to rescue her, towing the flier toward the tower. He is attacked by a herd of banths but escapes by ascending the flier. The chapter also recounts the storm's aftermath: Gahan falls from the Vanator after heroically saving a warrior, is tossed by the storm, and lands safely on the ochre moss, where he waits for dawn.

## Themes in this chapter

### Courage and Resilience

Gahan demonstrates courage by risking his life to save a warrior during the storm and by planning to rescue Tara despite the dangers.

### Love and Sacrifice

Gahan's willingness to face a hostile world alone for Tara of Helium reflects deep devotion and self-sacrifice.

## Character check-ins

### Gahan of Gathol

Discovers Tara's flier, plans her rescue, survives banth attack, and recounts his fall from the Vanator during the storm.

### Tara of Helium

Her flier is found intact but missing a propellor; she is presumed a prisoner in the tower.

## Key lines

> The same tempest that had proved his undoing had borne Tara of Helium to this distant country.

The storm that caused Gahan's downfall also carried Tara to this remote land.

_Highlights the shared fate of the two characters due to the storm._

> For Tara of Helium he would face a hostile world alone.

He was ready to confront any danger by himself for her sake.

_Emphasizes Gahan's devotion and courage._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_chessmen_of_mars_se/chapters/vii-a-repellent-sight
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_chessmen_of_mars_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_chessmen_of_mars_se/chapters