# XX: The Charge of Cowardice explained — The Chessmen of Mars

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

## What happens

Gahan searches for Tara after she mysteriously vanishes from the chamber of O-Mai, descending into dark pits and corridors. Meanwhile, O-Tar faces unrest among his chiefs, who accuse him of cowardice for not entering the haunted chambers. I-Gos brings Tara before O-Tar, who is captivated by her beauty and offers to make her his Jeddara, giving her seven days to prepare. Tara is imprisoned in the tower of the women's quarters under guard.

## Themes in this chapter

### Courage and Resilience

Gahan's fearless search through dark pits and O-Tar's cowardice are contrasted, highlighting the theme of courage.

### Justice and Tyranny

O-Tar's tyrannical rule and the chiefs' discontent reflect the struggle for justice in Manator.

### Love and Sacrifice

Gahan's desperate search for Tara underscores his love and willingness to risk danger for her.

## Character check-ins

### Gahan of Gathol

Searches for Tara after her disappearance, exploring the chambers and pits of O-Mai.

### Tara of Helium

Mysteriously abducted from Gahan's side; later brought before O-Tar and offered marriage.

### O-Tar

Faces accusations of cowardice from his chiefs; offers to make Tara his Jeddara.

### E-Thas

Majordomo who reports the unrest to O-Tar and is tasked with guarding Tara.

### I-Gos

Ancient taxidermist who brings Tara before O-Tar and defends her against claims of being a Corphal.

### Ghek

Mentioned as having left Gahan; not directly present in this chapter.

## Key lines

> Gahan, watching through the aperture between the hangings, saw the frantic flight of their pursuers. A grim smile rested upon his lips as he viewed the mad scramble for safety and saw them throw away their swords and fight with one another to be first from the chamber of fear, and when they were all gone he turned back toward Tara, the smile still upon his lips; but the smile died the instant that he turned, for he saw that Tara had disappeared.

Gahan observed their pursuers fleeing in panic, but his satisfaction vanished when he realized Tara was gone.

_Highlights Gahan's shift from triumph to concern._

> They say that you are afraid to enter the apartments of O-Mai in search of the slave Turan—oh, do not be angry with me, Jeddak; it is but what they say that I repeat. I, your loyal E-Thas, believe no such foul slander.

E-Thas reports that the chiefs accuse O-Tar of cowardice for avoiding O-Mai's chambers.

_Reveals the political tension and O-Tar's vulnerability._

> I could take you as my slave,” he said to her; “but it pleases me to make you my wife. You shall be Jeddara of Manator.

O-Tar offers Tara marriage instead of slavery, aiming to make her his queen.

_Shows O-Tar's desire and his attempt to legitimize his rule._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_chessmen_of_mars_se/chapters/xx-the-charge-of-cowardice
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_chessmen_of_mars_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_chessmen_of_mars_se/chapters