The Gods of Mars · Chapter
Corridors of Peril explained
John Carter, Thuvia, and Tars Tarkas navigate the dangerous subterranean corridors of the therns' underworld, guided by Thuvia's ability to command the fearsome banths.
What happens
John Carter, Thuvia, and Tars Tarkas navigate the dangerous subterranean corridors of the therns' underworld, guided by Thuvia's ability to command the fearsome banths. They witness the brutal feeding of plant men and white apes on lost souls from the outer world, and plan their escape through the heavily guarded gardens, temples, and ramparts above. Their presence is eventually detected, triggering a widespread alarm.
Themes in this chapter
Alien Nature and Survival
The chapter vividly depicts the brutal ecology of Mars, including plant men, white apes, and banths, and the characters' struggle to survive in this hostile underworld.
Deception and Manipulation
Thuvia uses her ability to command the banths, a skill born from her past manipulation by Sator Throg, to navigate the corridors and plan an escape.
Characters to notice
- John Carter
Narrates the journey through the underworld, observes the horrors of the Valley Dor, and strategizes escape with Thuvia and Tars Tarkas.
- Thuvia
Leads the group through the corridors, commands the banths with her voice, and explains the dangers of the thern stronghold and the black pirates.
- Tars Tarkas
Accompanies John Carter and Thuvia, suggests making the escape attempt after dark for better chances.
Key passages
“Their part is soon over," said Thuvia. "The great white apes get the flesh when the plant men have drained the arteries.”
Thuvia explains that after the plant men drink the blood of their victims, the white apes consume the remaining flesh.
Highlights the grim cycle of predation in the Valley Dor.
“If you can dissolve all our obstacles as easily as you master these fierce brutes I can see no difficulties in our way," I said to the girl, smiling. "How do you do it?”
John Carter marvels at Thuvia's ability to command the banths and asks how she does it.
Shows John Carter's admiration for Thuvia's unique skill.
“They fear the black pirates of Barsoom, O Prince," she said, "from whom may our first ancestors preserve us.”
Thuvia reveals that the therns' extensive defenses are meant to protect against the black pirates of Barsoom.
Introduces the black pirates as a feared enemy of the therns.