The Gods of Mars · Chapter
The Death Sentence explained
John Carter is put on trial before a tribunal of Zodangan judges in the Temple of Reward.
What happens
John Carter is put on trial before a tribunal of Zodangan judges in the Temple of Reward. He speaks not for mercy but to warn the people of Helium about the horrors of the Valley Dor and the Temple of Issus. Kantos Kan and many Heliumites defy the verdict, throwing their swords at Carter's feet in a show of support. Meanwhile, a feast at Carter's palace is interrupted by news that Dejah Thoris has been kidnapped by the black pirates of Barsoom.
Themes in this chapter
Illusion vs. Reality
John Carter exposes the falsehoods of the Barsoomian religion, revealing the Valley Dor and Temple of Issus as places of horror rather than paradise.
Heroism and Honor
Carter's selfless plea for the safety of Helium's women and children, and the loyalty of Kantos Kan and the citizens, underscore true heroism and honor.
Deception and Manipulation
Zat Arras manipulates the trial to secure a death sentence, using the religion of Issus to control the populace and eliminate Carter.
Characters to notice
- John Carter
On trial for blasphemy, he delivers a passionate speech warning Helium of the false religion of Issus and the dangers of the Valley Dor.
- Zat Arras
Presides as the magistrate of the tribunal, orchestrating the death sentence against John Carter.
- Kantos Kan
Defies Zat Arras by throwing his sword at Carter's feet, rallying the people of Helium to support the Prince.
- Tars Tarkas
Present at the feast, learns of his daughter Sola's involvement in the pilgrimage and grieves stoically for Dejah Thoris.
- Carthoris
Weeps openly as slaves express affection; mourns the loss of his mother Dejah Thoris.
- Sola
Arrives as a messenger at the palace, revealing that Dejah Thoris has been taken by the black pirates of Barsoom.
Key passages
“It is to save them from the unthinkably atrocious indignities that I have seen heaped upon the fair women of Barsoom in the place men call the Temple of Issus.”
John Carter warns that the Temple of Issus subjects women to horrific abuses.
Carter's testimony against the false religion.
“Death to the blasphemer!”
The judges sentence Carter to death for his sacrilegious claims.
The tribunal's unanimous verdict.
“Here is the answer of Kantos Kan, head of the navy of Helium, to Zat Arras and his judges.”
Kantos Kan defies the court by offering his sword to Carter.
A show of solidarity and rebellion against the Zodangan-controlled trial.
“The black pirates of Barsoom have stolen her.”
Sola announces that Dejah Thoris has been kidnapped by the black pirates.
The revelation that ends the chapter with a new crisis.