The Gods of Mars · Chapter
Sola's Story explained
Sola recounts the story of Dejah Thoris's pilgrimage and capture by the black pirates, including the meeting with Thuvia.
What happens
Sola recounts the story of Dejah Thoris's pilgrimage and capture by the black pirates, including the meeting with Thuvia. John Carter and his allies begin planning a rescue mission and a secret fleet to invade Omean and the Temple of Issus.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Dejah Thoris's pilgrimage and Thuvia's confession of love highlight themes of devotion and self-sacrifice.
Freedom vs. Oppression
The characters plan to rescue Dejah Thoris from the oppressive rule of the First Born and Zat Arras.
Deception and Manipulation
Zat Arras's political maneuvering and the need for secrecy in the rescue plans underscore this theme.
Characters to notice
- John Carter
Listens to Sola's story, vows to rescue Dejah Thoris, and begins planning the expedition.
- Dejah Thoris
Captured by the black pirates after attempting a pilgrimage; currently in the clutches of the First Born.
- Sola
Narrates the story of Dejah Thoris's capture and her own miraculous escape.
- Thuvia
Captured by the black pirates and imprisoned with Dejah Thoris; reveals her love for John Carter.
- Tars Tarkas
Participates in the planning of the rescue mission and agrees to assemble green warriors.
- Xodar
Provides expertise on the First Born and assists in planning the fleet's equipment for Omean.
- Kantos Kan
Commander-in-chief of the navy; tasked with remodelling battleships for the expedition.
- Hor Vastus
Proposes making John Carter Jeddak of Helium and is tasked with organizing a secret fighting force.
Key passages
“Seven days ago, after her audience with Zat Arras, Dejah Thoris attempted to slip from the palace in the dead of night.”
A week after meeting with Zat Arras, Dejah Thoris tried to leave the palace secretly at night.
Sola recounts the beginning of Dejah Thoris's pilgrimage.
“The new captive was a very beautiful girl. She told Dejah Thoris that many years ago she had taken the voluntary pilgrimage from the court of her father, the Jeddak of Ptarth. She was Thuvia, the Princess of Ptarth.”
The new prisoner, a stunning young woman, revealed herself as Thuvia, Princess of Ptarth, who had long ago embarked on a voluntary pilgrimage.
Thuvia is introduced as a fellow captive.
“I sprang to my feet, and with back-thrown shoulders and upraised sword took a solemn vow to reach, rescue, and revenge my Princess.”
John Carter stood tall, raised his sword, and swore to find, save, and avenge Dejah Thoris.
John Carter's vow to rescue Dejah Thoris.