The Gods of Mars · Chapter
Through Flood and Flame explained
John Carter leads his forces through a submerged passage to the Temple of Issus, but they face a rising flood from Omean and a fire in the pits.
What happens
John Carter leads his forces through a submerged passage to the Temple of Issus, but they face a rising flood from Omean and a fire in the pits. After splitting his men to escape the flood, he ventures alone through a submerged corridor, emerging into a chamber where he finds Dejah Thoris.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and Honor
John Carter's selfless actions to save his men and his determination to rescue Dejah Thoris exemplify heroism.
Love and Sacrifice
John Carter risks his life repeatedly for the chance to save Dejah Thoris.
Deception and Manipulation
The flood and fire are revealed to be traps set by the temple's guardians.
Characters to notice
- John Carter
Leads the expedition, commands the troops, and ultimately finds Dejah Thoris.
- Carthoris
Guides the troops through the tunnels and warns of the rising flood.
- Dejah Thoris
Found by John Carter in a chamber of the temple.
- Yersted
Provided information that spurred John Carter to action.
- Kantos Kan
Mentioned as father of Djor Kantos, who aids John Carter.
Key passages
“Yersted’s information convinced me that there was no time to be lost. I must reach the Temple of Issus secretly before the forces under Tars Tarkas assaulted at dawn.”
Yersted's intelligence spurred John Carter to act immediately, aiming to infiltrate the Temple of Issus before Tars Tarkas's dawn attack.
Sets the urgency for the chapter's events.
“The pumps of Omean have been stopped. They would drown us like rats in a trap.”
Carthoris realizes the flood is intentional, meant to drown them.
Reveals the trap set by the temple's defenders.
“I opened my arms and took into them once more the woman I loved—Dejah Thoris, Princess of Helium.”
John Carter finally reunites with Dejah Thoris.
Climactic reunion after the harrowing journey.