The Master Mind of Mars · Chapter
X: Phundahl explained
The narrator, Dar Tarus, and Gor Hajus arrive in Phundahl, where Dar Tarus visits a temple of Tur to perform religious observances, revealing the absurd and contradictory rituals of the faith.
What happens
The narrator, Dar Tarus, and Gor Hajus arrive in Phundahl, where Dar Tarus visits a temple of Tur to perform religious observances, revealing the absurd and contradictory rituals of the faith. The narrator observes the temple's wealth and the bizarre practices, while Dar Tarus insists on the singularity of Tur despite the many idols. Later, Gor Hajus and Hovan Du perform as a trained ape to attract the attention of the Jeddara's guard, successfully gaining an audience with the ruler. The chapter explores the religion of Tur through Dar Tarus's devotion and Gor Hajus's skeptical explanations.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Faith
The chapter satirizes organized religion through the absurd rituals of Tur worship, highlighting blind faith, contradictory doctrines, and the exploitation of believers.
Alienation and Belonging
The narrator feels alienated by the religious practices of Phundahl, while Dar Tarus finds belonging through his devout participation, and Gor Hajus remains an outsider as an atheist.
Characters to notice
- Dar Tarus
Devoutly performs religious rituals at the temple of Tur, borrowing gold from Gor Hajus to make offerings, and explains the faith to the narrator.
- Gor Hajus
Reluctantly lends gold to Dar Tarus for temple offerings, then acts as a ballyhoo artist for Hovan Du's performance, demonstrating his cunning and showmanship.
- Hovan Du
Performs as a trained white ape, displaying intelligence by reading and writing, which captivates the crowd and the Jeddara's guard.
- Vad Varo
The narrator, who accompanies Dar Tarus to the temple, observes the rituals with skepticism, and later participates in the performance scheme.
Key passages
“time," he said, "and have had no opportunity to do honor to my god. I shall not keep you waiting long. Gor Hajus, will you loan me a few pieces of gold?"”
Dar Tarus asks Gor Hajus for a loan of gold to honor his god, having been unable to do so earlier.
Dar Tarus's request highlights his devotion and the financial aspect of religious observance.
“"Men and women of Phundahl," cried Gor Hajus, "behold two poor panthans, who, risking their lives, have captured and trained one of the most savage and ferocious and at the same time most intelligent specimens of the great white ape of Barsoom ever before seen in captivity and at great expense have brought it to Phundahl for your entertainment and edification."”
Gor Hajus announces to the crowd that they have captured and trained a highly intelligent white ape for their entertainment.
Gor Hajus uses showmanship to attract attention and gain access to the Jeddara.
“"The mysteries of religions always fascinate me, Dar Tarus," I told him. "Ah, but that is the beauty of the religion of Tur," he exclaimed, "it has no mysteries. It is simple, natural, scientific and every word and work of it is susceptible of proof through the pages of Turgan, the great book written by Tur himself."”
The narrator expresses fascination with religion, and Dar Tarus insists that Tur's religion is simple and scientifically provable through the book Turgan.
This exchange underscores the irony of Dar Tarus's claim of simplicity and proof in the face of the chapter's absurd rituals.