# An Exodus and a Battle explained — The Moon Maid

> Chapter companion for The Moon Maid by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## What happens

Julian attempts to explain the nature of the universe to Nah-ee-lah, who struggles to comprehend the concept of worlds beyond Va-nah. The chapter then shifts to a brutal battle between the No-vans and the Lu-thans, where Ga-va-go's tactical cunning leads to victory. After the battle, the No-vans engage in cannibalistic feasting and the division of prisoners, revealing the savage customs of the Va-gas.

## Themes in this chapter

### Survival and Resilience

The No-vans' brutal tactics and cannibalistic feasting underscore the harsh realities of survival in Va-nah.

### War, Peace, and Human Nature

The detailed battle sequence highlights the ferocity and strategic cunning of the Va-gas, reflecting on the nature of conflict.

## Character check-ins

### Julian

Attempts to explain Earth and the solar system to Nah-ee-lah, and observes the battle from a knoll.

### Nah-ee-lah

Engages in a philosophical discussion with Julian about the nature of the universe, laughing at his explanations.

### Ga-va-go

Leads the No-van warriors in a strategic battle against the Lu-thans, ultimately victorious.

## Key lines

> “All, all, is rock,” she said, “except here in the center of everything, in this space we call Va-nah. All else is rock.”

Nah-ee-lah insists that everything beyond Va-nah is solid rock, unable to grasp Julian's concept of space.

_Highlights the Va-gas' limited cosmological understanding._

> It was a revolting spectacle, as mothers devoured their sons, and wives, their husbands.

Julian describes the cannibalistic feast that follows the No-van victory, where family members consume each other.

_Emphasizes the alien and savage nature of Va-gas customs._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_maid_se/chapters/vi-an-exodus-and-a-battle
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_maid_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_maid_se/chapters