The Moon Pool · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Moon Pool by A. Merritt.
Chapter 1
Dedication
The author dedicates the book to Robert H. Davis, acknowledging his appreciation for Larry O'Keefe's belief in the fairies.
Chapter 2
The Moon Pool
Dr. David Throckmartin recounts his terrifying experiences on the island of Ponape, where he and his team discovered a mysterious moon pool that leads to a hidden world. The pool, illuminated by a strange green light, is connected to ancient ruins and a malevolent force that begins to claim his companions one by one. Throckmartin's wife Edith and colleague Stanton vanish after encountering the pool's eerie glow, leaving him alone and desperate for answers.
Chapter 3
The Thing on the Moon Path
Dr. Walter Goodwin, returning from botanical research in the d'Entrecasteaux Islands, encounters his old friend Dr. David Throckmartin at Port Moresby. Throckmartin appears profoundly changed, his face marked by a disturbing blend of ecstasy and horror. Goodwin learns that Throckmartin's expedition to the Nan-Matal ruins has been interrupted by a terrifying supernatural encounter. That night, aboard the Southern Queen, Throckmartin and Goodwin witness a mysterious luminous entity traveling along a moonlit path on the sea, accompanied by crystalline music. The entity vanishes as a squall hits, and Throckmartin, now certain of the phenomenon's reality, prepares to share his story.
Chapter 4
II: “Dead! All Dead!”
Dr. Throckmartin recounts his expedition to the Nan-Matal ruins on Ponape, describing the cyclopean megalithic structures and the superstitious fear of the native workers. He reveals that his wife Edith, Stanton, and Thora are dead or worse, taken by a terrifying entity from the Moon Pool. He shows Dr. Goodwin a strange, cold, white band around his chest that is impervious to burning, claiming it is the mark of the Dweller in the Moon Pool.
Chapter 5
III: The Moon Rock
Throckmartin recounts the events leading to the discovery of the Moon Rock on Nan-Tauach. After their native laborers leave during the full moon, strange crystalline sounds emanate from the island, unsettling the party. Thora, the Swedish servant, falls into a trance and warns them to leave. Despite these eerie occurrences, Throckmartin and Stanton resolve to investigate scientifically. They discover a peculiar grey slab—the Moon Rock—that emits a strange, cold energy and appears to be a door. The chapter ends with Throckmartin's detailed description of the ruins of Nan-Tauach and his determination to uncover its secrets.
Chapter 6
IV: The First Vanishings
Throckmartin recounts the first night on Nan-Tauach, where Thora is taken by the grey rock slab, and the following night Stanton vanishes into a supernatural light.
Chapter 7
V: Into the Moon Pool
Throckmartin describes the terrifying emergence of the Dweller from the Moon Pool—a radiant, androgynous being formed from seven colored beams and opalescent mist. He recounts his failed attempt to destroy it with gunfire, his capture by its shining tentacle, and the mingled ecstasy and horror that paralyzed him. Edith's scream breaks his trance, and he manages to wrench free. Later, Throckmartin tells Goodwin of Stanton's similar fate: Stanton was levitated away, glowing with inner light, surrounded by seven tiny moons. Despite their fear, Throckmartin and Edith resolve to face the Dweller together rather than abandon each other. The chapter ends with Throckmartin himself being taken by the radiant pillar while aboard the ship, leaving Goodwin unconscious and alone.
Chapter 8
VI: “The Shining Devil Took Them!”
Goodwin recounts his decision to keep silent about Throckmartin's disappearance to avoid disbelief or suspicion, then travels to Melbourne and Sydney to procure equipment for a return to Nan-Matal. He and Da Costa rescue Olaf Huldricksson, who is found bound to his wheel, raving that a 'shining devil' took his wife and child. Da Costa demonstrates that Huldricksson tied himself. After a squall, they rescue Larry O'Keefe from a wrecked hydroairplane, and Goodwin feels an instant bond with him.
Chapter 9
VII: Larry O'Keefe
Goodwin meets Larry O'Keefe, an Irish-American aviator rescued from a downed hydroairplane. O'Keefe joins the Suwarna's voyage to Ponape, and Goodwin learns of his background and mystical Irish heritage. Meanwhile, Olaf Huldricksson, the rescued captain, begins to recover from his ordeal.
Chapter 10
VIII: Olaf's Story
Dr. Goodwin and Larry O'Keefe listen to Olaf Huldricksson's harrowing account of how a 'sparkling devil' abducted his wife Helma and daughter Freda from his ship, the Brunhilda. After Olaf wakes from a drugged sleep and recounts his tale, Goodwin shares his own story with O'Keefe, who remains skeptical but agrees to join the quest.
Chapter 11
IX: A Lost Page of Earth
Goodwin awakens to a bright, sunny day aboard the Suwarna, and he and O'Keefe discuss the nature of the Dweller. Goodwin theorizes that a lost ancient race, possibly the Chamats, survived in subterranean caverns and developed a high science that harnesses moonlight to create the Dweller. O'Keefe counters with a gas-induced collective hallucination theory. Despite their disagreement, O'Keefe agrees to accompany Goodwin to Nan-Matal.
Chapter 12
The Moon Pool
Goodwin, O'Keefe, and Huldricksson set up a vigil at the moon door on Nan-Tauach, using Becquerel ray-condensers to focus moonlight on the stone bosses. The door opens, but Olaf is pulled inside; O'Keefe fights off an attacker—revealed to be the Russian Marakinoff—and both he and Goodwin are trapped when the door closes. Goodwin reflects on the mystery and danger, and the chapter includes Da Costa's confession about transporting Marakinoff to Ponape, as well as the group's tense journey through the silent ruins to the moon door.
Chapter 13
XI: The Flame-Tipped Shadows
Marakinoff reveals he witnessed the entity take Throckmartin and the child, and proposes a truce and alliance with Goodwin, O'Keefe, and Olaf. After a tense negotiation, they agree to share knowledge and resources. The group then descends into a vast abyss, glimpsing luminous immensities and green radiance, leading to speculation about the moon's origin and Earth's hidden depths. They encounter a vision of a golden-eyed girl and a grotesque frog-woman; the girl and O'Keefe share an instant connection. She demonstrates how to open a portal, and O'Keefe, determined to follow, leads the group into a rosy corridor.
Chapter 14
XII: The End of the Journey
The group finally arrives in the underground city of Muria, witnessing its breathtaking gardens, opalescent lake, and luminous cliffs. Larry O'Keefe tries to keep everyone grounded, dismissing Olaf's talk of 'Trolldom' and reassuring them that the inhabitants are just people. They descend into the city, marveling at the strange, shadowless light and the alien beauty around them.
Chapter 15
XIII: Yolara, Priestess of the Shining One
The group descends into the subterranean city of Muria, where they are met by a dwarf named Rador and brought before the priestess Yolara. Yolara is described as a woman of terrifying beauty and sinister allure, embodying the unearthly and dangerous nature of the Dweller. The chapter introduces the alien architecture, the Afyo Maie, and the perilous blackness that must not be touched.
Chapter 16
XIV: The Justice of Lora
Goodwin, O'Keefe, Olaf, and Marakinoff are brought before Yolara and Lugur in the garden of Lora. Yolara demonstrates the deadly power of the Shining One by disintegrating Songar with a green ray. She interrogates the strangers about their origins, and Marakinoff and Goodwin carefully conceal the details of the Moon Pool and Throckmartin's quest. The symbol of the vine with five flowers causes a shift in the dwarfs' attitude, hinting at the Silent Ones. Yolara shows interest in Larry, while Lugur claims Olaf for his own purposes, promising him a reunion with his lost wife and child.
Chapter 17
XV: The Angry, Whispering Globe
Larry and Goodwin are hosted by Rador in a pavilion, where they learn about Murian society's caste system—the fair-haired rulers, the soldier class, and the oppressed 'mayia ladala.' Rador warns them not to mention Lakla to Yolara. After a meal, both men are overcome by a drugged sleep, and before losing consciousness, Goodwin sees a vision of Lakla appearing on a glowing wall.
Chapter 18
XVI: Yolara of Muria vs. the O’Keefe
Goodwin awakens refreshed and joins O'Keefe and Rador in a swim. They are summoned to breakfast with Yolara, who tests O'Keefe's claims of superior surface-world power. O'Keefe demonstrates his pistol's speed against the Keth, then Yolara retaliates by summoning invisible forces that seize them. O'Keefe remains unruffled, claiming such powers are known in Ireland. The chapter explores the tension between Yolara's authority and O'Keefe's defiance, while hinting at the protective presence of the Golden Girl (Lakla).
Chapter 19
The Leprechaun
Larry and Goodwin are interrogated by Yolara, Lugur, and the Murian council about the surface world, the World War, and the ruins. Larry later recounts a vision of a leprechaun warning him against Yolara and encouraging his loyalty to Lakla. Goodwin observes Murian society, including their music and the oppressive atmosphere, and saves Rador from a poisoned dart.
Chapter 20
XVIII: The Amphitheatre of Jet
Goodwin and O'Keefe are led to a colossal amphitheatre of jet where the Murian populace gathers to witness the dance of the Shining One. They are given protective robes and placed in alcoves overlooking the platform. Yolara and Lugur stand on a dais, while Marakinoff and Olaf Huldricksson are also present. The atmosphere is tense with anticipation and foreboding.
Chapter 21
The Madness of Olaf
Olaf Huldricksson, driven mad by the Shining One's dance and the memory of his lost Helma, hurls a dwarf at the Dweller and then charges it himself. Larry O'Keefe intervenes, shooting the Shining One and threatening Lugur with his pistol. Yolara protects Larry and Olaf, asserting her authority over Lugur. Rador swears loyalty to the two men, and Larry is given silver garments for a feast, while Marakinoff appears with sinister intent.
Chapter 22
XX: The Tempting of Larry
In a grand feasting hall, Larry O'Keefe is tempted by the priestess Yolara, who attempts to claim him as her mate. After drinking an enchanted beverage, Larry becomes intoxicated and recites a haunting Irish curse. Yolara declares him her mate before the Council, but the ceremony is interrupted by the arrival of Lakla, sent by the Silent Ones to demand the release of three strangers.
Chapter 23
XXI: Larry’s Defiance
Larry O'Keefe defiantly rejects Yolara's control and declares his intention to follow Lakla, while Goodwin is haunted by apocalyptic visions of the Shining One's potential to destroy the world. Rador reveals a plot by Lugur, Yolara, and Marakinoff to ambush Lakla and destroy the Silent Ones. Larry dons his old uniform and boasts of Marakinoff's offer to make him emperor, but the group remains trapped and threatened by the Murians' advanced weapons.
Chapter 24
XXII: The Casting of the Shadow
Rador tricks Serku into lifting the Shadow, allowing the group to escape through the portal. Serku is killed, and Rador, Larry, Olaf, and Dr. Goodwin flee in a damaged corial, pursued by Lugur. They reach a dead end but find a hidden passage, escaping into darkness.
Chapter 25
XXIII: Dragon Worm and Moss Death
Rador leads the group through perilous paths to escape Lugur, encountering a dragon worm and a deadly fungus that instantly transforms soldiers into moss-like heaps. After surviving these dangers, Larry is struck by a mysterious light from Lugur's men, and Lakla arrives to aid him.
Chapter 26
The Crimson Sea
Goodwin awakens in the arms of a frog-man and finds Larry O'Keefe in a deathlike trance after being struck by a strange light. Lakla and Rador lead the group across a crimson sea, encountering ancient fish and giant jellyfish. Lakla reveals she has secretly visited Goodwin and Larry before, and expresses her love for Larry. Olaf compares the scene to Asgard and Bifrost. The group continues toward a mysterious golden dome, with Lakla vowing vengeance on Lugur and Yolara if Larry dies.
Chapter 27
XXV: The Three Silent Ones
The party crosses a colossal stone rainbow bridge to reach the golden gates of the Silent Ones' domain. After passing through a series of corridors and halls, they enter a domed chamber where the Three Silent Ones sit enthroned behind a curtain of opalescent mist. Lakla presents the unconscious Larry to them; the mist envelops him and he emerges fully healed. The group kneels in awe before the Silent Ones, who emanate a profound sense of holiness and sorrow.
Chapter 28
The Wooing of Lakla
Larry and Lakla openly declare their love, with Lakla playfully demonstrating her control over the deadly Yekta hydroid. Goodwin reflects on the potential challenges of Lakla adapting to the surface world. Rador leads them to a garden terrace with a view of the crimson sea, and a shy Lakla joins them.
Chapter 29
XXVII: The Coming of Yolara
Larry and Goodwin are in a chamber of the Silent Ones when Yolara and her invisible followers attack. Yolara uses the Keth to render herself and her warriors unseen, captures Larry, and threatens to harm Lakla. After a tense standoff, Lakla arrives with the frog-men, who kill Yolara's dwarves. Yolara escapes, and the cone of the Keth is lost.
Chapter 30
XXVIII: In the Lair of the Dweller
Goodwin, Lakla, and Larry undergo a disorienting journey through a dimensional passage to witness the Shining One in its lair. Goodwin describes the experience as defying known physics, comparing it to Eddington's relativity. They observe the Shining One's androgynous, shifting face and its seven moons, and later see the frog-men dispose of bodies while luminous globes feed on the dead. Lakla reveals the Portal has opened and closed, and they must hasten to tread the strange road commanded by the Three. They enter a faceted chamber where Lakla uses a crystal keyboard to activate a light-tempest that transports them through rock and gardens, eventually arriving at a translucent green space above the Dweller's domain.
Chapter 31
XXIX: The Shaping of the Shining One
Lakla recounts the history of the Silent Ones and the creation of the Shining One, explaining its origins from the ether, its growing independence and pride, and its eventual rebellion against the Three. She describes how the Taithu split over the Dweller, leading to the rise of the Murian civilization with its sun and moon kings, and sets the stage for a crucial question the Three will pose to Larry and herself.
Chapter 32
XXX: The Building of the Moon Pool
Lakla recounts the epic history of the Shining One, its corruption of the Taithu, the sinking of the sunken land, the rise of the moon king, and the doom placed upon the Three. She explains how the Shining One grew in power, enslaved victims, and how Yolara and Lugur now plan to use it to conquer the surface world. Goodwin questions whether Throckmartin and the others can be saved, but Lakla relays the Three's verdict that they are beyond redemption.
Chapter 33
Larry and the Frog-Men
After Lakla finishes her long tale, Goodwin and Larry find themselves stiff and sore from their journey. The Akka frog-men attempt to carry them, but Larry indignantly refuses to be carried like a child, insisting on walking despite his discomfort. Lakla reluctantly agrees and sends them with Kra and Gulk to be bathed and massaged with unguents, after which they sleep. Awakened by booming sounds, they join Lakla, Olaf, and Rador on the bridge where thousands of Akka are gathering. Lakla reveals that Yolara has gone through the Portal and is preparing to attack within thirty-six hours. Larry insists on leading the battle, despite Lakla's protective protests, and they begin planning the defense with Rador and Olaf, though doubts linger about whether the Three are strong enough to defeat the Shining One.
Chapter 34
XXXII: “Your Love; Your Lives; Your Souls!”
Lakla reveals the Silent Ones' prophecy: Lugur and Yolara will attack with their host, and if they fail, the Shining One may be destroyed. However, if the Shining One overcomes its fear and aids them, the only way to save the world is for Larry and Lakla to sacrifice themselves by entering the Shining One's embrace, their love serving as a weapon to weaken it. After a moment of terror, Larry and Lakla accept the mission, and the Silent Ones bless them.
Chapter 35
The Meeting of Titans
The chapter depicts the climactic battle preparations and the onset of combat between the Akka and the Murian forces of Yolara and Lugur. Larry O'Keefe is ordered by the Silent Ones to stay out of the fight alongside Lakla and Goodwin. Olaf Huldricksson eagerly prepares for battle. The Akka set up ambushes and barricades, but Marakinoff's anti-gravity weapon devastates their defenses. The Silent Ones intervene by pouring opalescent light from their dome, which neutralizes the green ray and protects the Akka. A surprise attack by Lugur's men nearly captures Lakla, but Olaf engages Lugur in single combat, declaring him his own kill.
Chapter 36
The Coming of the Shining One
Olaf Huldricksson dies peacefully after the battle, and the group mourns him. The Shining One advances with its dead-alive army, forcing the Akka to retreat. Yolara demands the Three surrender Lakla and Larry, but they refuse. The dwarfs bring a battering ram, and Marakinoff appears. As the gates are pounded, Lakla and Larry prepare to sacrifice themselves. The Silent Ones intervene, destroying the Shining One, which plunges into the abyss with Yolara. The dead-alive are freed, and the Silent Ones weep tears of peace over the survivors.
Chapter 37
XXXV: “Larry—Farewell!”
In the aftermath of the great battle, Goodwin and the others find the bodies of Throckmartin and Edith locked in each other's arms, and bury them beside Olaf. The ladala have risen and slaughtered most of the rulers of Lara, while the Shining One's lair is sealed. Goodwin, Larry, and Lakla visit the ruined temple, then on the bridge back Marakinoff ambushes Goodwin, dragging him into the racing underground stream. Goodwin survives, washes up on an islet of Nan-Matal, and later finds the moon door destroyed by a cataclysm, leaving no way back to Larry and Lakla.
Chapter 38
Endnotes
The endnotes provide scholarly references, technical explanations of Murian timekeeping and communication globes, and observations on Murian religion, biology, and the Yekta. They also include editorial notes by W. J. B. and W. T. G. that connect the narrative to real-world science and folklore.
