The Moon Pool · Chapter
III: The Moon Rock explained
Throckmartin recounts the events leading to the discovery of the Moon Rock on Nan-Tauach.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Science vs. the Supernatural
Throckmartin and Stanton attempt to explain the strange sounds and Thora's trance through scientific reasoning, yet the events resist rational explanation.
Forbidden Knowledge and Pride
The explorers' determination to investigate Nan-Tauach despite warnings reflects a hubristic pursuit of hidden knowledge.
Lost Civilizations and Ancient Wisdom
Nan-Tauach is described as a remnant of a vanished Pacific civilization, with the Moon Rock hinting at forgotten technologies or powers.
Characters to notice
- Dr. David Throckmartin
Narrates the discovery of the Moon Rock and his scientific curiosity about the strange phenomena on Nan-Tauach.
- Edith Throckmartin
Throckmartin's wife; she is sensitive to the eerie sounds and expresses unease, yet remains supportive.
- Dr. Charles Stanton
Throckmartin's colleague; he discovers the Moon Rock and shares in the scientific investigation.
- Thora Halversen
The Swedish servant; she falls into a trance, makes ominous gestures toward the moon, and warns the party to leave.
- Dr. Walter T. Goodwin
The listener to Throckmartin's story; he is the recipient of the narrative in this chapter.
Key passages
“It was Stanton who discovered the moon rock. We had been inspecting the inner courtyard; Edith and Thora were getting together our lunch. I came out of the vault of Chau-te-leur to find Stanton before a part of the terrace studying it wonderingly.”
Stanton found the moon rock while the group was exploring the inner courtyard, as the women prepared lunch.
This marks the pivotal discovery of the mysterious slab that becomes central to the plot.
“I touched it and withdrew my hand quickly for at the contact every nerve in my arm tingled as though a shock of frozen electricity had passed through it.”
When Throckmartin touched the moon rock, he felt a strange, cold electric shock that startled him.
The moon rock exhibits an unnatural, almost supernatural property, setting it apart from ordinary stone.
“She stood there, her eyes wide, brilliant, staring. She thrust her head forward toward Nan-Tauach, regarding the moving lights; she listened. Suddenly she raised her arms and made a curious gesture to the moon.”
Thora stood transfixed, staring at the island, then made an ancient-looking gesture toward the moon.
Thora's trance-like behavior suggests a connection to the island's mysterious forces, blending superstition with the unknown.