# III: The Moon Rock explained — The Moon Pool

> Chapter companion for The Moon Pool by A. Merritt.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_pool_se/chapters/iii-the-moon-rock
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_pool_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_pool_se/chapters