The Moon Pool · Chapter
IX: A Lost Page of Earth explained
Goodwin awakens to a bright, sunny day aboard the Suwarna, and he and O'Keefe discuss the nature of the Dweller.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Science vs. the Supernatural
Goodwin insists the Dweller is a supernormal phenomenon explainable by unknown scientific forces, while O'Keefe jokingly suggests fairies or gas hallucinations, highlighting the tension between rational and supernatural interpretations.
Lost Civilizations and Ancient Wisdom
Goodwin speculates that survivors of a lost Pacific race, with advanced science, created the Dweller using moonlight, linking the mystery to ancient wisdom and subterranean realms.
The Power of Light and Energy
Goodwin explains how moonlight, altered by reflection and crystals, could energize the Dweller, drawing on Kubalski's experiments with light-induced crystalline forms.
Characters to notice
- Dr. Walter T. Goodwin
Awakens refreshed, theorizes about a lost race and the scientific basis of the Dweller, and persuades O'Keefe to join the expedition.
- Larry O'Keefe
Sings cheerfully, debates Goodwin's theories with humor, proposes a gas hallucination explanation, and agrees to accompany Goodwin to Nan-Matal.
- Olaf Huldricksson
Recovered from his madness, shows sorrow but determination, and confirms his intent to follow the quest to Nan-Matal.
- Da Costa
Informs Huldricksson of the expected arrival time at Ponape and accompanies him to the Brunhilda.
Key passages
“I think it is possible that some members of that race peopling the ancient continent which we know existed here in the Pacific, have survived.”
Goodwin suggests that descendants of an ancient Pacific civilization may still live in underground caverns.
This introduces the lost race theory central to the chapter.
“I do think it is supernormal; energized by a force unknown to modern science—but that doesn’t mean I think it outside the radius of science.”
Goodwin believes the Dweller is beyond normal but still scientifically explainable.
Highlights the science vs. supernatural theme.
“But by the sword of Brian Boru, you’ll never get me to fall for the idea that a bunch of moonshine can handle a big woman...”
O'Keefe humorously rejects the idea that moonlight could physically abduct people.
Shows O'Keefe's skepticism and Irish wit.
“It’s probably gas; a volcanic emanation; something new to us and that drives you crazy—lots of kinds of gas do that.”
O'Keefe proposes that the Dweller is a hallucinogenic volcanic gas.
Contrasts with Goodwin's lost race theory.