The Moon Pool · Chapter
VI: “The Shining Devil Took Them!” explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Science vs. the Supernatural
Goodwin's rational explanations clash with Huldricksson's supernatural account of a 'shining devil'; the self-binding trick suggests a psychological or practical cause.
Forbidden Knowledge and Pride
Goodwin suppresses the truth about Throckmartin to protect his scientific reputation, fearing ridicule and suspicion.
Sacrifice and Redemption
Huldricksson's apparent self-sacrifice at the wheel and Goodwin's determination to return to Nan-Matal hint at redemptive quests.
Characters to notice
- Dr. Walter T. Goodwin
Narrator; decides to keep Throckmartin's disappearance secret, procures equipment, and rescues Huldricksson and O'Keefe.
- Olaf Huldricksson
Found bound to his wheel, raving that a 'shining devil' took his wife and child; tied himself.
- Da Costa
Portuguese captain; helps rescue Huldricksson, demonstrates self-binding, and expresses fear of the full moon.
- Larry O'Keefe
Rescued from a wrecked hydroairplane; British Royal Flying Corps lieutenant with a cheerful, devil-may-care attitude.
- Dr. David Throckmartin
Mentioned as having disappeared from the ship; Goodwin keeps his fate secret.
Key passages
“The shining devil took them. The moon devil that spark—”
A luminous, moon-associated entity abducted his family.
Huldricksson's ravings link the disappearance to a supernatural moon devil.
“I knew somebody was sure to come along when the O’Keefe banshee didn’t show up.”
He expected rescue because his family's supernatural omen hadn't appeared to warn of his death.
O'Keefe's Irish folklore reference to a banshee foreshadows his lucky survival.
“But why, sair, did Olaf have to tie his hands?”
Why would Huldricksson deliberately bind himself to the wheel?
Da Costa's question highlights the mystery of Huldricksson's self-inflicted restraint.