# VI: “The Shining Devil Took Them!” explained — The Moon Pool

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_pool_se/chapters/vi-the-shining-devil-took-them
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_pool_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_pool_se/chapters