# XIII: Yolara, Priestess of the Shining One explained — The Moon Pool

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

## What happens

The group descends into the subterranean city of Muria, where they are met by a dwarf named Rador and brought before the priestess Yolara. Yolara is described as a woman of terrifying beauty and sinister allure, embodying the unearthly and dangerous nature of the Dweller. The chapter introduces the alien architecture, the Afyo Maie, and the perilous blackness that must not be touched.

## Themes in this chapter

### Lost Civilizations and Ancient Wisdom

The discovery of Muria, with its archaic language and advanced technology, underscores the theme of a hidden ancient world.

### Duality of Human Experience

Yolara's beauty is paired with sinister cruelty, and the city's wonders are shadowed by the deadly blackness, reflecting the dual nature of this subterranean realm.

### Colonialism and Otherness

The encounter with the Murians, their alien customs, and the language barrier highlight the theme of encountering the 'other' in a colonial context.

## Character check-ins

### Larry O'Keefe

Leads the group down the stairway, hands Goodwin an automatic, and shows bravado in the face of the unknown.

### Dr. Walter T. Goodwin

Narrates the descent and observes the alien environment with scientific curiosity, noting the archaic Polynesian language and the strange properties of the blackness.

### Olaf Huldricksson

Brings up the rear of the single file, identifies the dwarves as 'Trolde', and is physically admired by Rador for his strength.

### Marakinoff

Asks for a weapon but is denied by O'Keefe, who distrusts him; his cold consideration hints at future conflict.

### Rador

The green dwarf who greets the party, escorts them through the city, and warns them not to touch the blackness; he shows a mix of courtesy and mocking gaiety.

### Yolara

The priestess of the Shining One, described as breathtakingly beautiful but sinister, with a cruel and unearthly quality that echoes the Dweller.

## Key lines

> You’d better have this handy, Doc.

O'Keefe hands Goodwin an automatic pistol for protection.

_O'Keefe's practical caution in a dangerous environment._

> On your life touch not the blackness, ever.

Rador warns the group never to touch the mysterious black substance.

_Introduces a deadly element of the Murian world._

> Never had I seen a woman so beautiful as was Yolara of the Dweller’s city—and none of so perilous a beauty.

Goodwin describes Yolara as both stunningly beautiful and dangerously sinister.

_Highlights Yolara's dual nature as a seductive yet threatening figure._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_pool_se/chapters/xiii-yolara-priestess-of-the-shining-one
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_pool_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_pool_se/chapters