The Moon Pool · Chapter
XVI: Yolara of Muria vs. the O’Keefe explained
Goodwin awakens refreshed and joins O'Keefe and Rador in a swim.
What happens
Goodwin awakens refreshed and joins O'Keefe and Rador in a swim. They are summoned to breakfast with Yolara, who tests O'Keefe's claims of superior surface-world power. O'Keefe demonstrates his pistol's speed against the Keth, then Yolara retaliates by summoning invisible forces that seize them. O'Keefe remains unruffled, claiming such powers are known in Ireland. The chapter explores the tension between Yolara's authority and O'Keefe's defiance, while hinting at the protective presence of the Golden Girl (Lakla).
Themes in this chapter
Science vs. the Supernatural
O'Keefe's pistol (technology) versus Yolara's Keth and invisible forces (supernatural) highlights the clash.
Colonialism and Otherness
O'Keefe asserts surface-world superiority over Murian powers, reflecting colonial attitudes.
The Power of Light and Energy
The silvery light and the Keth's green ray exemplify energy-based power in Muria.
Characters to notice
- Dr. Walter T. Goodwin
Narrator; awakens refreshed, joins swim, observes Yolara's tests and O'Keefe's responses.
- Larry O'Keefe
Defiantly demonstrates his pistol's speed against the Keth, claims surface-world powers, remains calm under invisible attack.
- Yolara
Priestess; tests O'Keefe with Keth and invisible forces, laughs at his claims, shows injured pride.
- Rador
Green dwarf; swims with O'Keefe, guides them to Yolara, answers Goodwin's questions about the Veil.
- Lakla
Golden Girl; appears in O'Keefe's dream, implied to be watching over them protectively.
Key passages
“I awakened with all the familiar, homely sensation of a shade having been pulled up in a darkened room.”
Goodwin wakes up feeling as if a curtain has been lifted, refreshed and restored.
Describes his return to consciousness after the deep sleep.
“I say to you, Yolara, that these things were and are—in Ireland.”
O'Keefe asserts that the powers Yolara displays are known and surpassed in his homeland.
O'Keefe's defiant claim of surface-world superiority.
“Have you that in Ireland, Larree!”
Yolara mockingly asks if O'Keefe has invisible forces in Ireland.
Yolara's taunt after demonstrating the invisible attack.