# XVIII: The Amphitheatre of Jet explained — The Moon Pool

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

## What happens

Goodwin and O'Keefe are led to a colossal amphitheatre of jet where the Murian populace gathers to witness the dance of the Shining One. They are given protective robes and placed in alcoves overlooking the platform. Yolara and Lugur stand on a dais, while Marakinoff and Olaf Huldricksson are also present. The atmosphere is tense with anticipation and foreboding.

## Themes in this chapter

### Science vs. the Supernatural

The rational Goodwin and O'Keefe are thrust into a supernatural ritual, their scientific worldview clashing with the inexplicable presence of the Shining One.

### The Power of Light and Energy

The Veil of the Shining One is described as a 'prodigious web of woven rainbows,' and the amphitheatre itself glows with an unearthly radiance, emphasizing light as a central force.

### Sacrifice and Redemption

The protective robes and the mention of 'errors' hint at potential sacrifice, while Olaf's isolated position suggests he may be a sacrificial figure.

## Character check-ins

### Larry O'Keefe

Accompanies Goodwin to the amphitheatre, shows excitement about the upcoming event, and expresses concern for Olaf.

### Yolara

Stands on the dais opposite Lugur, smiling at O'Keefe with an intense, joyful demeanor.

### Lugur

Stands on the dais opposite Yolara, crowned and bare-bodied, guarding the approach.

### Marakinoff

Seated opposite the protagonists, watching eagerly but giving no sign of recognition.

### Olaf Huldricksson

Sits alone in an aperture below Marakinoff, unprotected, and is observed with pity by Rador and concern by O'Keefe.

### Rador

Leads Goodwin and O'Keefe to the amphitheatre, instructs them in the ritual preparations, and shows pity for Olaf.

## Key lines

> The roaring fell away, the blue haze lessened. In front of us stretched a wide flight of steps, huge as those which had led us into the courtyard of Nan-Tauach through the ruined sea-gate.

The noise and mist dissipated, revealing a massive staircase similar to the one they had climbed earlier at the sea-gate of Nan-Tauach.

_Describes the transition from the chaotic approach to the structured amphitheatre._

> Huge, incredibly huge, a colossal amphitheatre of jet, a stupendous semicircle, held within its mighty arc the ivory platform on which I stood.

The amphitheatre was an enormous black semicircle that enclosed the white platform where Goodwin stood.

_Highlights the overwhelming scale and color contrast of the setting._

> The Shining One dances! ... And you are to worship!

Rador announces that the Shining One will perform its dance, and they are required to participate in the worship.

_Key revelation of the chapter's central event._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_pool_se/chapters/xviii-the-amphitheatre-of-jet
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_pool_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_pool_se/chapters