# XX: The Tempting of Larry explained — The Moon Pool

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

## What happens

In a grand feasting hall, Larry O'Keefe is tempted by the priestess Yolara, who attempts to claim him as her mate. After drinking an enchanted beverage, Larry becomes intoxicated and recites a haunting Irish curse. Yolara declares him her mate before the Council, but the ceremony is interrupted by the arrival of Lakla, sent by the Silent Ones to demand the release of three strangers.

## Themes in this chapter

### Forbidden Knowledge and Pride

Yolara's pride and defiance of the Council to claim Larry as her mate, and the use of enchanted drink to control him.

### Love and Loyalty

Yolara's possessive love for Larry contrasted with Lakla's intervention, hinting at deeper loyalties to the Silent Ones.

## Character check-ins

### Larry O'Keefe

Tempted by Yolara, becomes intoxicated, recites the Curse of Mora, and is claimed as her mate.

### Yolara

Attempts to seduce and claim Larry as her mate, defying Lugur and the Council.

### Lugur

Enraged by Yolara's claim on Larry, but is silenced by Marakinoff's influence.

### Marakinoff

Whispers to Lugur, exerting control over him during the confrontation.

### Lakla

Arrives with frog-men guards, sent by the Silent Ones to demand the release of three strangers.

### Dr. Walter T. Goodwin

Observes the events, feels dread and hope upon Lakla's arrival.

## Key lines

> She was Circe—but Circe conquered.

Yolara was like the enchantress Circe, but she was victorious in her seduction.

_Describes Yolara's irresistible allure and power over Larry._

> The fretted fires of Mora blew o'er him in the night; He thrills no more to loving, nor weeps for past delight. For when those flames have bitten, both grief and joy take flight—

The cursed fires of Mora consumed him in the night, leaving him numb to love and sorrow.

_Larry recites the Curse of Mora, a haunting Irish legend, while intoxicated._

> The Silent Ones have sent me, O Yolara. And this is their command to you—that you deliver to me to bring before them three of the four strangers who have found their way here.

Lakla announces that the Silent Ones demand the release of three of the four strangers.

_Lakla delivers the Silent Ones' ultimatum to Yolara._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_pool_se/chapters/xx-the-tempting-of-larry
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_pool_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_pool_se/chapters