# The Crimson Sea explained — The Moon Pool

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

## What happens

Goodwin awakens in the arms of a frog-man and finds Larry O'Keefe in a deathlike trance after being struck by a strange light. Lakla and Rador lead the group across a crimson sea, encountering ancient fish and giant jellyfish. Lakla reveals she has secretly visited Goodwin and Larry before, and expresses her love for Larry. Olaf compares the scene to Asgard and Bifrost. The group continues toward a mysterious golden dome, with Lakla vowing vengeance on Lugur and Yolara if Larry dies.

## Themes in this chapter

### Science vs. the Supernatural

Goodwin's scientific knowledge is challenged by the surreal Crimson Sea and its ancient creatures, blurring the line between natural and supernatural.

### Sacrifice and Redemption

Lakla's vow to avenge Larry's potential death reflects themes of sacrifice and the redemptive power of love.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. Walter T. Goodwin

Narrator; awakens in the arms of a frog-man, observes Larry's condition, and walks with Lakla.

### Lakla

Leads the group; tends to Larry, reveals she has secretly visited Goodwin and Larry before, and vows vengeance if Larry dies.

### Rador

Walks with Lakla; comments on the strange light that struck Larry and suspects Marakinoff's involvement.

### Larry O'Keefe

Lies in a deathlike trance after being struck by a light; carried by a frog-man, with Lakla watching over him.

### Olaf Huldricksson

Follows with grief; compares the scene to Asgard and Bifrost, and vows to kill Lugur.

### Marakinoff

Mentioned as the 'Double Tongue' who may be creating new death weapons for Lugur.

## Key lines

> I was in the heart of a rose pearl, swinging, swinging; no, I was in a rosy dawn cloud, pendulous in space.

Goodwin's disoriented awakening feels like floating inside a glowing pink pearl or a sunrise cloud.

_Describes Goodwin's confused state upon regaining consciousness._

> A light flashed from the road. It struck his face and seemed to sink in.

A beam of light from the path hit Larry's face and appeared to absorb into him.

_Rador describes the mysterious attack on Larry._

> Now their gods help Lugur and Yolara; for come what may, whether the Silent Ones be strong or weak, if he dies, surely shall I fall upon them and I will slay those two—yea, though I, too, perish!

Lakla vows to kill Lugur and Yolara if Larry dies, regardless of the consequences.

_Lakla's fierce declaration of vengeance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_pool_se/chapters/xxiv-the-crimson-sea
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_pool_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moon_pool_se/chapters