The Moon Pool · Chapter
Larry and the Frog-Men explained
After Lakla finishes her long tale, Goodwin and Larry find themselves stiff and sore from their journey.
What happens
After Lakla finishes her long tale, Goodwin and Larry find themselves stiff and sore from their journey. The Akka frog-men attempt to carry them, but Larry indignantly refuses to be carried like a child, insisting on walking despite his discomfort. Lakla reluctantly agrees and sends them with Kra and Gulk to be bathed and massaged with unguents, after which they sleep. Awakened by booming sounds, they join Lakla, Olaf, and Rador on the bridge where thousands of Akka are gathering. Lakla reveals that Yolara has gone through the Portal and is preparing to attack within thirty-six hours. Larry insists on leading the battle, despite Lakla's protective protests, and they begin planning the defense with Rador and Olaf, though doubts linger about whether the Three are strong enough to defeat the Shining One.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Loyalty
Lakla's fierce protectiveness of Larry and her desire to keep him safe from battle, contrasted with Larry's insistence on fighting alongside his comrades.
Sacrifice and Redemption
The impending battle and the characters' willingness to risk their lives against Yolara and the Shining One, with uncertain help from the Three.
Characters to notice
- Larry O'Keefe
Refuses to be carried by the Akka, insists on walking despite stiffness; later insists on leading the battle against Yolara, rejecting Lakla's attempts to keep him safe.
- Lakla
Tenderly cares for Larry and Goodwin, tries to protect Larry from battle, but ultimately defers to his wishes; acts as interpreter between the Akka and the group.
- Olaf Huldricksson
Present on the bridge with Lakla and Rador, observing the Akka gathering; comments on Yolara's anger.
- Rador
Provides intelligence on Yolara's forces (80,000 men) and the Akka's numbers (200,000); participates in battle planning.
- Dr. Walter T. Goodwin
Narrates the chapter; accepts being carried by the Akka; expresses doubt about whether the Three can defeat the Shining One.
- Yolara
Reported to have gone through the Portal, very angry, preparing to lead her hosts against the group.
Key passages
“Faith, mavourneen, your roads would never wear out shoe-leather, but they've got their kick, just the same!”
Larry jokes that while the Murian roads don't wear out shoes, they still cause pain.
Larry's humorous complaint about stiffness after the journey.
“I won't be carried! Damn it, Goodwin, there are such things as the unities even here, an' for a lieutenant of the Royal Air Force to be picked up an' carted around like a—like a bundle of rags—it's not discipline!”
Larry angrily refuses to be carried by the Akka, insisting it is undignified for an officer.
Larry's pride and sense of military decorum clash with the Akka's helpfulness.
“You're all I have, and I'm going to take care of you, Larry—darlin'! Don't you ever think anything else.”
Lakla asserts her determination to protect Larry, emphasizing her love and possessiveness.
Lakla's maternal and romantic devotion to Larry.