On the River Iss explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Deception and Disguise

  The false religion of the Holy Therns and the secret alliance between Thurid and Matai Shang highlight themes of deception and hidden motives.

• Adventure and Exploration

  John Carter's pursuit of Thurid along the River Iss, navigating dark caverns and dangerous currents, embodies adventure and exploration.

• Courage in the Face of Death

  John Carter's relentless pursuit despite the horrors of the charnel islands and the risk of discovery demonstrates courage in the face of death.

Characters to notice

• John Carter

  Narrator and protagonist; pursues Thurid along the River Iss, haunted by the fate of Dejah Thoris.

• Thurid

  Black warrior being pursued by John Carter; meets secretly with Matai Shang.

• Matai Shang

  Father of Therns; meets Thurid in a boat on the Iss, indicating an alliance.

• Woola

  Faithful calot accompanying John Carter in the pursuit.

• Dejah Thoris

  John Carter's princess, entombed in the Temple of the Sun; her fate is unknown.

• Phaidor

  Daughter of Matai Shang; recalled in John Carter's memory for attacking Dejah Thoris with a dagger.

• Thuvia

  Red girl of Ptarth; remembered for leaping forward to prevent Phaidor's attack on Dejah Thoris.

• Xodar

  Black dator; mentioned as having helped bring truth to the outer world and later became Jeddak of the First Born.

Key passages

• “For six long Martian months I had haunted the vicinity of the hateful Temple of the Sun, within whose slow-revolving shaft, far beneath the surface of Mars, my princess lay entombed—but whether alive or dead I knew not.”

  John Carter spent six months near the Temple of the Sun, where his princess Dejah Thoris is trapped, uncertain if she is alive or dead.

  Reflects John Carter's anguish and the central mystery of Dejah Thoris's fate.

• “The plant men, with their bloodsucking hands, and the monstrous white apes that make Dor hideous by day, were hidden in their lairs for the night.”

  The dangerous plant men and white apes of Dor are asleep at night, allowing John Carter to move more safely.

  Highlights the perilous environment of the Valley Dor.

• “Even now the low islands which dotted the broad stream were choked with the skeletons and half devoured carcasses of those who, through fear or a sudden awakening to the truth, had halted almost at the completion of their journey.”

  The islands in the river are littered with the remains of pilgrims who realized the truth too late and died horribly.

  Illustrates the grim aftermath of the false religion.