The Warlord of Mars · Chapter
Under the Mountains explained
John Carter navigates a subterranean river beneath the mountains, following clues from a sorapus nutshell to track Thurid.
What happens
John Carter navigates a subterranean river beneath the mountains, following clues from a sorapus nutshell to track Thurid. He encounters two therns, Lakor and his companion, who guard a passage. After a tense parley, Carter reveals his identity as John Carter, Prince of Helium, and is allowed to pass through a left-hand corridor chosen by his loyal calot, Woola, despite Lakor's deceptive intentions.
Themes in this chapter
Courage in the Face of Death
John Carter presses forward through treacherous rapids and hostile therns, risking his life to save Dejah Thoris.
Deception and Disguise
Lakor's smooth words mask a sinister intent to let Thurid kill Carter, then ambush him on return.
Love and Loyalty
Woola's instinctive loyalty guides Carter to the correct path, and Carter's love for Dejah Thoris drives him beyond physical needs.
Characters to notice
- John Carter
Protagonist navigating the underground river and confronting therns; determined to rescue Dejah Thoris.
- Woola
Loyal calot who guides John Carter through the correct passage, sensing deception.
- Thurid
Black dator being pursued by John Carter; mentioned as the target of the quest.
- Lakor
Therm guard who parleys with John Carter and allows him to pass with hidden sinister intent.
- Matai Shang
Mentioned as the Father of Therns; his commands are obeyed by Lakor.
Key passages
“I could scarce restrain a shout of elation as this silent, insensate messenger floated past me, on toward the Iss and Korus, for it told me that journeying Martians were above me on that very stream.”
Carter nearly cried out with joy when he saw the sorapus nutshell floating down the river, realizing it meant the party he was tracking was ahead of him.
The nutshell serves as a crucial clue confirming the path.
“I am John Carter, Prince of Helium.”
Carter reveals his identity to the therns, hoping his reputation will deter them from attacking.
This declaration underscores his legendary status and the risk of revealing himself.
“The brute is seldom wrong, and while I do not doubt your superior knowledge, Thern, I think that I shall do well to listen to the voice of instinct that is backed by love and loyalty.”
Carter trusts Woola's instincts over Lakor's directions, choosing the left-hand passage based on the calot's loyalty.
Highlights the bond between Carter and Woola, and Carter's wariness of the thern's deceit.