The Warlord of Mars · Chapter
With the Yellow Men explained
John Carter and Thuvan Dihn encounter Talu, Prince of Marentina, who saves them from black-bearded warriors and explains his conflict with his uncle Salensus Oll, the tyrannical ruler of Okar.
What happens
John Carter and Thuvan Dihn encounter Talu, Prince of Marentina, who saves them from black-bearded warriors and explains his conflict with his uncle Salensus Oll, the tyrannical ruler of Okar. Talu advises them to disguise themselves as yellow men to infiltrate Kadabra and rescue their captured friends. They travel to Marentina, learn about the magnetic shaft that trapped the Helium fleet, and later enter Kadabra by joining a hunting party, using rings given by Talu to identify allies.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Disguise
John Carter and Thuvan Dihn must disguise themselves as yellow men with black beards to infiltrate Kadabra and rescue their friends.
Justice and Tyranny
Salensus Oll is portrayed as a cruel and tyrannous ruler, opposed by Talu and many in Okar who seek freedom from his oppression.
Courage in the Face of Death
The Helium warriors face the horror of the magnetic shaft and the subsequent attack by apts, yet some continue to fight bravely.
Characters to notice
- John Carter
Narrator and protagonist; plans to infiltrate Kadabra to rescue Tardos Mors and Mors Kajak.
- Thuvan Dihn
John Carter's companion; also disguises as a yellow man to enter Kadabra.
- Talu
Prince of Marentina; aids John Carter and Thuvan Dihn with disguises and provides rings for identification.
- Salensus Oll
Jeddak of Jeddaks and ruler of Okar; uncle of Talu and captor of the Helium forces.
- Tardos Mors
Jeddak of Helium; mentioned as a prisoner in Kadabra, sought by John Carter.
- Mors Kajak
Son of Tardos Mors; also a prisoner in Kadabra.
- Dejah Thoris
Princess of Helium; mentioned as grieving for Carthoris.
- Carthoris
Son of Dejah Thoris; his long absence prompted the expedition to the north.
Key passages
“Then accept from Talu, Prince of Marentina, said the yellow man, this token of my gratitude, and reaching beneath one of his wide sleeves he withdrew a bracelet and placed it upon my arm.”
Talu gave John Carter a bracelet as a token of thanks for saving his life.
The bracelet symbolizes gratitude and later serves as a means of identification among allies.
“He is a cruel and tyrannous master whom all hate, and were it not for the great fear they have of him I could raise an army overnight that would wipe out the few that might remain loyal to him.”
Talu describes his uncle Salensus Oll as a hated tyrant who rules through fear.
Highlights the theme of justice and tyranny and the political conflict in Okar.
“Should you come within fifty feet of any of these three you will feel a rapid, pricking sensation in the finger upon which you wear this ring.”
The rings Talu gives will cause a pricking sensation when near another wearer, signaling a friend.
Introduces a plot device for secret identification and alliance.