The Warlord of Mars · Chapter
New Allies explained
In the court of Kulan Tith, John Carter confronts Matai Shang and Thurid, revealing that they hold Dejah Thoris and Thuvia as prisoners.
What happens
In the court of Kulan Tith, John Carter confronts Matai Shang and Thurid, revealing that they hold Dejah Thoris and Thuvia as prisoners. Thuvan Dihn, learning of his daughter's captivity, allies with John Carter, challenging the authority of the Holy Therns. Kulan Tith, torn between his faith and the truth, orders the prisoners returned, but Matai Shang and his party flee during the night, leaving the court in shock.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and Sacrifice
John Carter's relentless pursuit to rescue Dejah Thoris and Thuvia, and Thuvan Dihn's willingness to risk his nation's peace to champion Carter, highlight acts of heroism and personal sacrifice.
Love and Loyalty
Thuvan Dihn's loyalty to John Carter, born from gratitude for Carter's chivalrous treatment of his daughter, and Carter's devotion to Dejah Thoris drive the chapter's emotional core.
Deception and Disguise
Matai Shang and Thurid's lies about the prisoners and their true motives are exposed, revealing the depth of their deception within the Kaolian court.
Religion and False Belief
Kulan Tith's faith in the Holy Therns is shaken by the revelations of their atrocities, culminating in his shattered belief after Matai Shang's flight.
Characters to notice
- John Carter
Confronts Matai Shang and Thurid, revealing the true purpose of his pursuit and demanding the release of Dejah Thoris and Thuvia.
- Thuvan Dihn
Learns of his daughter Thuvia's captivity and publicly allies with John Carter, defying Kulan Tith's customs to champion the Prince of Helium.
- Kulan Tith
Jeddak of Kaol, initially bound by his faith in the Holy Therns, but begins to doubt after hearing the truth and orders the prisoners returned; later devastated by Matai Shang's betrayal.
- Matai Shang
Father of Therns, exposed as a liar and captor; agrees to produce the prisoners but flees during the night, shattering Kulan Tith's faith.
- Thurid
Black dator, struck by John Carter in the throne room; complicit in holding Dejah Thoris and Thuvia.
- Dejah Thoris
Mentioned as a prisoner held by Matai Shang and Thurid; John Carter's wife and Princess of Helium.
- Thuvia
Daughter of Thuvan Dihn, held as a prisoner alongside Dejah Thoris; her captivity is the catalyst for Thuvan Dihn's alliance with John Carter.
Key passages
“Can you wonder, Kulan Tith, that I am willing to jeopardize my life, the peace of my nation, or even your friendship, which I prize more than aught else, to champion the Prince of Helium?”
Thuvan Dihn explains to Kulan Tith that his gratitude to John Carter for rescuing his daughter compels him to risk everything, including his nation's peace and Kulan Tith's friendship, to support Carter.
Thuvan Dihn declares his unwavering allegiance to John Carter, setting the stage for their alliance.
“I do not follow Matai Shang to kill him, though the God of mine own planet knows that my hands itch to be at his throat. I follow him, Thuvan Dihn, because with him are two prisoners—my wife, Dejah Thoris, Princess of Helium, and your daughter, Thuvia of Ptarth.”
John Carter clarifies that his pursuit of Matai Shang is not for assassination but to rescue his wife Dejah Thoris and Thuvan Dihn's daughter Thuvia, who are being held captive.
Carter reveals the true purpose of his journey, correcting the false accusation of assassination.
“If you value my friendship, Kulan Tith, and the age-old peace that has existed between our peoples, call off your swordsmen; for wherever or against whomsoever fights John Carter, Prince of Helium, there beside him and to the death fights Thuvan Dihn, Jeddak of Ptarth.”
Thuvan Dihn threatens to break the long-standing peace between Kaol and Ptarth if Kulan Tith's guards attack John Carter, pledging to fight alongside Carter to the death.
Thuvan Dihn publicly allies with John Carter, defying the court's customs and risking war.
