Thuvia, Maid of Mars · Chapter
The Battle in the Plain explained
Carthoris, Thuvia, and Jav survive being thrown into Komal's pit, but Thuvia tames the banth-god.
What happens
Carthoris, Thuvia, and Jav survive being thrown into Komal's pit, but Thuvia tames the banth-god. They escape to the plain before Lothar, where Jav and Tario engage in a psychic battle of materialized bowmen. During the conflict, Carthoris attempts to find a passage through the cliffs, leaving Thuvia with Jav, who reveals his desire for her and tries to force himself upon her, only to be interrupted by a growl from the woods.
Themes in this chapter
Reality vs. Illusion
The entire battle is a psychic construct; Jav and Tario's armies are figments of their minds, yet they behave as real flesh and blood, raising questions about the nature of reality.
Courage and Sacrifice
Carthoris stands ready to fight Komal with his long-sword; Thuvia bravely tames the banth; both face the dangers of Lothar without flinching.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Jav betrays his earlier alliance by attempting to force himself on Thuvia, while Thuvia remains loyal to Carthoris, defending him against Jav's accusations.
Characters to notice
- Carthoris of Helium
Survives the fall into Komal's pit, sword ready; suggests Jav materialize bowmen against Tario; leaves Thuvia with Jav to search for a passage through the cliffs.
- Thuvia of Ptarth
Tames Komal by speaking to it as she did the banths of the Golden Cliffs; observes the psychic battle; rejects Jav's advances and defends Carthoris's honor.
- Jav
Terrified of Komal at first; materializes bowmen to fight Tario's forces; reveals his desire for Thuvia and attempts to force himself on her.
- Tario of Lothar
Observes from the wall above the gate, concentrating his mental powers to make his imaginary creatures deadly; withdraws his troops at sunset.
- Komal
The banth-god of Lothar; tamed by Thuvia; growls at the advancing bowmen and later from the dark wood.
Key passages
“Carthoris smiled, gripping his long-sword the more firmly.”
Carthoris grinned and tightened his hold on his sword.
Shows his readiness to fight Komal despite the danger.
“Thuvia turned toward Carthoris. 'It is but a banth,' she said. 'We have nothing to fear from it.'”
Thuvia told Carthoris that the creature was just a banth and not to be feared.
Demonstrates her calm and mastery over the beast.
“Jav turned white, and commenced to tremble.”
Jav became pale and started shaking.
Highlights his fear of Tario's mental power.
“Thuvia could scarce repress a smile as she noted the scrupulous care with which Jav’s imaginary men attended to each tiny detail of deportment as truly as if they had been real flesh and blood.”
Thuvia almost laughed at how meticulously Jav's imaginary soldiers followed proper military procedures.
Emphasizes the absurdity of the illusion.
“You lie! ... the Heliumite knows less of disloyalty than he knows of fear, and of fear he is as ignorant as the unhatched young.”
Thuvia accused Jav of lying, saying Carthoris is utterly loyal and fearless.
Shows her fierce defense of Carthoris's character.