Thuvia, Maid of Mars · Chapter
Kar Komak, the Bowman explained
Carthoris discovers that Jav has deceived him, causing him to believe Thuvia was with him when she was actually detained.
What happens
Carthoris discovers that Jav has deceived him, causing him to believe Thuvia was with him when she was actually detained. He returns to Lothar, finds Jav mauled by Komal, and learns Thuvia has gone with the banth toward the cliffs. Carthoris pursues through the tunnel and emerges near Torquas, heading toward Aaanthor. He meets Kar Komak, a Lotharian bowman who has become permanently materialized. They encounter Thuvia and Komal, and together face a combined attack from green Torquasian warriors and Dusarian fliers.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Obsession
Carthoris's deep love for Thuvia drives his relentless pursuit and his regret at using familiar words that might shame her.
Courage and Sacrifice
Carthoris faces overwhelming odds against Torquasians and Dusarians, fighting to protect Thuvia.
Reality vs. Illusion
Kar Komak's permanent materialization challenges the nature of reality; Jav's hypnotic deception creates false perceptions.
Political Intrigue and War
Dusarian spies manipulate diplomatic messages, leading to war between Helium, Ptarth, and Kaol.
Characters to notice
- Carthoris of Helium
Pursues Thuvia after being deceived by Jav; meets Kar Komak; fights alongside Thuvia and Komal against Torquasians and Dusarians.
- Thuvia of Ptarth
Detained by Jav, then escapes with Komal; found by Carthoris and Kar Komak; participates in the battle.
- Jav
Found mauled by Komal; reveals Thuvia's direction before dying.
- Kar Komak
Permanently materialized Lotharian bowman; joins Carthoris and fights in the battle.
- Komal
The banth-god; accompanies Thuvia and attacks enemies in the battle.
- Astok of Dusar
Mentioned as the villain whose machinations have led to war between Helium, Ptarth, and Kaol.
Key passages
“Carthoris moved through the forest toward the distant cliffs with Thuvia’s hand still tight pressed in his, he wondered a little at the girl’s continued silence, yet the contact of her cool palm against his was so pleasant that he feared to break the spell of her newfound reliance in him by speaking.”
Carthoris walked through the woods holding Thuvia's hand, enjoying her silence and not wanting to disturb the trust she seemed to have in him.
Shows Carthoris's emotional state and his desire to preserve the moment.
“I am Kar Komak, odwar of the bowmen. A strange thing has happened to me. For ages Tario has been bringing me into existence as he needed the services of the army of his mind. Of all the bowmen it has been Kar Komak who has been oftenest materialized.”
Kar Komak introduces himself as the commander of the bowmen, explaining that Tario has repeatedly materialized him from thought, and now he has become permanently real.
Highlights the theme of reality versus illusion and Kar Komak's unique origin.
“Courage, my princess, he whispered. To the girl’s memory flashed the occasion upon which he had used those same words—in the throne-room of Tario of Lothar as they had commenced to slip down the sinking marble floor toward an unknown fate.”
Carthoris whispers 'Courage, my princess,' reminding Thuvia of a previous dangerous moment in Lothar.
Emphasizes the bond between Carthoris and Thuvia and the recurring motif of encouragement.
