Thuvia, Maid of Mars · Chapter
XI: Green Men and White Apes explained
Carthoris is knocked unconscious during a battle.
What happens
Carthoris is knocked unconscious during a battle. Upon waking, he finds Thuvia and Kar Komak gone. He makes his way to Aaanthor for water but is captured by Torquasian green warriors and chained in the palace pits. There, he is attacked by white apes, who drag him to a courtyard where he reunites with Kar Komak. Kar Komak, inspired by Carthoris, uses his mental power to materialize a company of bowmen, allowing them to escape. Carthoris then retrieves weapons and thoats to continue their flight.
Themes in this chapter
Courage and Sacrifice
Carthoris fights desperately against overwhelming odds, first in the dark pits and later against the white apes, refusing to abandon his comrade Kar Komak even when escape is possible.
Adventure and Quest
The chapter continues Carthoris's perilous journey to rescue Thuvia, involving capture, escape, and the discovery of new allies and powers.
Reality vs. Illusion
Kar Komak's ability to materialize bowmen from his imagination blurs the line between reality and illusion, echoing the powers of Tario and Jav.
Characters to notice
- Carthoris of Helium
Wounded and captured by Torquasians, then dragged by white apes; reunites with Kar Komak and orchestrates their escape.
- Thuvia of Ptarth
Mentioned as having been rescued by red men in airships and taken away; not present in the chapter.
- Kar Komak
Captured by green men and then white apes; reunited with Carthoris and uses his mental power to create bowmen.
- Tario of Lothar
Referenced as an example of someone who could create bowmen; not present.
- Jav
Referenced as an example of someone who could create bowmen; not present.
- Thar Ban
Mentioned as the Torquasian leader who will interrogate Carthoris; not directly present.
- Hortan Gur
Mentioned as the jeddak before whom Thar Ban will drag Carthoris; not present.
Key passages
“A Torquasian sword smote a glancing blow across the forehead of Carthoris. He had a fleeting vision of soft arms about his neck, and warm lips close to his before he lost consciousness.”
Carthoris is struck on the head by a Torquasian sword, briefly sensing Thuvia's embrace before blacking out.
Describes Carthoris's injury and the momentary comfort from Thuvia.
“Then they overpowered him and took his weapons away; but only nine of the twelve warriors who had crossed the plaza returned with their prize.”
Carthoris fights fiercely, killing three Torquasians before being subdued and captured.
Highlights Carthoris's combat prowess even when outnumbered.
“Kar Komak! Why cannot you do what Tario and Jav did? They had no bowmen other than those of their own creation. You must know the secret of their power. Call forth your own utan, Kar Komak!”
Carthoris urges Kar Komak to use his mental power to create an army of bowmen, just as Tario and Jav did.
Key moment where Kar Komak realizes his own latent ability.
“They are but thin air—figments of my brain. They will vanish, unscathed, when we have no further need for them.”
Kar Komak explains that his bowmen are illusions that will disappear once no longer needed.
Reinforces the theme of reality versus illusion.
