# XIII: Turjun, the Panthan explained — Thuvia, Maid of Mars

> Chapter companion for Thuvia, Maid of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## What happens

Carthoris, under the alias Turjun, is recruited into the service of Dusar and encounters Vas Kor, whom he recognizes from earlier encounters. He learns of the war between Helium and Dusar and overhears a plot by Astok and Vas Kor to kill Thuvia of Ptarth. Carthoris manages to join the crew of the Thuria, replacing a Dusarian warrior, in hopes of rescuing Thuvia.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Carthoris feigns loyalty to Dusar while plotting to rescue Thuvia; Astok and Vas Kor betray Thuvia and their own honor.

### Political Intrigue and War

The war between Helium and Dusar, and the secret plot to kill Thuvia to avoid political fallout, drive the chapter's tension.

### Courage and Sacrifice

Carthoris risks his life by infiltrating the enemy and restraining his impulse to kill Astok and Vas Kor to save Thuvia.

## Character check-ins

### Carthoris of Helium

Disguised as Turjun, a panthan, he infiltrates Dusar's forces and overhears the plot to kill Thuvia.

### Thuvia of Ptarth

Mentioned as the captive whom Astok plans to kill; her location is revealed to Vas Kor.

### Astok of Dusar

Plots with Vas Kor to kill Thuvia, fearing her eyes and seeking Vas Kor's help.

### Vas Kor

Recruits Carthoris (as Turjun) and later conspires with Astok to kill Thuvia in exchange for becoming a jed.

### Kar Komak

Introduced as a thern by Carthoris; accompanies him on the Thuria.

### Hal Vas

Son of Vas Kor, introduces Carthoris to his father.

## Key lines

> The face of Carthoris of Helium gave no token of the emotions that convulsed him inwardly as he heard from the lips of Hal Vas that Helium was at war with Dusar, and that fate had thrown him into the service of the enemy.

Carthoris hides his shock upon learning from Hal Vas that Helium is at war with Dusar and that he now serves the enemy.

_Reveals Carthoris's internal conflict and the irony of his situation._

> To kill them before he knew where Thuvia was hid was simply to leave her to death at the hands of others; for sooner or later Nutus would learn her whereabouts, and Nutus, Jeddak of Dusar, could not afford to let her live.

Carthoris realizes that killing Astok and Vas Kor now would doom Thuvia, since Nutus would eventually find and kill her.

_Highlights Carthoris's strategic restraint and the stakes of the plot._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/thuvia_maid_of_mars_se/chapters/xiii-turjun-the-panthan
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/thuvia_maid_of_mars_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/thuvia_maid_of_mars_se/chapters