“I had found my princess, and she was more beautiful than any dream.”
— John Carter's realization upon seeing Dejah Thoris again.
Archivist's Choice
The Warlord of Mars
Edgar Rice Burroughs (1919)
Genre
Fantasy / Science Fiction
Reading Time
5 hr., 48 min.
Key Themes
See below
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On the crimson plains and frozen poles of Mars, John Carter races against time and monstrous foes to reclaim his beloved Dejah Thoris, only to find himself perpetually outmaneuvered in a high-stakes game of interplanetary pursuit.
Synopsis
John Carter is separated from his wife, Dejah Thoris, shortly after their reunion. He learns she has been captured and taken to the mysterious Valley Dor, a place believed to be the Martian afterlife. Carter, along with his companions Tars Tarkas and Woola, pursues her across Barsoom. He navigates difficult landscapes, battles enemies like the Therns and the Black Pirates of Barsoom, and uncovers ancient Martian secrets. His quest leads him to the frozen northern pole of Mars, where a hidden civilization of white-skinned Orovars lives. Carter must outwit his enemies, form new alliances, and overcome obstacles to rescue Dejah Thoris and ensure their safety, confronting the true powers behind the conspiracies that trouble Barsoom.
Reading time
5 hr., 48 min.
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Fast
Mood
Adventurous, Thrilling, Heroic, Exotic
✓ Read this if...
You love classic pulp sci-fi adventures with sword fights, daring rescues, and exotic alien worlds.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer modern prose, complex character development, or less episodic plot structures.
Plot Summary
Trapped and Separated
After the events of *The Gods of Mars*, John Carter is in a difficult situation. He is on a giant Martian airship, the *Phatos*, which the Therns, a race of deceptive priests, have remotely flown. His wife, Dejah Thoris, and his friend, Thuvia of Ptarth, are on a separate, broken vessel, the *Silas*, which has drifted away. Carter is trapped on the *Phatos* with Phaidor, a Thern priestess who is obsessed with him and tries to kill Dejah Thoris out of jealousy. The *Phatos* is heading for a crash into the Valley Dor, a sacred but deadly place, while the *Silas* drifts toward an unknown fate.
Escape from the Valley Dor
John Carter overpowers Phaidor and escapes the *Phatos* as it crashes into the Valley Dor. He is now in the sacred land of the Therns, a place no outsider has ever left alive. Carter navigates the difficult land and confronts several Therns, including the Holy Thern, Matai Shang, who reveals that Dejah Thoris and Thuvia were not killed but were captured and taken to the realm of the Black Pirates of Barsoom (the First Born). Carter, determined to rescue his wife, decides to infiltrate this new enemy's territory.
The Black Pirates of Barsoom
Disguising himself as a First Born warrior, John Carter enters their underground city of Kadabra, located beneath the Martian sea. He learns that the First Born are an advanced, black-skinned race who prey on other Martians, especially those who go into the Valley Dor. They are ruthless and technologically superior, with powerful airships and weapons. Carter discovers that Dejah Thoris and Thuvia are prisoners in Kadabra, held by the commander, Thurid, and his son, Astok. He also learns that the First Born worship Issus, the false goddess of the Therns.
Rescue and Revelation
John Carter plans a daring rescue of Dejah Thoris and Thuvia from Kadabra. With help from Xodar, a First Born who dislikes his people's ways, Carter frees them. However, their escape is brief. During their flight, a fleet of Warhoons, a fierce green Martian tribe, attacks them. In the confusion, Dejah Thoris is again separated from Carter, captured by the Warhoons, while Thuvia and Carter escape, though badly wounded. This new separation strengthens Carter's resolve to continue his pursuit.
Alliance with the Green Martians
John Carter, along with Thuvia, eventually reaches the green Martian city of Thark, where he reunites with his old friend, Tars Tarkas, the Jeddak of Thark. Carter tells his story and about Dejah Thoris's repeated abductions. Tars Tarkas, a loyal and strong warrior, promises his full support for Carter's quest. Together, they gather a large army of green Martians and begin a campaign to find and rescue Dejah Thoris from the Warhoons, who are known for their nomadic and unpredictable movements across Barsoom.
Pursuit Across Barsoom
John Carter, leading the Thark horde with Tars Tarkas, pursues the Warhoons across large parts of Barsoom. Their journey takes them through dangerous deserts, ancient ruins, and various Martian lands. They fight several battles with different tribes and creatures, gathering information and narrowing down Dejah Thoris's possible locations. Despite their efforts, the Warhoons are hard to find, constantly moving and using clever tactics to avoid their pursuers, testing Carter's patience.
The Frozen North
The pursuit of the Warhoons eventually leads John Carter and his green Martian army to the far northern regions of Barsoom, a mysterious and largely unexplored place. Here, the land becomes a frozen wasteland, a contrast to the red deserts they are used to. They discover a hidden, technologically advanced civilization living under the ice, a race of yellow Martians known as the Orovars. These Orovars have perfected how to live in their cold environment and have powerful weapons and advanced airships.
The Orovars and Imprisonment
When they meet the Orovars, John Carter and his companions are quickly overcome by their superior technology and numbers. They are captured and imprisoned in the Orovars' hidden city under the ice. Carter learns that the Orovars have also captured the Warhoons, including Dejah Thoris, who is held by the Orovar Jeddak, Salensus Oll. Salensus Oll, a cruel ruler, wants Dejah Thoris for himself and sees Carter as a threat. Carter must now find a way to escape and rescue Dejah Thoris from this new, powerful enemy.
A Daring Escape and Final Confrontation
With the help of an Orovar princess, John Carter escapes. He quickly gathers his green Martian allies and plans a full attack on the Orovar city. A large battle begins, pitting the green Martians against the advanced Orovars. During the chaos, Carter confronts Salensus Oll in a fierce fight, ending in the Orovar Jeddak's death. At the same time, Tars Tarkas and the green Martians secure the city, ensuring the safety of Dejah Thoris and the other captives.
Reunion and Resolution
After Salensus Oll's defeat, John Carter is finally reunited with Dejah Thoris. The various Martian groups, including the Therns, First Born, Warhoons, and Orovars, are brought to reason and justice. The false religion of Issus is exposed, and peace is gradually established across Barsoom. Carter, now a hero across the planet, secures his place as the Warlord of Mars, ensuring Helium's safety and his princess's well-being. The planet enters a new era of stability under his influence.
Principal Figures
John Carter
The Protagonist
Carter's arc solidifies his role as the ultimate hero and unifier of Barsoom, proving his worth not just as a fighter but as a leader capable of bringing peace.
Dejah Thoris
The Supporting
Dejah Thoris endures repeated captivity, showcasing her resilience and reinforcing her role as the central object of Carter's quest.
Tars Tarkas
The Supporting
Tars Tarkas continues to demonstrate unwavering loyalty and military leadership, solidifying his bond with Carter and his role as a key ally.
Thuvia of Ptarth
The Supporting
Thuvia remains a steadfast and loyal companion to Carter, enduring hardship alongside him without wavering in her devotion.
Matai Shang
The Antagonist
Matai Shang is ultimately defeated, symbolizing the downfall of the Thern's false religion and his own corrupt power.
Phaidor
The Supporting
Phaidor's unrequited love and jealousy lead to her own demise, a tragic end for a conflicted character.
Thurid
The Antagonist
Thurid is defeated by John Carter, ending his reign of terror and his aspirations concerning Dejah Thoris.
Astok
The Supporting
Astok is ultimately defeated alongside his father, signifying the collapse of the First Born's power.
Xodar
The Supporting
Xodar finds redemption by aiding Carter, turning against his own people's cruel practices.
Salensus Oll
The Antagonist
Salensus Oll is defeated and killed by John Carter, ending his tyrannical rule and the Orovar threat.
Themes & Insights
Unwavering Love and Loyalty
The main theme is John Carter's endless love for Dejah Thoris, which drives his pursuit across Barsoom. Despite repeated separations, difficult odds, and encounters with powerful enemies, Carter never stops trying to rescue his wife. This theme is also seen in the loyalty of characters like Tars Tarkas and Thuvia, who risk their lives to help Carter. For example, Tars Tarkas mobilizes an entire green Martian horde to help Carter search, showing a strong bond of friendship.
“For Dejah Thoris, I would conquer the universe, or die in the attempt.”
The Perils of Deception and False Religion
The novel criticizes deception, especially through organized religion. The Therns, led by Matai Shang, keep their power by maintaining the false religion of Issus, which promises paradise but brings only death. This theme is clear when Carter exposes the Therns' lies and reveals the true nature of the First Born, who also worship Issus. The entire Valley Dor shows how manipulation and fear can control whole populations, highlighting the danger of blindly following unverified beliefs.
“The greatest evil is that which masquerades as good.”
Heroism and Leadership
John Carter's journey shows true heroism and good leadership. He not only displays great personal bravery and fighting skill but also unites different and often hostile Martian races for a common goal. From forming alliances with green Martians like Tars Tarkas to inspiring loyalty in disillusioned First Born like Xodar, Carter's charisma and moral compass help him overcome racial barriers. His final triumph as the 'Warlord of Mars' shows his role as a unifying and good leader.
“He fought not for glory, but for justice; not for conquest, but for the freedom of those he loved.”
Exploration and Discovery
The book is a grand adventure of exploration, revealing new parts of Barsoom. Carter's quest takes him from the familiar red deserts to the hidden underground cities of the Black Pirates and finally to the mysterious, frozen northern pole and the advanced civilization of the Orovars. Each new place introduces unique cultures, technologies, and challenges, expanding the reader's understanding of the diverse Martian world. This constant discovery keeps the story fresh and exciting, emphasizing the planet's vastness and mystery.
“Beyond the known horizons lay worlds undreamed of, and dangers unimagined.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The MacGuffin (Dejah Thoris's Captivity)
Dejah Thoris's repeated abductions drive the entire plot.
Dejah Thoris's repeated capture by various antagonists (Therns, First Born, Warhoons, Orovars) serves as the primary MacGuffin throughout the novel. Her safety and rescue are the sole motivations for John Carter's actions, propelling him from one dangerous encounter to the next. Each abduction introduces a new faction and location, allowing for the exploration of different parts of Barsoom and the introduction of new characters and challenges. Without her captivity, Carter's epic journey would lack its central driving force.
Deus Ex Machina (Timely Alliances/Interventions)
Unexpected allies or coincidences aid Carter in dire situations.
While Carter is undeniably resourceful, the plot often relies on timely interventions or the sudden appearance of unexpected allies. Examples include Xodar, the disillusioned First Born, who aids Carter's escape from Kadabra, and the unexpected alliance with Tars Tarkas and the green Martians, providing a much-needed army. These elements, while sometimes stretching credulity, serve to advance the plot and prevent Carter from being completely overwhelmed, ensuring the narrative's forward momentum and his ultimate success against seemingly impossible odds.
Disguise and Infiltration
John Carter frequently uses disguises to penetrate enemy strongholds.
John Carter's ability to successfully disguise himself and infiltrate enemy strongholds is a recurring plot device. His most notable use of this is when he poses as a First Born warrior to enter Kadabra and rescue Dejah Thoris and Thuvia. This device allows Carter to gather crucial intelligence, surprise his enemies, and access areas that would otherwise be impenetrable through direct combat. It highlights his cunning and adaptability, adding a layer of espionage to his otherwise action-heavy quest.
The Chasm/Separation
Physical or situational barriers constantly separate characters.
The narrative frequently employs 'the chasm' device, both literally and figuratively, to separate John Carter from Dejah Thoris and other allies. This includes the initial separation of their airships, the subsequent capture of Dejah Thoris by various factions, and the vast geographical distances Carter must traverse. This constant separation creates suspense, reinforces Carter's motivation, and allows for episodic adventures as he bridges these chasms, whether through daring escapes, arduous journeys, or strategic alliances.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“For the love of a woman, a man will dare all.”
— John Carter reflecting on his motivations for his perilous journey.
“It is not the numbers, but the spirit of the men, that wins battles.”
— John Carter inspiring his troops before a seemingly impossible battle.
“The greatest danger lies not in the unknown, but in the refusal to face it.”
— John Carter contemplating the challenges ahead.
“To conquer others is to have power, but to conquer oneself is to have wisdom.”
— A philosophical musing by John Carter.
“Even on Mars, the heart of a father beats with the same fierce love.”
— John Carter's thoughts on his bond with his son, Carthoris.
“There are no impossibilities, only impossibilities as yet unachieved.”
— John Carter's optimistic view on overcoming obstacles.
“The most terrible weapon is not the sword, but the lie.”
— John Carter's observation on the destructive nature of deceit.
“He who hesitates is lost, especially when facing a Thern.”
— A practical piece of advice from John Carter regarding a dangerous enemy.
“To die for love is a glorious thing; to live for it, even more so.”
— John Carter's deep commitment to Dejah Thoris.
“The true measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
— John Carter reflecting on the character of his allies and enemies.
“Across the vast gulf of space, my heart found its way back to her.”
— John Carter's longing for Dejah Thoris despite the immense distance.
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.”
— John Carter's internal thoughts on facing his fears.
“Never underestimate the power of a determined spirit, even in the face of overwhelming odds.”
— John Carter's recurring belief in his own and his companions' resilience.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
John Carter's primary motivation throughout the novel is the urgent quest to rescue his beloved wife, Princess Dejah Thoris, who has been abducted by his various enemies. This singular goal propels him across the Martian landscape, leading him into numerous battles and perilous situations as he relentlessly pursues her captors.
About the author
Edgar Rice Burroughs was an American writer, best known for his prolific output in the adventure, science fiction, and fantasy genres. Best-known for creating the characters Tarzan and John Carter, he also wrote the Pellucidar series, the Amtor series, and the Caspak trilogy.
