At the Earth’s Core · Character
The Mahars
Pellucidar's cold-blooded reptilian overlords, who rule through terror, vivisection, and a language no human ear can hear.
major
Also known as Mahars, Mahar, The Mahar, The Mahars of Phutra, Phutra
First appearance: iii a change of masters
As a major figure in At the Earth’s Core, The Mahars is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Observe the arena spectacle from boulders; their queen is present; they have a silent 'band'.
The Mahars of Phutra sit at the top of the inner world's food chain, keeping humans as slaves and Sagoths as enforcers while they dissect captives alive in their experimental pits. They debate in unspoken thought, dismiss any tale they cannot credit, and sentence David to death for telling the truth about the outer earth. Their cruelty and alien intelligence make them the central menace David must outwit to survive.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
8 connectionsA slice of how The Mahars sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Psychological
- Rivalry
- Professional
- Other
Character groups
- Pellucidar's Human Allies
+3 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of betrayal and desp…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Hooja the Sly One
psychological · negative
Hooja manipulates and serves the Mahars for his own gain, acting as a treacherous… How this plays out →
- The Sagoths
professional · negative
- Dian the Beautiful
rivalry · negative
- Ghak
rivalry · negative
- The Sarians
rivalry · negative
- Hooja the Sly One
psychological · negative
Hooja manipulates and serves the Mahars for his own gain, acting as a treacherous… How this plays out →
- Ghak
rivalry · negative
- Hooja the Sly One
psychological · negative
Hooja manipulates and serves the Mahars for his own gain, acting as a treacherous… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See The Mahars in iii a change of mastersIn the story
The Mahars appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for The Mahars unlock in the free preview.
See The Mahars in iii a change of masters