# The Mahars — At the Earth’s Core character guide

> The Mahars in At the Earth’s Core by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Mahars, Mahar, The Mahar, The Mahars of Phutra, Phutra

**First appearance:** 0003-iii-a-change-of-masters

## Snapshot

Pellucidar's cold-blooded reptilian overlords, who rule through terror, vivisection, and a language no human ear can hear.

## Who they are

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.

## Relationships

### [Hooja the Sly One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_earth_s_core_se/characters/hooja_the_sly_one)

_psychological_

Hooja manipulates and serves the Mahars for his own gain, acting as a treacherous informant.

### [The Sagoths](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_earth_s_core_se/characters/the_sagoths)

_professional_

The Mahars command the Sagoths as their enforcers and soldiers, maintaining control through fear.

### [Dian the Beautiful](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_earth_s_core_se/characters/dian_the_beautiful)

_rivalry_

Dian is a fierce enemy of the Mahars, fighting for her people's freedom.

### [Ghak](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_earth_s_core_se/characters/ghak)

_rivalry_

Ghak is a primary leader in the rebellion against the Mahar rulers.

### [The Sarians](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_earth_s_core_se/characters/the_sarians)

_rivalry_

The Mahars oppress the Sarians, treating them as slaves and enemies.

### [Hooja the Sly One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_earth_s_core_se/characters/hooja_the_sly_one)

_psychological_

Hooja manipulates and serves the Mahars for his own gain, acting as a treacherous informant.

### [Ghak](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_earth_s_core_se/characters/ghak)

_rivalry_

Ghak is a primary leader in the rebellion against the Mahar rulers.

### [Hooja the Sly One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_earth_s_core_se/characters/hooja_the_sly_one)

_psychological_

Hooja manipulates and serves the Mahars for his own gain, acting as a treacherous informant.

## In the story

### [The Beginning of Horror](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_earth_s_core_se/chapters/vi-the-beginning-of-horror)

Observe the arena spectacle from boulders; their queen is present; they have a silent 'band'.

### [The Mahar Temple](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_earth_s_core_se/chapters/viii-the-mahar-temple)

Repulsive reptiles; conduct a ceremony with hypnotic powers over human slaves.

### [Phutra Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_earth_s_core_se/chapters/x-phutra-again)

Referenced as the rulers of Phutra and the ones who hold David's friends captive.

### [XI: Four Dead Mahars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_earth_s_core_se/chapters/xi-four-dead-mahars)

Four Mahars are killed by David; the Mahar race's Great Secret is stolen.

### [Pursuit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_earth_s_core_se/chapters/xii-pursuit)

Four Mahars are killed for their skins, which the escapees use as disguises; their amphibian habits are described.

### [Back to Earth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_earth_s_core_se/chapters/xv-back-to-earth)

Fight alongside the Sagoths in the battle; several are taken prisoner and feared by the Sarians and Amozites.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_earth_s_core_se/characters/the_mahars
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_earth_s_core_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_earth_s_core_se/characters