# Victoria — Five Weeks in a Balloon character guide > Victoria in Five Weeks in a Balloon by Jules Verne. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** the Victoria, The Victoria **First appearance:** 0000-i ## Snapshot The hydrogen balloon that carries three men over deserts, mountains, and mirages — as much a character as any of her passengers. ## Who they are The Victoria is the expedition's vessel, shelter, and constant source of suspense: she rises when ballast is thrown, sinks when the sun cools her gas, and threatens at any moment to dash her car against a ridge. Her passengers talk to her, admire her stately sweep across the sky, and sacrifice their guns, blankets, and pemmican to keep her aloft. In the early and middle chapters she is the story's engine — every triumph and every near-disaster is measured in the feet she gains or loses. ## In the story ### [Geometrical Details and Preparations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/vii) The balloon, named Victoria, is described in detail with its double envelope, dimensions, and materials. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/viii) Shipped with great precaution and stored in the hold of the Resolute. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/ix) Referenced as the balloon for the upcoming aerial voyage, central to the discussions about navigation and altitude control. ### [The Doctor's Secret Apparatus Revealed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/x) The balloon is described in technical detail, including its gas receptacles, heat-tank, and safety valve. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xi) Christened by Dr. Ferguson at the moment of departure, symbolizing good luck and British pride. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xii) The balloon is navigated carefully, kept at safe altitudes, and anchored for the night. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xiii) Ascends to six thousand feet to escape the unhealthy lower atmosphere; descends later for hunting. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xiv) Anchored under a sycamore during the baboon attack; later rises to 1,500 feet and remains aloft overnight. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xv) Rises rapidly to escape the hostile crowd, carrying the sorcerer briefly. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xvi) The balloon withstands the storm, ascending through lightning and hail, and remains intact. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xvii) The balloon is inspected after the storm; the silk and gutta percha are intact, and the hydrogen quantity is unchanged. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xviii) Carries the explorers over the river and islands, descends for verification, and withstands arrows and musket fire. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xix) The balloon is carefully managed, with Joe tying up cords and checking the seal to prevent gas escape. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xx) The balloon is tossed by irregular winds, skims low over villages, and rises to avoid arrows and birds of prey. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxi) The balloon is anchored to a tree and later freed for the rescue. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxii) Carries the party and is maneuvered to rescue the missionary and cross the volcano. ### [Chapter XXIII: The Goldmine and the Missionary's Burial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxiii) Descends into the ravine for the burial and later rises again after ballast adjustment. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxv) The balloon is stationary in the still air; its mirage appears to the travelers. ### [Chapter XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxvi) The balloon is grounded and motionless due to lack of wind; the doctor attempts to ascend but fails. ### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxvii) The balloon is lightened by discarding ore and quartz, allowing it to rise above the simoom and travel 240 miles to an oasis. ### [An Evening of Delight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxviii) Bends under the hurricane force, drags along the sand, and is hastily reboarded and launched into the storm. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxix) Reaches its greatest altitude of over 8,000 feet while crossing Mount Mendif; endures a violent storm. ### [Mosfeia and the Incendiary Pigeons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxx) The balloon proves reliable, carrying the travelers safely through the attack and over the landscape. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxxi) Resumes motion at 3 a.m.; carries the travelers over the Shari River and Lake Tchad; descends to five feet above the lake surface. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxxii) The balloon's silk is torn by condors, causing a fall; it rises again after Joe's sacrifice and carries the survivors to the northern shore. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxxiii) The balloon is repaired and reequilibrated after losing its outer covering; used for the search. ### [The Hurricane and the Resolution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxxiv) Struggles in the hurricane; forced to cut anchor; driven northward then southward by shifting winds. ### [Chapter XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxxv) The balloon is seen ascending and disappearing northward after Joe's jump. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxxvi) The balloon is used to descend near the ground and lift Joe to safety, then ascends rapidly after ballast is released. ### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxxvii) Carries the travelers over Damerghou, Zinder, and Aghades, demonstrating reliable flight. ### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxxviii) Shows a tendency to sink due to loss of gas; the doctor compensates by increasing hydrogen dilation. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxxix) The balloon is noted for its diminishing gas and need for careful management to reach the coast. ### [Chapter XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xl) The balloon is wearing out and requires careful management to stay aloft. ### [The Approaches to Senegal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xli) Descends due to hydrogen leakage; lightened repeatedly; barely clears a mountain ridge; finally anchors in a sycamore forest. ### [A Struggle of Generosity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xlii) Lightened by the removal of the apparatus, rises upright; later ascends rapidly to escape the encircling fire. ### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xliii) Descends dangerously, is re-inflated with hot air, and finally lost in the cataracts of Gouina. ### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xliv) The balloon is lost in the cataracts of Gouina after the landing. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/victoria_balloon - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters