The Gods of Mars · Chapter
When Hell Broke Loose explained
John Carter and a young red warrior lead a desperate assault on the throne of Issus during the bloody rites, aided by a slave uprising.
What happens
John Carter and a young red warrior lead a desperate assault on the throne of Issus during the bloody rites, aided by a slave uprising. Phaidor warns them to flee, but Carter presses on. Issus flees through a trap door as Carter and the youth pursue, though the youth is wounded.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Climax.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the dramatic climax because it marks the psychological and strategic turning point where John Carter s…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Religion and Blasphemy
Carter's assault on Issus and the slave revolt directly challenge the divine authority of the First Born, highlighting the theme of blasphemy against a cruel religious system.
- Freedom vs. Oppression
The slave women rise up against their black masters, using any available weapon to fight for their freedom, embodying the struggle against oppression.
- Deception and Manipulation
Issus's mock heaven and the rites are revealed as a facade for cannibalism and cruelty, exposing the manipulation of the faithful.
Characters to notice
- John Carter
Leads the charge against Issus, fights alongside a young red warrior, and pursues Issus into a black gulf.
- Issus
The goddess of the First Born, terrified as Carter and the youth close in; she flees through a trap door.
- Phaidor
Daughter of Matai Shang, she saves John Carter from a blow and urges him to flee to the Holy Therns.
- Tars Tarkas
Mentioned in a flashback as having fought alongside John Carter against the Warhoon.
- Old Thabis
A black who selects and leads a tribute girl to the kitchens for Issus's dinner.
Key passages
“Man by man those who stood between us and the carven sorapus wood bench went down before our blades.”
One by one, the guards blocking our path to the throne were cut down by our swords.
Describes the relentless advance of Carter and the youth toward Issus.
“Rise slaves!”
Arise, slaves!
The battle cry of the female slaves as they revolt against their black masters.
“Fly, my Prince! It is useless to fight them longer.”
Flee, my Prince! Continuing to fight is futile.
Phaidor's urgent plea for Carter to escape while he still can.
“Issus will dine well tonight.”
Issus will have a fine meal this evening.
A prisoner's grim comment on the selection of a plump tribute girl for the goddess's dinner.
