The Gods of Mars · Character

Xodar

A proud black Dator of the First Born who, stripped of his faith in Issus, becomes one of John Carter's most valuable and unexpected allies.

major

Also known as Dator Xodar, the proud Xodar, the great Xodar, The degraded Dator, Liberty Xodar, Spying Xodar

First appearance: vi the black pirates of barsoom

As a major figure in The Gods of Mars, Xodar is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Dator of the First Born, captured and bound by John Carter; reveals the history of his race and acknowledges John Carter's superiority.

In the storyA Fair GoddessOpen this moment free

See Xodar in A Fair Goddess Book page

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Xodar begins as a devoted servant of the goddess Issus, certain of his own superiority, until Carter forces him to see that his deity is a mortal old woman who cannot save him. His fall from pride to doubt is the hinge of his transformation, and his intimate knowledge of Omean, Shador, and the First Born's navy becomes the key to Carter's escape plans. He matters because he proves that even the enemy's most arrogant sons can be won by truth and courage.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Xodar sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Xodar in vi the black pirates of barsoom

Character Web

16 connections

A slice of how Xodar sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Psychological
Friendship
Other

Character groups

Allies and Antagonists of Helium

+11 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

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.

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Relationships

Issus
psychological · negative
Issus manipulates and controls Xodar as a high-ranking minion in her cruel court. How this plays out →
Thurid
rivalry · negative
John Carter
friendship · positive
Dejah Thoris
friendship · positive
Issus
psychological · negative
Issus manipulates and controls Xodar as a high-ranking minion in her cruel court. How this plays out →
John Carter
friendship · positive
Issus
psychological · negative
Issus manipulates and controls Xodar as a high-ranking minion in her cruel court. How this plays out →

Issus
Issus manipulates and controls Xodar as a high-ranking minion in her cruel court.
Thurid
Thurid and Xodar are rivals and enemies, both vying for power in Issus's court.
John Carter
John Carter and Xodar become allies and friends after Xodar defects from Issus's service.
Dejah Thoris
Dejah Thoris and Xodar develop a respectful friendship after Xodar turns against Issus.
Issus
Issus manipulates and controls Xodar as a high-ranking minion in her cruel court.
John Carter
John Carter and Xodar become allies and friends after Xodar defects from Issus's service.
Issus
Issus manipulates and controls Xodar as a high-ranking minion in her cruel court.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Xodar in vi the black pirates of barsoom

In the story

Xodar appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

A Fair Goddess
Dator of the First Born, captured and bound by John Carter; reveals the history of his race and acknowledges John Carter's superiority.
The Depths of Omean
Xodar, a dator of the First Born, escorts the prisoners and reveals the secrets of the subterranean sea and the Temple of Issus.
IX: Issus, Goddess of Life Eternal
Degraded from Dator to slave by Issus after his defeat by John Carter.
The Prison Isle of Shador
Former Dator degraded by Issus, now imprisoned and struggling with his faith in her omnipotence.
Doomed to Die
Mentioned as the black ally John Carter plans to escape with; later reunited in prison on Shador.
A Break for Liberty
Describes the First Born's nonproductive society and the tunnel to the therns; aids in the escape.
The Eyes in the Dark
Assists with the damaged flier and alerts John Carter to the worsening leak of repulsive rays.
Flight and Pursuit
Rides with the party and charges to support John Carter against the Warhoons.
Under Arrest
Companion of John Carter, present as a prisoner.
Sola's Story
Provides expertise on the First Born and assists in planning the fleet's equipment for Omean.
Black Despair
Devises the plan to extract John Carter's location from Parthak and exposes a thern spy.
The Air Battle
Serves as guide for Tars Tarkas and Hor Vastus in the land assault.
Victory and Defeat
Leads John Carter to the Temple of the Sun and attempts to find a way to stop its mechanism.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Xodar unlock in the free preview.

See Xodar in vi the black pirates of barsoom

See Xodar in A Fair Goddess