The Moon Pool · Chapters

Chapters explained

Chapter companions for The Moon Pool by A. Merritt.

Read with companions Book page

Each chapter has a companion in the reader — open a free preview to see notes beside the text.

Chapter 1
Dedication
The author dedicates the book to Robert H. Davis, acknowledging his appreciation for Larry O'Keefe's belief in the fairies.
Chapter 2
The Moon Pool
Dr. David Throckmartin recounts his terrifying experiences on the island of Ponape, where he and his team discovered a mysterious moon pool that leads to a hidden world. The pool, illuminated by a strange green light, is connected to ancient ruins and a malevolent force that begins to claim his companions one by one. Throckmartin's wife Edith and colleague Stanton vanish after encountering the pool's eerie glow, leaving him alone and desperate for answers.
Chapter 3
The Thing on the Moon Path
Dr. Walter Goodwin, returning from botanical research in the d'Entrecasteaux Islands, encounters his old friend Dr. David Throckmartin at Port Moresby. Throckmartin appears profoundly changed, his face marked by a disturbing blend of ecstasy and horror. Goodwin learns that Throckmartin's expedition to the Nan-Matal ruins has been interrupted by a terrifying supernatural encounter. That night, aboard the Southern Queen, Throckmartin and Goodwin witness a mysterious luminous entity traveling along a moonlit path on the sea, accompanied by crystalline music. The entity vanishes as a squall hits, and Throckmartin, now certain of the phenomenon's reality, prepares to share his story.
Chapter 4
II: “Dead! All Dead!”
Dr. Throckmartin recounts his expedition to the Nan-Matal ruins on Ponape, describing the cyclopean megalithic structures and the superstitious fear of the native workers. He reveals that his wife Edith, Stanton, and Thora are dead or worse, taken by a terrifying entity from the Moon Pool. He shows Dr. Goodwin a strange, cold, white band around his chest that is impervious to burning, claiming it is the mark of the Dweller in the Moon Pool.
Chapter 5
III: The Moon Rock
Throckmartin recounts the events leading to the discovery of the Moon Rock on Nan-Tauach. After their native laborers leave during the full moon, strange crystalline sounds emanate from the island, unsettling the party. Thora, the Swedish servant, falls into a trance and warns them to leave. Despite these eerie occurrences, Throckmartin and Stanton resolve to investigate scientifically. They discover a peculiar grey slab—the Moon Rock—that emits a strange, cold energy and appears to be a door. The chapter ends with Throckmartin's detailed description of the ruins of Nan-Tauach and his determination to uncover its secrets.

Free preview

33 more chapter companions sit beside the text in BetterReads — open a free preview to unlock the rest.

33 more companions → free preview

Dedication

The Moon Pool

The Thing on the Moon Path

II: “Dead! All Dead!”

III: The Moon Rock