# Tommy — When the World Shook character guide

> Tommy in When the World Shook by H. Rider Haggard.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Poor little Tommy, the spaniel Tommy

**First appearance:** 0002-i-arbuthnot-describes-himself

## Snapshot

Arbuthnot's loyal spaniel, small and ordinary, whose simple presence unexpectedly sways the fate of the awakened sleepers.

## Who they are

Tommy is Arbuthnot's dog, carried along on the voyage and into the island's strangest moments, where his tolerance and affection win him unlikely friends. The ancient Oro, indifferent to men, cares for Tommy more than for any of the explorers, a quirk that quietly shapes events. Small and unassuming, Tommy embodies the ordinary warmth that survives even amid gods and tombs.

## Relationships

### [Yva](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/characters/yva)

_friendship_

Tommy is awestruck and friendly toward Yva, viewing her as a wondrous and kind figure.

### [Oro](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/characters/oro)

_friendship_

Oro is kindly and protective toward Tommy, treating him with paternal warmth.

### [Yva](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/characters/yva)

_friendship_

Tommy is awestruck and friendly toward Yva, viewing her as a wondrous and kind figure.

### [Oro](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/characters/oro)

_friendship_

Oro is kindly and protective toward Tommy, treating him with paternal warmth.

## In the story

### [IV: Death and Departure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters/iv-death-and-departure)

The spaniel whimpers sympathetically as Natalie hides her tears.

### [Land](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters/vi-land)

The spaniel; survives the cyclone and is mentioned as whimpering and licking Arbuthnot's face.

### [VII: The Orofenans](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters/vii-the-orofenans)

Bites a native who later dies; his reputation as a supernatural guardian is enhanced.

### [VIII: Bastin Attempts the Martyr's Crown](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters/viii-bastin-attempts-the-martyr-s-crown)

Accompanies the group in the canoe.

### [IX: The Island in the Lake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters/ix-the-island-in-the-lake)

Sniffs and scratches at the base of the statue in the cave, indicating something hidden there.

### [X: The Dwellers in the Tomb](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters/x-the-dwellers-in-the-tomb)

Scratches at the base of the statue, leading to the discovery of the hidden tomb, but later goes missing.

### [XI: Resurrection](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters/xi-resurrection)

Growls on top of Yva's coffin; frisks around when the party arrives; lays a flower bough at Oro's feet, influencing his decision; sits on Yva's knee and is stroked.

### [XIII: Oro Speaks and Bastin Argues](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters/xiii-oro-speaks-and-bastin-argues)

Sits contentedly on the hem of Yva's robe during the conversation.

### [XIV: The Underworld](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters/xiv-the-underworld)

Returns transformed after drinking the Life-water; now has a shiny coat and is loyal to Yva; shows aggression toward Bastin.

### [Yva Explains](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters/xvii-yva-explains)

Briefly mentioned as being enraptured at Yva's arrival.

### [XVIII: The Accident](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters/xviii-the-accident)

Accompanies Yva when she leaves, showing unusual attachment to her.

### [The Command](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters/xxii-the-command)

The only cheerful member of the party; skips and barks; mopes when Yva is absent.

### [XXIII: In the Temple of Fate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters/xxiii-in-the-temple-of-fate)

Tommy is lifted by Yva during the descent and receives a pat from Oro, indicating the ancient ruler's fondness for the dog.

### [XXIV: The Chariot of the Pit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters/xxiv-the-chariot-of-the-pit)

The spaniel; appears depressed and clings to the group's heels.

### [XXV: Sacrifice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters/xxv-sacrifice)

Patted by Yva during the tense moments.

### [XXVI: Tommy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters/xxvi-tommy)

The spaniel licks Arbuthnot's face, guides the group through the tunnel, and leads them to the beach.

### [Epilogue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters/epilogue)

The spaniel dies within three days of Arbuthnot, found dead lying on Marama's feather cloak.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/characters/tommy
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/characters