The Moon Pool
Botanist Dr. Walter T. Goodwin finds himself embroiled in a perilous quest when his friend's wife and companions vanish into a mysterious temple on a remote South Pacific island. What begins as a rescue mission quickly spirals into an expedition into a futuristic, subterranean realm beneath the earth. Alongside a motley crew of adventurers, Goodwin confronts ancient cosmic entities, advanced technology, and a civilization unlike anything known to humankind, all framed with a faux-scientific rigor that blurs the lines between pulp fantasy and speculative reportage. A. Merritt's *The Moon Pool* is more than just a thrilling Lost World adventure; it's a foundational text that significantly influenced the burgeoning cosmic horror genre, most notably H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. This fix-up novel, originally serialized in *All-Story Weekly*, masterfully blends exotic locales, ancient mysteries, and proto-sci-fi elements with a unique narrative conceit that lends an air of unsettling verisimilitude to its fantastical premise. It remains a vibrant pulp classic, a testament to Merritt's imaginative power and an essential read for understanding the roots of modern fantasy and horror.
About The Moon Pool
Chapter Summaries
- I
- Dr. Goodwin encounters his old friend Throckmartin on a ship, but Throckmartin is changed and tells of seeing a mysterious entity on the moon path. The entity appears and takes Throckmartin away.
- II
- Throckmartin reveals that his wife Edith, colleague Stanton, and nurse Thora are all dead or worse, taken by something he calls the Dweller in the Moon Pool.
- III
- Throckmartin describes finding a mysterious grey stone door that opens only under moonlight, leading to the chamber where the Dweller dwells.
Key Themes
- Science vs. Supernatural
- The tension between rational scientific explanation and acceptance of supernatural phenomena, embodied in Dr. Goodwin's struggle to understand the impossible things he witnesses.
- Love and Sacrifice
- Multiple forms of love drive the narrative - romantic love between Larry and Lakla, friendship loyalty, and parental love as seen in Olaf's quest for his family.
- Ancient vs. Modern
- The conflict between ancient wisdom and powers versus modern ambition and technology, questioning whether progress always represents improvement.
Characters
- Dr. Walter T. Goodwin(protagonist)
- American botanist and narrator who searches for his missing friend Throckmartin. A man of science who struggles to understand the supernatural phenomena he encounters.
- Larry O'Keefe(protagonist)
- Irish-American pilot from the Royal Flying Corps. Brave, humorous, and romantic, he becomes central to the conflict between Yolara and Lakla.
- David Throckmartin(major)
- Missing archaeologist whose disappearance sets the story in motion. Taken by the Dweller along with his wife and colleagues.
- Yolara(antagonist)
- Beautiful and cruel priestess of the Shining One. Rules Muria with Lugur and becomes obsessed with Larry O'Keefe.
- Lakla(major)
- The Golden Girl, handmaiden to the Silent Ones. Pure, beautiful, and powerful, she opposes Yolara and falls in love with Larry.
- Lugur(antagonist)
- Red-haired dwarf ruler of Muria, co-leader with Yolara. Ambitious and cruel, he seeks world conquest.
