CHAPTER I -Thuvia, Maid of Mars

Chapter 1 of “Thuvia, Maid of Mars” sets the stage for a romantic and political drama on the exotic planet of Barsoom, featuring Thuvia of Ptarth and Carthoris of Helium. In the royal gardens of Ptarth, Thuvia, the daughter of the Jeddak Thuvan Dihn, rebuffs the advances of Astok, Prince of Dusar, asserting her disdain for his presumption. When Astok forcibly attempts to claim her as his own, Thuvia calls for help; Carthoris, the son of John Carter (the Warlord of Mars) and Dejah Thoris, rushes to her aid, demonstrating both his martial prowess and his affection for her. The altercation is halted with the arrival of Thuvia’s guards, capturing a moment fraught with political tension between the cities of Ptarth, Helium, and Dusar.

Carthoris openly declares his love for Thuvia, who respectfully declines his advances, revealing she is promised to Kulan Tith, Jeddak of Kaol. Despite his heartbreak, Carthoris nobly respects Thuvia’s decision and her betrothal to Kulan Tith. The chapter intricately weaves themes of honour, duty, and forbidden love against the backdrop of Barsoom’s intricate societal and political landscapes. This narrative sets the stage for a tale of unrequited love, rivalry, and the lush, dangerous allure of Mars.

As Carthoris prepares to return to Helium, he shares with Thuvan Dihn his invention, a sophisticated navigation device for his airship, which permits autonomous flight and obstacle avoidance, showcasing Barsoomian technological marvels. A servant curiously interjects to suggest a potential oversight in Carthoris’s invention, hinting at future complications. This opening chapter richly establishes the primary characters, setting, and the central conflict while teasing technological advancements and intricacies of Martian society that promise to be central to the unfolding drama.