CHAPTER XII -Gulliver of Mars

Chapter XII of “Gulliver of Mars” narrates the protagonist’s harrowing yet intriguing experiences after being cast away on the Martian ice. The chapter opens with Gulliver setting up a fire for warmth, only to discover a frozen figure of an imposing, grey-clad man, speculated to be a king of an ancient Martian race, encased in the nearby ice. This mysterious figure, with a gold band adorned with runes, fascinates Gulliver with his regal yet inaccessible presence.

The turning point occurs when the fire’s warmth releases the figure from his icy prison, leading Gulliver into a startling confrontation with what he initially believes to be an assailant. After a tumultuous struggle, he realizes he has been grappling with the thawed body of the ancient Martian, not a living attacker. The realization is both eerie and awe-inspiring, considering the man’s possible ancient wisdom and the stories he might have shared.

The following morning, plagued by hunger, Gulliver encounters a living Martian, an old woodsman, in this forbidding landscape. The woodsman initially mistakes Gulliver for a spirit but is ultimately convinced of his mortality after Gulliver humorously points out the physicality of his presence. They share a meal, with Gulliver marveling at the simplicity yet satisfying nature of the food presented.

Gulliver learns the old man is harvesting gems washed from the higher cliffs, a morbid reminder of the rich and powerful figures frozen above. Despite the fascinating opportunity to gather wealth, Gulliver’s primary concern is to find a way out of the desolate pit they find themselves in. He bargains with the woodsman, offering the jewels he’s collected for guidance to escape and directions to the Martian city where he intends to deliver a message.

The chapter concludes with Gulliver and the woodsman navigating through a narrow, eerie cleft in the ice, packed with more frozen Martians, leading towards the light and hope of the outer world. This adventure-filled chapter blends elements of horror, discovery, and the bizarre, maintaining a gripping narrative that highlights Gulliver’s resilience and curiosity in the face of otherworldly challenges.