CHAPTER XVII -Gulliver of Mars

Chapter 17 of “Gulliver of Mars” sees our protagonist witnessing the return of Ar-hap, the king, and his weary army to their home city, a situation made stark by the ominous threat of a comet and the severe drought plaguing the land. Amidst these dire circumstances, the king, upon learning of the protagonist’s presence, demands his appearance to address the matter of Heru, a princess apparently claimed by Ar-hap under dubious circumstances related to a royal custom. The protagonist, determined to rescue Heru, confronts the king and is challenged with seemingly impossible tasks as tests of his spirit claims. Astonishingly, he completes these tasks with ease due to his earlier adventures and possession of certain artifacts, thereby astounding the king and the court.

The narrative treats us to a rollercoaster of emotions and events – from the protagonist’s frustration at the arid disappearance of his favored pool, to his astonishment at the king’s eerie challenge which, unknowingly to Ar-hap, plays directly into the protagonist’s hands. The protagonist smartly uses items he acquired from earlier exploits to fulfill the king’s demands, notably the ancient jawbone of a long-dead king and the crown of a dead queen, which he miraculously produces in what appears to be acts of supernatural ability. Each successful task further compels King Ar-hap, initially doubtful and scornful, to reconsider his stance.

The chapter culminates with the tension dissolving momentarily as a comet-threatening religious ritual necessitates the king’s attention elsewhere. The king, perhaps out of respect for the protagonist’s evident powers or realization of the futility in opposing him, agrees to a temporary truce. This respite allows for the protagonist and Heru to stay unharmed, albeit separated, until a decision on their future and the safety of the kingdom regarding the comet’s threat can be made.

This chapter masterfully mixes elements of fantasy, romance, and political intrigue with a backdrop of a Martian society facing environmental and supernatural challenges. The storytelling is rich with vivid descriptions, powerful character interactions, and a clever plot that emphasizes the protagonist’s cunning and resourcefulness amidst otherworldly trials.