The Fall and Rebirth of Thark Leadership

This flow follows the contest between Tal Hajus and Tars Tarkas and the political consequences of a new Jeddak’s rise.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Power Behind the Throne

Sarkoja’s Influence Access to authority Sarkoja is one of Tars Tarkas’s trusted women and has influence over the Thark leadership. Her role gives her power beyond formal combat rank. A political danger She uses her access to spread accusations and defend existing customs. Her influence helps Tal Hajus maintain control even when his conduct weakens his claim to respect.

Tal Hajus’s Rule

A Jeddak of Cruelty Fear as government Tal Hajus embodies the violence practiced against captives and vulnerable people. His authority rests on power and reputation rather than demonstrated care for the Thark community. A disputed legitimacy Carter’s return and Tars Tarkas’s growing standing expose the contrast between the ruler’s threats and his lack of courage in battle. The question of leadership becomes impossible to avoid.

Carter’s Challenge

The Council Hears an Accusation A public argument Tal Hajus orders Carter bound and punished, but Carter invokes his service and demands a hearing. He calls the Jeddak a coward who harms the defenseless. The chiefs respond Lorquas Ptomel insists that custom requires justice, and the council supports a test of Tal Hajus’s fitness to rule. The challenge converts Carter’s personal danger into a constitutional crisis for the Tharks.

Tars Tarkas Takes Power

Succession by Combat The challenge accepted The council authorizes Tal Hajus to fight Tars Tarkas. The ruler has no alternative under the combat-based custom he has used to govern. A new Jeddak Tars Tarkas kills Tal Hajus and claims leadership. His victory removes the immediate tyrant, but the succession still depends on the same violent political framework.

A Different Alliance

Leadership Put to Use Carter’s proposal Tars Tarkas presents the plan to rescue Dejah Thoris and attack Zodanga to the assembled Thark leaders. He frames the campaign as both military opportunity and a route to more secure resources. A broader horizon The new ruler organizes an unprecedented coalition of green hordes. His leadership begins to reshape Thark power through alliance rather than succession alone.

Before Carter arrives in Thark

During the Thark caravan’s approach to the capital

After the Warhoon battle

Immediately after the council’s verdict

Before the march on Zodanga