From Feud to Coalition

This flow follows the escalating conflicts among Thark, Warhoon, Zodanga, and Helium, and the shifting coalitions that determine their outcomes.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Thark and Warhoon Rivalry

Conflict Across the Dead Seas A rival incubator found Thark warriors discover a Warhoon incubator and destroy its eggs. The act escalates the rivalry beyond a clash between armed adults, threatening the Warhoon community’s future generation. Retaliation becomes likely The Tharks recognize that a Warhoon force may be nearby and prepare for further fighting. Their old hostilities shape movement and survival even when no battle is underway.

Carter Between Hordes

Enmity Reorders His Fate Captors see a spectacle The Warhoons take Carter from the Tharks and plan to use him in their Great Games. The rivalry gives Carter no safe side; he is a prize passed between enemies. Survival makes alliances In the arena he forms a partnership with Kantos Kan, a Red Martian prisoner. Their cooperation crosses the same political boundaries that the warring peoples treat as fixed.

A Second Front in Zodanga

Helium’s Enemy Uses Its Advantage A city under siege Zodanga attacks while Helium’s main fleet is away searching for Dejah Thoris. The war expands from border hostility into an attempt to force political submission. A princess becomes leverage The proposed marriage between Dejah Thoris and Sab Than is meant to settle the conflict on Zodangan terms. Carter’s rescue mission now threatens to become a direct challenge to the kingdom.

Coalition Before Zodanga

Rival Hordes Unite A common campaign Tars Tarkas brings together multiple Green Martian hordes for the march on Zodanga. Carter’s plan links the rescue of Dejah Thoris to shared military advantage. Internal conflict contained The assembled warriors remain prone to quarrels, but their hatred of Zodanga holds them together. Cooperation is fragile, sustained by a common enemy and the prospect of loot.

The Siege Ends

The Balance Turns Two forces converge Tharks attack the Zodangan camp as Helium’s forces arrive from the city. The besiegers are caught between the allied armies and begin to lose ground. A new arrangement Zodanga’s defeat and the Thark welcome in Helium create a new relationship among the peoples. The military outcome changes the political map, though it cannot erase the history that produced the wars.

During the Thark caravan’s journey home

After Carter’s capture by the Warhoons

During Carter’s journey to Zodanga

After Tars Tarkas defeats Tal Hajus

After Helium’s troops join the land battle