The Gods of Mars - Classic Text | Alexandria
"The Gods of Mars" stands as a pivotal work in Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom series, published first as a serial in All-Story Magazine in 1913 before its novel-form release in 1918. As the second installment in the John Carter series, this science-fantasy masterpiece weaves an intricate tale of religious deception, heroic adventure, and social commentary against the backdrop of a mythologized Mars.
The narrative emerges from a particularly fertile period in American pulp fiction, coinciding with significant astronomical discoveries about Mars by Percival Lowell and others, which had captured the public imagination. Burroughs crafted his story during an era when scientific romance was evolving into modern science fiction, incorporating both Victorian adventure traditions and emerging modernist sensibilities.
The novel follows John Carter's return to Mars after a decade-long absence, where he uncovers the dark secrets behind the planet's dominant religion. His discovery that the supposed paradise of the Valley Dor is actually a deadly trap, and that the supposedly divine Therns are manipulative charlatans, serves as a pointed critique of religious exploitation and blind faith. This controversial theme, bold for its time, resonated with early 20th-century discussions about the role of organized religion in society.
The cultural impact of "The Gods of Mars" extends far beyond its initial publication. Its influence can be traced through decades of science fiction, from Ray Bradbury's Martian Chronicles to modern space operas. The work's sophisticated treatment of religious skepticism, racial equality, and social justice—themes woven into its adventure narrative—continues to resonate with contemporary readers. Its depiction of a complex Martian society, complete with intricate political and religious systems, established new standards for world-building in speculative fiction.
Today, while perhaps overshadowed by its predecessor "A Princess of Mars," "The Gods of Mars" remains a fascinating study in early science fiction's ability to address profound social and philosophical questions through the lens of interplanetary adventure. Its examination of faith, power, and human nature continues to provoke discussion and inspire new generations of writers and readers in their exploration of these eternal themes.