id: 469a0af1-7462-45c3-b0e5-7f183bef4af7
slug: The-Chessmen-of-Mars
cover_url: null
author: Edgar Rice Burroughs
about: Battling living chess pieces controlled by psychic powers reveals the dark genius of Burroughs' "The Chessmen of Mars." Beyond its pulp facade lies a cutting meditation on how games reflect society's power structures. The shocking twist? The most dangerous players aren't the pieces, but those who think they control the board.
icon_illustration: https://myeyoafugkrkwcnfedlu.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/Icon_Images//Edgar%20Rice%20Burroughs.png
author_id: 4b30a679-b822-468a-9e1e-1a6be879d7dd
city_published: New York
country_published: United States
great_question_connection: "The Chessmen of Mars" serves as a fascinating lens through which to explore profound philosophical questions about reality, consciousness, and the nature of existence. Burroughs' narrative, set against the backdrop of Mars (Barsoom), particularly resonates with questions about perception and reality. The novel's portrayal of the living chessmen in the city of Manator speaks directly to inquiries about consciousness and artificial intelligence - are these beings truly conscious, and if so, what does that tell us about the nature of consciousness itself? \n \n The game of Jetan (Martian Chess) featured prominently in the story serves as a powerful metaphor for examining questions of free will versus determinism. The chessmen, both literal and metaphorical, raise compelling questions about whether genuine free will exists within structured systems of rules and predetermined moves. This parallels broader philosophical inquiries about whether human free will can exist in a universe governed by natural laws. \n \n The novel's exploration of different Martian societies, particularly the contrast between the more "civilized" red Martians and the isolated society of Manator, provides rich ground for examining questions of cultural relativism and moral truth. Are moral truths objective or relative to cultures? The story's treatment of different Martian societies suggests that while customs and beliefs may vary, certain fundamental truths transcend cultural boundaries. \n \n Burroughs' depiction of Martian technology and society raises questions about the relationship between science, progress, and traditional knowledge. The advanced yet ancient Martian civilization prompts us to consider whether ancient wisdom might sometimes be more reliable than modern science, and whether technological progress necessarily leads to moral or social advancement. \n \n The novel's treatment of consciousness, particularly through the living chessmen, connects wi
th questions about artificial intelligence and the nature of understanding. Could an AI truly understand human emotions? The chessmen's apparent consciousness challenges our assumptions about what constitutes genuine awareness and emotion. \n \n The romantic elements of the story, particularly through the character of Tara of Helium, raise questions about the nature of love and whether it's "just chemistry in the brain" or something more transcendent. The novel suggests that love might be both a physical and metaphysical phenomenon, challenging purely reductionist explanations. \n \n Religious and metaphysical themes throughout the work connect to questions about divine existence and the nature of reality. The Martian belief systems depicted raise questions about whether multiple religions can simultaneously contain truth, and whether faith should adapt to modern knowledge. \n \n The novel's artistic elements, particularly its vivid descriptions of Martian architecture and culture, speak to questions about beauty and art. Does beauty require an observer to exist? The abandoned cities and ancient artifacts of Mars suggest that beauty might have an objective existence independent of observation. \n \n Finally, the political structures depicted in the novel resonate with questions about justice, authority, and social organization. The various Martian societies presented raise questions about whether perfect justice is worth any price, and whether stability should be prioritized over radical change. \n \n Through these various elements, "The Chessmen of Mars" serves as a rich text for exploring fundamental questions about consciousness, reality, morality, and human nature, demonstrating how science fiction can serve as a vehicle for deep philosophical inquiry.
introduction: A masterwork of planetary romance that seamlessly blends chess motifs with Martian adventure, "The Chessmen of Mars" (1922) stands as the fifth installment in Edgar Rice Burroughs' acclaimed Barsoom series. This intricate narrative follows Tara of Helium, daughter of John Carter, as she navigates the dangerous landscapes of Barsoom (Mars), particularly in the mysterious city of Manator, where living chess games determine the fate of prisoners. \n \n Published first as a serial in Argosy All-Story Weekly from February through March 1922, before being released as a complete novel by A. C. McClurg later that year, the work emerged during a period of growing public fascination with both Mars and chess. Burroughs crafted this tale during the aftermath of World War I, when scientific romanticism and escapist literature provided crucial respite from post-war disillusionment. The novel's timing coincided with significant astronomical observations of Mars and a renaissance in competitive chess, lending it particular cultural resonance. \n \n The narrative introduces the memorable game of Jetan, a Martian variant of chess, which Burroughs detailed so thoroughly that enthusiasts have since created playable versions. The author's invention of this game, complete with specific rules and pieces, demonstrates his remarkable world-building capabilities and attention to detail. The story's setting in Manator, with its barbaric tradition of living chess matches where captured pieces face death, creates a compelling metaphor for the political machinations and power struggles that characterized both fictional Barsoom and real-world society. \n \n The novel's influence extends beyond its era, inspiring countless science fiction authors and game designers. Its unique blend of chess mythology with science fiction tropes continues to resonate in modern media, from chess-themed video games to science fiction narratives exploring game theory and strategy. Contemporary readin
gs of the text often focus on its examination of free will versus determinism, as represented through the chess motif, while its depiction of a strong female protagonist in Tara of Helium remains notably progressive for its time. The work stands as a testament to Burroughs' ability to weave complex philosophical questions into adventurous narratives that captivate readers across generations.