In A. Merritt's "The Moon Pool," characters encounter mysterious phenomena that they attempt to explain through a blend of scientific theories and supernatural beliefs. These explanations often reflect the characters' backgrounds and worldviews, creating a dynamic interplay between reason and the inexplicable.

Dr. Walter T. Goodwin, a botanist, and Dr. David Throckmartin, a fellow scientist, initially seek naturalistic explanations for the strange occurrences. Throckmartin theorizes that the Moon Rock is composed of an element sensitive to moon rays, similar to how selenium reacts to sun rays, with small circles acting as an operating mechanism that requires the full moon's strength to open the slab and summon the Dweller. He also suggests that the sleep phenomenon experienced by his party could be a coincidence caused by gaseous emanations or plants, and the peculiar tinkling music might be vibrations affecting the nervous system. Goodwin expands on this, proposing that the Dweller itself might be a product of an advanced science developed by a surviving ancient race from a sunken Pacific continent, who mastered forms of energy like light. He explains that moonlight, after reflecting off the moon, is altered, potentially carrying energies from an unknown lunar element. These altered rays, combined with the influence of the globes in the Moon Pool Chamber, are the necessary factors for the Dweller's formation. Goodwin also describes the green ray used by Yolara as an agent that stimulates atomic vibration, causing matter to disintegrate into electrons, and the invisible cloaks as material that admits or curves light vibrations, rendering the wearer wholly invisible. He notes that the coria (shells) are activated by atomic energy, which creates a partial negation of gravity and a repulsive thrust. The

moss death

fungus is explained as a rapidly developing organism that destroys flesh by microscopic hooks and rootlets. The Yekta of the Crimson Sea is described as a hydroid that secretes a swiftly acting poison, destroying the nervous system and creating an illusion of extended torment. Goodwin also speculates that the Three are highly intelligent beings whose evolution took a different path in the caverns, leading to unique brain structures and values. Dr. Marakinoff, a Russian physicist, contributes scientific explanations as well. He identifies the Moon Pool's liquid as intensely radioactive and unlike any known fluid on Earth, acting like radium with a mysterious added element. He believes the chamber walls confine an atomic manipulation, a conscious arrangement of electrons that emit light indefinitely. Marakinoff also suggests that the moon was hurled from the Pacific region, which would explain the Moon Chamber's dependence on moon-rays and the vast internal spaces. He reveals the existence of "gravity-destroying bombs" that cut off gravity, sending objects into space. The talking globes are explained as mechanisms utilizing wireless telegraphy principles and the interchangeability of light and sound vibrations, creating a "field of force". He describes the Shining One as a creation from the ether, imbued with a "soul of light" and the "essence of life" from Earth's heart, with seven orbs as channels for sentience. The Dweller's ability to embody both rapture and horror is attributed to its balancing of poles of utter joy and utter woe.

In contrast to the scientific perspectives, many characters hold strong supernatural beliefs. Thora Halversen, a Swedish nurse, exhibits a "curious sensitivity" to the place's "influences," believing it "smelled" of ghosts and warlocks, and performs an "archaic" gesture to the moon to stop the tinkling sounds. The Ponape natives are deeply superstitious, fearing malignant spirits called "ani" and refusing to go to the ruins during full moon nights. Olaf Huldricksson, a Norse sailor, believes the Dweller is a "sparkling devil" or "moon devil" that took his family, equating it with Loki and praying to Thor and Odin for vengeance. He refers to the underground world as "Trolldom" (witchcraft) and "Helvede" (hell). Larry O'Keefe, despite his modern background, firmly believes in Irish folklore, including banshees, leprechauns, and phantom harpers. He later attributes the Silent Ones to the Tuatha De Danann, ancient Irish gods. The Murian rulers, Yolara and Lugur, worship the "Shining One" as a deity, believing it grants them power and dominion. Lakla, the handmaiden of the Silent Ones, believes in their ancient wisdom and power, stating that they created the Dweller and possess wondrous healing abilities. Lakla also states that love is stronger than death and the Shining One, suggesting it can weaken the Dweller's evil.

The narrative highlights the clash between these scientific and supernatural viewpoints. Larry O'Keefe, despite his belief in banshees and leprechauns, initially dismisses Olaf's account of the "sparkling devil" as a "collective hallucination" caused by volcanic gas. However, as he witnesses more inexplicable events, his skepticism wanes, and he becomes a staunch ally in the quest, even if he still tries to rationalize the frog-men as trained animals. Goodwin, the scientist, is often irritated by O'Keefe's "superstition" but ultimately accepts his companionship. The Murians themselves are divided, with Yolara and Lugur embracing the Shining One's power for conquest, while Lakla and the Silent Ones represent an older, more benevolent, yet still mysterious, force that seeks to contain the evil unleashed by the Dweller.

The narrative of "The Moon Pool" intricately weaves together scientific inquiry and ancient beliefs. While characters like Goodwin and Marakinoff strive to understand the phenomena through the lens of advanced physics and biology, others, like Olaf and Larry, interpret them through the prism of their cultural and personal mythologies. This duality underscores the profound and unsettling nature of the mysteries encountered, suggesting that some truths may lie beyond the current grasp of either pure science or traditional superstition, or perhaps, that they are two sides of the same coin.

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