Chapter 12 Summary

Ransom and Hyoi prepare Hyoi's boat for the hunt. Ransom asks Hyoi if the three peoples of Malacandra ever go to war with one another and is surprised when Hyoi answers he cannot imagine any reason for ever doing so. Ransom inquires further into the habits of the hross and learns they are monogamous, mating for only a short time in their lives, and that they treasure the memory of something as much or more as the thing itself.

Hyoi explains the honor he would receive for killing the hnakra, or dying while hunting it. The hnakra is the enemy of the hross, he explains, but is also beloved by them. The danger of death presented by the hnakra makes life more vivid and enjoyable by comparison, Hyoi says.

As they continue to work on the boat, Ransom asks Hyoi about the day...