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Tardos Mors was a male Red Martian and the Jeddak of Helium. He was also the father of Jed Mors Kajak, and grandfather of Princess Dejah Thoris. His reign saw Helium become one of the most powerful Red Martian kingdoms in all of Barsoom, and possibly the first to make an alliance with a Green Martian kingdom.

Biography[]

A Princess of Mars[]

At the end of the first book, Tardos Mors and his son Mors Kajak are present at the celebration of the victory at Zodanga. They were also present during the wedding of John Carter and Dejah Thoris. Following the defeat of Tal Hajus and Sab Than, Tardos Mors agreed to make an alliance with the Green Martian kingdom of Thark.

The Gods of Mars[]

When John Carter returns to Barsoom, he finds Helium in mourning as both Tardos Mors and Mors Kajak are missing, believed to be dead. After the capture of his wife, John Carter goes in search of his family.

The Warlord of Mars[]

John Carter leaves his son, Carthoris, as jeddak "pro temps" of Helium until such time that the true jeddak and his son return to the city or are found to be well and truly dead. He eventually recovers his grandfather- and father-in-law in the far north, aiding their return.

At the end of the story, Tardos Mors heads a committee that bestows the title of "Warlord of Barsoom" on John Carter in honor of all he has done to put an end to war and unite the many races of the dying planet.

Other Versions[]

Disney Film[]

Tardos Mors - portrayed by Ciarán Hinds - is the jeddak of Helium. As the city is something of a giant university more than a powerful nation - their strength stemming purely from their scientific and technological prowess - Tardos Mors is less a warrior and more a diplomat and intellectual. Here, he is Dejah Thoris' father instead of her grandfather, with the character of Mors Kajak being completely eliminated from the story. He is pressured into granting Dejah Thoris' hand in marriage to Sab Than due to the overwhelming strength of Zodanga's military.

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