Tradition, as shown in the game of Jetan, suggests that the yellow race and the First Born were bitter enemies in the early days of Barsoom history. The yellow race of Mars is represented as being an unknown people, except in legend, who occupy the northern pole. At the end of the series we are introduced to the descendents of the Orovars, the ancient white race of Barsoom. Later in the series we are introduced to the Lotharians, a white race with mental powers who are isolationistic and depraved. The Therns, the current white race of Barsoom, is portrayed as being subservient to the black First Born, which is an obvious role reversal to earth's history. The First Born is also portrayed as a long time menace to the planet at large-the Pirates of Barsoom-with a history that eclipses that of the Red race, as far as longevity and history are concerned. The First Born, a black race, claims to be the original humans on the planet and first from the Tree of Life (see RELIGION). Though the red civilization is perhaps 100,000 years of age and is guided by a tradition of honor towards women and strict codes of combat engagement, it is described as the "new kid on the block." The red man, for example, is presented as the Indian (American Southwest) elevated to the level of being the predominate race not only by technolgy but by sheer numbers. In most respects the races of Barsoom parallel those of Earth, but with a twist that is common to ERB's penchant for opposites and reverses. EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS populated the ancient desert planet of Barsoom with a rainbow of humanoid races.
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