Herman Melville's Mardi: and A Voyage Thither, Vol. II is a mid-19th-century novel that explores themes of adventure, philosophy, and existential inquiry through a fantastical narrative. Set in the imaginary archipelago of Mardi, the story follows a group of travelers, led by characters like Media and Babbalanja, as they explore various islands, encounter peculiar deities, and engage in profound discussions about society, belief, and the nature of existence.
The opening chapters depict their journey toward Maramma, a place shrouded in mystery and authority as the residence of the High Pontiff. Along the way, the characters reflect on the symbolic significance of the towering Peak of Ofo and delve into philosophical discourse about shadows and truths. Eventually, they land on the island in silence, meeting the eccentric and blind guide Pani. This early exploration sets the stage for encounters with Mardi's unique inhabitants, its intricate political and religious structures, and the fundamental tensions that bind the travelers’ fates.
The novel combines whimsical storytelling with rich symbolism, inviting readers to ponder profound questions about faith, knowledge, and the human experience. As they embark on this imaginative journey, readers discover more than just an adventure?they are drawn into a deep and thought-provoking exploration of life's mysteries.

CHAPTER I. Maramma
CHAPTER II. They land
CHAPTER III. They pass through the Woods
CHAPTER IV. Hivohitee MDCCCXLVIII
CHAPTER V. They visit the great Morai
CHAPTER VI. They discourse of the Gods of Mardi, and Braid-Beard tells of one Foni
CHAPTER VII. They visit the Lake of Yammo
CHAPTER VIII. They Meet The Pilgrims At The Temple Of Oro
CHAPTER IX. They discourse of Alma
CHAPTER X. Mohi tells of one Ravoo, and they land to visit Hevaneva, a flourishing Artisan
CHAPTER XI. A Nursery-tale of Babbalanja’s
CHAPTER XII. Landing to visit Hivohitee the Pontiff, they encounter an extraordinary old Hermit; with whom Yoomy has a confidential Interview, but learns little
CHAPTER XIII. Babbalanja endeavors to explain the Mystery
CHAPTER XIV. Taji receives Tidings and Omens
CHAPTER XV. Dreams
CHAPTER XVI. Media and Babbalanja discourse
CHAPTER XVII. They regale themselves with their Pipes
CHAPTER XVIII. They visit an extraordinary old Antiquary
CHAPTER XIX. They go down into the Catacombs
CHAPTER XX. Babbalanja quotes from an antique Pagan; and earnestly presses it upon the Company, that what he recites is not his but another’s
CHAPTER XXI. They visit a wealthy old Pauper
CHAPTER XXII. Yoomy sings some odd Verses, and Babbalanja quotes from the old Authors right and left
CHAPTER XXIII. What manner of Men the Tapparians were
CHAPTER XXIV. Their adventures upon landing at Pimminee
CHAPTER XXV. A, I, and O
CHAPTER XXVI. A Reception-day at Pimminee
CHAPTER XXVII. Babbalanja falleth upon Pimminee Tooth and Nail
CHAPTER XXVIII. Babbalanja regales the Company with some Sandwiches
CHAPTER XXIX. They still remain upon the Rock
CHAPTER XXX. Behind and Before
CHAPTER XXXI. Babbalanja discourses in the Dark
CHAPTER XXXII. My Lord Media summons Mohi to the Stand
CHAPTER XXXIII. Wherein Babbalanja and Yoomy embrace
CHAPTER XXXIV. Of the Isle of Diranda
CHAPTER XXXV. They visit the Lords Piko and Hello
CHAPTER XXXVI. They attend the Games
CHAPTER XXXVII. Taji still hunted, and beckoned
CHAPTER XXXVIII. They embark from Diranda
CHAPTER XXXIX. Wherein Babbalanja discourses of himself
CHAPTER XL. Of the Sorcerers in the Isle of Minda
CHAPTER XLI. Chiefly of Sing Bello
CHAPTER XLII. Dominora and Vivenza
CHAPTER XLIII. They land at Dominora
CHAPTER XLIV. Through Dominora, they wander after Yillah
CHAPTER XLV. They behold King Bello’s State Canoe
CHAPTER XLVI. Wherein Babbalanja bows thrice
CHAPTER XLVII. Babbalanja philosophizes, and my Lord Media passes round the Calabashes
CHAPTER XLVIII. They sail round an Island without landing; and talk round a Subject without getting at it
CHAPTER XLIX. They draw nigh to Porpheero; where they behold a terrific Eruption
CHAPTER L. Wherein King Media celebrates the Glories of Autumn, the Minstrel, the Promise of Spring
CHAPTER LI. In which Azzageddi seems to use Babbalanja for a Mouth-Piece
CHAPTER LII. The charming Yoomy sings
CHAPTER LIII. They draw nigh unto Land
CHAPTER LIV. They visit the great central Temple of Vivenza
CHAPTER LV. Wherein Babbalanja comments upon the Speech of Alanno
CHAPTER LVI. A Scene in the Land of Warwicks, or King-Makers
CHAPTER LVII. They hearken unto a Voice from the Gods
CHAPTER LVIII. They visit the extreme South of Vivenza
CHAPTER LIX. They converse of the Mollusca, Kings, Toad-Stools and other Matters
CHAPTER LX. Wherein, that gallant Gentleman and Demi-God, King Media, Scepter in Hand, throws himself into the Breach
CHAPTER LXI. They round the stormy Cape of Capes
CHAPTER LXII. They encounter Gold-Hunters
CHAPTER LXIII. They seek through the Isles of Palms; and pass the Isles of Myrrh
CHAPTER LXIV. Concentric, inward, with Mardi’s Reef, they leave their Wake around the World
CHAPTER LXV. Sailing on
CHAPTER LXVI. A flight of Nightingales from Yoomy’s Mouth
CHAPTER LXVII. They visit one Doxodox
CHAPTER LXVIII. King Media dreams
CHAPTER LXIX. After a long Interval, by Night they are becalmed
CHAPTER LXX. They land at Hooloomooloo
CHAPTER LXXI. A Book from the “Ponderings of old Bardianna”
CHAPTER LXXII. Babbalanja starts to his Feet
CHAPTER LXXIII. At last, the last Mention is made of old Bardianna; and His last Will and Testament is recited at Length
CHAPTER LXXIV. A Death-cloud sweeps by them, as they sail
CHAPTER LXXV. They visit the palmy King Abrazza
CHAPTER LXXVI. Some pleasant, shady Talk in the Groves, between my Lords Abrazza and Media, Babbalanja, Mohi, and Yoomy
CHAPTER LXXVII. They sup
CHAPTER LXXVIII. They embark
CHAPTER LXXIX. Babbalanja at the Full of the Moon
CHAPTER LXXX. Morning
CHAPTER LXXXI. L’ultima sera
CHAPTER LXXXII. They sail from Night to Day
CHAPTER LXXXIII. They land
CHAPTER LXXXIV. Babbalanja relates to them a Vision
CHAPTER LXXXV. They depart from Serenia
CHAPTER LXXXVI. They meet the Phantoms
CHAPTER LXXXVII. They draw nigh to Flozella
CHAPTER LXXXVIII. They land
CHAPTER LXXXIX. They enter the Bower of Hautia
CHAPTER XC. Taji with Hautia
CHAPTER XCI. Mardi behind: an Ocean before