Swords
Despite the presence and availability of beam weapons, strange technology, and esoteric powers such as telepathy, the sword is still the weapon of choice of many Barsoomian warriors. This is largely because of the nature of the book being a planetary romance or sci-fi swashbuckling adventure novel, as such many of the climactic battles are carried out via swords. Swords allow the hero to display his skill and heroism, as it requires him to be in close proximity with his opponents, and on a practical note, swords also allow the protagonist, John Carter, to leverage his superhuman strength to fantastic effect.
Flying Machines
The novel was written shortly after the development of the first truly sustained and pilot controlled heavier-than-air powered flight machines and the fascination with how far this technology can go is manifested in the widespread use of various types of flying machines. Flying machines in the novel fulfill the function of transport and mobile battle fortress; carrying cadres of heavily armed Martian warriors for assaults or rescue parties.
Multi-Limbed Creatures
Martian fauna are nothing like Terran fauna and to emphasize their overall alien-ness these creatures often possess multiple limbs. The additional limbs do not seem to serve any extra purpose, save perhaps for additional balance or speed.
Ruins of Ancient Civilizations
The former splendor of Mars has long since disappeared and the only mementoes of that past glory are the vast ruins that dot the arid Martian landscape. These ruins are used to emphasize that Mars, despite it’s ferocity and savage beauty is in actuality and slowly dying world.
