The next night, Ransom awakens in the dark and begins arguing with himself about his role as a representative of Maleldil. He thinks that he will be successful as long as he does what he can. He then wonders if he must physically fight the Un-Man. He considers that he has been mistaken in believing that Perelandra must follow the Adam and Eve myth, since everything changed after Maleldil became man on Earth. Maleldil’s voice comes to Ransom and says that his name is also Ransom, meaning the price paid to rescue. Ransom considers the price that would be paid for Perelandra, supposing that it must be greater than that paid for Earth. He considers thatwhatever the outcome, it will be his destiny, and believes that predestination and freedom are equal. He decides that it is his destiny to kill the Un-Man, or at least try. Maleldil makes the Un-Man sleep and directs Ransom to do the same beside the woman.

Ransom awakens and bathes. He sees that his body has healed and become stronger during his time on Perelandra. As he walks through the forest looking for food, he regards the high probability of his death in battle as a minor matter, since he has now experienced Paradise.