The Word for World is Forest is a powerful and haunting science fiction novella by Ursula K. Le Guin, originally published in 1972 as part of Harlan Ellison’s Again, Dangerous Visions anthology. It later won the Hugo Award and remains one of Le Guin’s most incisive works, exploring the costs of colonization, ecological destruction, and cultural imperialism.

Set on the lush, forest-covered planet of Athshe, the story contrasts the native Athsheans—peaceful, dream-driven beings who live in harmony with nature—with the violent and exploitative Terran colonizers from Earth. When the invaders begin enslaving the native population and ravaging the forests, the Athsheans are forced to confront the consequences of resisting through violence.

Le Guin’s writing offers a deeply philosophical and moral narrative about power, resistance, and the cost of losing one's connection to nature and inner peace.

Why Read This Book?

• Classic Environmental and Anti-Colonial Message: A prescient critique of imperialism and ecological exploitation.

• Hugo Award Winner: Recognized for its excellence in science fiction storytelling.

• Short but Potent: A compact novella that delivers immense emotional and intellectual impact.

• Visionary World-Building: Athshe is a fully imagined, vibrant world that reflects Le Guin’s gift for creating believable alien societies.

• Essential Le Guin: Ideal for readers who admire The Left Hand of Darkness or The Dispossessed, this work shows her political and ethical concerns in a sharper, more condensed form.

About the Author

Ursula K. Le Guin (1929–2018) was one of the most celebrated and influential science fiction and fantasy authors of the 20th century. With a career spanning nearly six decades, she challenged the norms of speculative fiction by infusing her work with anthropological insight, feminist theory, ecological awareness, and Taoist philosophy. Le Guin’s Hainish Cycle, Earthsea series, and standalone works earned her multiple Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards, and her influence extends far beyond the boundaries of genre. Her writing continues to inspire readers and writers to think critically about power, identity, and our relationship with the world.