← Back to Concept Index
enmity-and-reconciliation
The complex relationship between mortal enemies who find common ground and attempt peace despite deep-seated hostilities.
1 chapter across 1 book
The Left Hand of Darkness (1969)Ursula K. Le Guin
Chapter 10
This chapter recounts a traditional tale from Karhide about the feud between the Domains of Stok and Estre, focusing on the story of two young men, Estraven of Estre and Therem of Stok, who overcome enmity through mutual aid and a vow of kemmering (faithfulness). Despite their efforts to reconcile their houses, Estraven is branded a traitor for ending the feud and ceding land to Stok, illustrating the heavy cost of peace in a culture driven by pride and territorial disputes.