← Back to Concept Index

nonviolent-ethos

Oankali inherently avoid violence and killing, viewing it as harmful to themselves, which complicates their need for defense.

1 chapter across 1 book

Lilith's Brood (1989)Octavia E. Butler

Chapter 100

The chapter depicts a family group, part human and part Oankali, leaving their home in a rainforest environment after discovering that Lilith's garden has been deliberately destroyed by hostile resisters who oppose human-Oankali hybrids. The family prepares for the dangers ahead, with Nikanj emphasizing the necessity of self-defense and survival tactics despite the Oankali's aversion to violence, highlighting the tension between preserving life and the threat posed by resisters. The narrative explores the complex relationships within the family, the impact of resistance groups on their lives, and the harsh realities of coexistence in a hostile environment.