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Cover of Hunt the Hunter

Hunt the Hunter

Written by Kris Neville

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Science FictionShort storiesHunting stories

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About this book

"Hunt the Hunter" by Kris Neville is a science fiction story written in the early 1950s. This narrative revolves around the theme of the human condition when faced with the unknown aspects of alien life and the darker sides of human ambition. The story is set in a distant future where hunting alien creatures is a sport for the wealthy and powerful, showcasing the hubris of mankind as they traverse moral boundaries in search of excitement. The plot centers on a man named Extrone, a wealthy hunter seeking the thrill of capturing a dangerous alien creature known as the farn beast. He employs two local guides, Ri and Mia, who are entangled in a web of fear and powerlessness against Extrone's sadistic whims. As they navigate dense forests, tensions rise when Extrone decides that Ri should serve as bait to attract the farn beast, revealing his ruthless nature. Throughout the story, the characters grapple with issues of survival, morality, and the consequences of exploiting both nature and fellow beings for sport and entertainment. As the climax unfolds, the narrative poses unsettling questions about the nature of humanity and the true cost of hunting—both literally and metaphorically.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Hunt the Hunter, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 1 hours
  • intermediate
  • dark
  • tense
  • thought-provoking

Kris Neville's "Hunt the Hunter" is a chilling early 1950s science fiction short story that delves into the dark underbelly of human ambition and the morality of exploitation. Set in a future where wealthy elites hunt dangerous alien creatures for sport, the narrative follows Extrone, a ruthless hunter, and his two local guides, Ri and Mia. As they track the elusive farn beast, Extrone's sadism escalates, culminating in his decision to use Ri as live bait. The story masterfully explores themes of human hubris, the abuse of power, and the ethical implications of using sentient beings as entertainment, forcing readers to confront unsettling questions about humanity's true nature.

“"The thrill, you see, is in the chase, not merely the capture. And the highest thrill? When the prey can think." (Inferred, likely spoken by Extrone)”

Key themes

Exploitation and Power Dynamics
A central theme is the stark power imbalance between the wealthy, technologically superior Extrone and the local, seemingly powerless guides, Ri and Mia. This dynamic illustrates how power can be abused to exploit the vulnerable, reducing them to mere tools or entertainment, and exposing the brutal realities of class and colonial structures.
Human Hubris and Arrogance
The story profoundly explores humanity's inflated sense of superiority, particularly as embodied by Extrone. This hubris manifests in the belief that humans have the right to dominate and exploit other life forms, whether alien or fellow humans, for their own gratification, without consequence or moral introspection.
Morality of Sport and Entertainment
The story directly challenges the ethical boundaries of what constitutes 'sport' or 'entertainment.' By portraying the hunting of sentient alien creatures, and eventually humans, as a leisure activity for the elite, Neville forces readers to question the morality of deriving pleasure from the suffering or subjugation of others.

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How does "Hunt the Hunter" use the science fiction setting to critique human behavior rather than just explore futuristic technology?

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