The Eater of Souls by Henry Kuttner – 9 Kinda Short Sci-Fi Stories Episode #82

Henry Kuttner | July 13, 2023

The Eater of Souls by Henry Kuttner – 9 Kinda Short Sci-Fi Stories Episode #82
Henry Kuttner

THE EATER OF SOULS

Episode #92 · Written by Henry Kuttner · Narrated by Scott Miller

Far beyond the worlds we know, tales are told of a city that once lived under a long shadow. Something waits in the Gray Gulf of Yarnak, drawing the living toward it without a sound, leaving behind only fear and whispered speculation. The Eater of Souls builds its tension through atmosphere and inevitability, shaping an alien legend that feels ancient even as it unfolds.

This is not a story driven by complicated plotting or technical detail. Instead, it leans into dread, ritual, and the quiet weight of responsibility placed on one figure who understands that action cannot be delayed forever. Each step toward the abyss tightens the pressure, pushing the listener closer to a moment where survival and duty no longer align.

What makes the story memorable is its tone. The language feels like myth, the stakes feel personal, and the danger carries an almost ceremonial inevitability. Henry Kuttner creates a setting filled with strange gods, rival magics, and a sense that knowledge alone cannot save anyone. The question hanging over the story is simple but devastating: what must be risked when there are no good outcomes left?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Henry Kuttner (1915–1958) published widely across the pulp and fantasy magazines that shaped early speculative fiction, including Weird Tales, Astounding Science Fiction, and Unknown. His career ranged from eerie horror to humorous science fiction, and he was known for rapid stylistic shifts that allowed him to move between dark fantasy and clever high-concept storytelling with ease. He also collaborated frequently with fellow writer C. L. Moore, producing influential works under joint and shared pseudonyms.

The Eater of Souls reflects Kuttner’s talent for mythic storytelling, closer in mood to his darker fantasy work than his later satirical or psychological science fiction. Stories like The Graveyard Rats and Mimsy Were the Borogoves show different sides of his range, but this piece stands out for its cosmic scale and ceremonial tone, presenting an alien legend that feels recovered from a deep and ancient archive.

LISTEN TO THE STORY

Listen to The Eater of Souls by Henry Kuttner — a vintage science fiction short story of an alien ruler facing an impossible decision at the edge of a haunted gulf.

ABOUT THE LOST SCI-FI PODCAST

The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast is the most listened-to vintage science fiction podcast in the world. Ranked the #1 Science Fiction Podcast in 34 countries and heard in more than 190 countries, the show has surpassed 3.8 million listens.

Each episode features carefully selected stories from the Golden Age of science fiction, professionally narrated. Timeless storytelling the way it was meant to be heard.

What listeners are saying:

★★★★★ “Hi Scott! I’ve been loving the stories, and this is my second listen through the whole library. I love listening to the Bud Gregory stories in order because they are hilarious. All the stories really are a glimpse of what the people in the past thought the future would be, and so many are still relevant today. You are a great narrator, and I love when you give us a glimpse of the authors as well. This has quickly become my most favourite podcast. I listen to you daily.”
— celebkiriedhel

★★★★★ “Great choices and narration. This podcast has excellent stories told well.”
— Archoneponymous

Vintage science fiction. Professionally narrated. Carefully curated.