WORLD’S END

Episode #492 · Written by Henry Kuttner · Narrated by Scott Miller

World’s End opens with confidence and ambition, but it does not reward them in the expected way. When a working time machine finally delivers results, it offers no celebration—only a future stripped down to its last defenses, where humanity survives by retreat and exhaustion rather than progress.

The story’s power comes from restraint. Instead of rushing toward action, it forces its protagonist to absorb what the future has already lost. The danger is not distant or abstract. It advances steadily, consuming ground, resources, and time itself, leaving behind a civilization that understands exactly what went wrong and far too late.

What follows is not a puzzle about paradoxes, but a narrowing corridor of choice. Knowledge becomes a burden. Memory becomes unreliable. The question is no longer whether the future can be changed, but whether the cost of trying can even be carried back intact.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Henry Kuttner published widely across the most influential science fiction and fantasy magazines of the mid-twentieth century, including Astounding Science-Fiction, Thrilling Wonder Stories, and Weird Tales. His work ranged from speculative science to unsettling stories of transformation and loss, often blending cosmic scale with intimate human consequences.

World’s End reflects Kuttner’s talent for compressing vast ideas into focused narratives. Rather than lingering on technology, the story turns its attention to what remains when technology succeeds too well. It stands alongside his best serious science fiction, where invention opens doors that cannot be quietly closed again.

LISTEN TO THE STORY

Listen to World’s End by Henry Kuttner — a classic science fiction short story where time travel reveals a future that may demand intervention.

RELATED STORIES

• Don’t Look Now by Henry Kuttner
• Beyond Annihilation by Henry Kuttner
• The Eater of Souls by Henry Kuttner
• World’s End by Henry Kuttner

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 3.3 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:

★★★★★ “Hey Scott! I am a retired Marine and live in Okinawa, Japan. I work on Kadena Airbase. I love your podcast. You have the perfect narration voice and always dig up great stories. Keep it up, and enjoy the coffee!”
— Fred Sieber

★★★★★ “Great. This is a great podcast. The narrator is a great reader. All stories are extremely good.”
— Zapzoom FBC

Vintage science fiction. Professionally narrated. Carefully curated.

📬 JOIN LOST SCI-FI WEEKLY

30,000+ Listeners Can’t Be Wrong

Get vintage sci-fi stories, podcast episodes, and surprises every Monday.

FREE SCI-FI EVERY WEEK

✅ Check your email and confirm — that unlocks your free sci-fi downloads.

No spam in this galaxy. You can eject anytime.