The Weapon Too Dreadful to Use is a science-fiction short story by Isaac Asimov.
A standalone story, it was first published in the May 1939 issue of Amazing Stories and reprinted in the August 1965 issue of Amazing Stories. It was later collected in 1972's The Early Asimov.
Summary[]
In a future where Earth colonists have established a dominant, oppressive presence on Venus, subjugating the planet's intelligent native species, the story explores themes of resistance and the ethics of power. An Earthman is shown the ruins of an ancient Venusian city by a native friend, where they discover records of a horrific weapon developed and then abandoned by the Venusians' ancestors millennia ago because it was considered too terrible to use.
As the colonists' domination intensifies, factions within the Venusian resistance, pushed to desperation, decide to resurrect this forbidden weapon. They deploy it against the human settlements. The weapon does not kill but inflicts a fate worse than death: it permanently severs the connection between the brain and the mind, leaving human victims in a vegetative, helpless state.
With the colonists rendered defenseless, the Venusians quickly reclaim control of their planet. Earth is forced to surrender and sign a peace treaty. In a final act that underscores their moral stance, the victorious Venusians deliberately destroy the weapon, ensuring it can never be used again by any side.
Characters[]
- Karl Frantor
- Antil
- Jan Heersen
- Jules Debuc
- Admiral von Blumdorff
- Captain Larsen
Places[]
- Earth
- Venus
- Aphrodopolis
- Venusia
- Ash-taz-zor
- Eastern Continent
- New Washington
- Mount Vulcan
- St. Denis
Organizations / Factions[]
- Terrestrial Government
- The Green Bands
- Venusian Provincial Congress
- Earthmen
- Greenies
Technology[]
- Disconnection Field (the weapon)
- The Five Rods
- Tonite Gun
- Atomo-pistol
- Stratocars
External Links[]
Full text (pdf - Amazing Stories May 1939 issue)