Enchantress From the Stars, Essay Example

Enchantress from the Stars by Sylvia Engdahl raises an important ethical question. As a member of the Federation, Elana’s civilization is responsible for watching worlds that are still forming and ensuring that no one makes contact with them. However, she learns that intervention is necessary in one situation, which causes her to go on a mission with her father and travel to one of the planet’s that her society is responsible for protecting. This raises the question whether or not intervention should have occurred. Even though the planet is being harmed by another society that want’s its resources, should this be considered a natural step in the life cycle of a planet and is it the responsibility of others to protect them? This story is reminiscent of colonialism on Earth. Ultimately, this story shows us that foreign nations have the right to intervene to protect weaker societies.

Even though Enchantress from the Stars is a work of fiction, it is clearly based on conflicts that have occurred on Earth. One of the most interesting parallels between the crisis discussed in the book and one that really happened is Britain’s colonization of the thirteen colonies. During this time, it was clear that the people living in the colonies were suffering because the British were taking resources from American land and requiring colonists to pay high taxes for these same goods. It is clear that this action was detrimental to the life of the colonists, who became angered about this situation. In this situation, the planet that is being mined for resources is similar to the thirteen colonies and the people living there are similar to the colonists. Furthermore, the invaders are reminiscent of the British. In both situations, the people living there became frustrated and wanted to take action to kick the invaders out and be able to live on their own. Just like some Native American tribes helped the colonists defeat the British, Elana and her father came prepared to help the natives of the planet.

Based on the situation that was occurring, it is possible that without Elena and her father’s intervention, the planet would have never been returned to its rightful inhabitants. Even though Elana had to pretend to be an enchantress to help a young planet native receive the tools necessary to ensure his planet’s independence, her role was necessary for this success. Because it would have been unlikely that the planet would have been able to regain its sovereignty without the assistance of members of the Federation, it is clear that Elana’s intervention was necessary. Therefore, it is apparent that foreign entities should protect weaker places when this is deemed possible.

Overall, Elana shows us that it is important to help others to achieve their goals. In this situation, a small group of people were able to fight for the freedom of an entire planet. However, it is important for us all to respect freedom and to understand the importance of helping others achieving it. Elana shows us that it is sometimes necessary to fight for the peace of others. Even though we may be worried that doing so will harm us or the place we come from, brave people are aware that it is better to risk this chance and fight to contribute to the greater good.