Plutonia (novel)
Plutonia is a science fiction novel written by Russian scientist and writer Vladimir Obruchev, first published in 1924. The novel describes the experiences of a group of explorers who journey through a passage in the Arctic region and discover a lost world hidden deep within the Earth's interior.
Synopsis:
The story follows a scientific expedition led by Professor Kashtanov, whose team includes a geologist, a botanist, and a hunter. They travel to a remote island north of Siberia where they discover a vast cavern leading into the Earth. Descending into this cavity, they find themselves in a prehistoric world warmed by a central sun. The environment is populated by extinct animals and plants from various geological periods, including dinosaurs, mammoths, and giant insects.
The explorers encounter different prehistoric tribes of humans at varying stages of evolution, offering insights into the development of civilization. The novel explores themes of evolution, scientific discovery, and the relationship between humanity and nature.
Themes:
- Exploration and Discovery: The novel celebrates the spirit of scientific inquiry and the desire to explore the unknown.
- Evolution: Plutonia reflects the scientific understanding of evolution prevalent in the early 20th century. The depiction of various prehistoric creatures and human ancestors illustrates evolutionary concepts.
- Parallel Worlds/Lost Worlds: The book utilizes the "lost world" trope, common in adventure fiction, to create a self-contained ecosystem existing separately from the surface world.
- Humanity and Nature: The explorers' interactions with the environment and its inhabitants raise questions about humanity's place in the natural world.
Significance:
Plutonia is considered a classic of Russian science fiction and has been translated into numerous languages. It is noted for its scientific detail, imaginative world-building, and exploration of evolutionary themes. While not as widely known as some other works of the genre, it has influenced subsequent science fiction and adventure literature. Obruchev's background as a geologist lends credibility to the scientific aspects of the story, even if some of the presented science is now outdated.