Out of the Iron Womb
The novel takes place on a planet where humans have been genetically engineered to be sterile and infertile, with the goal of preventing overpopulation. The story follows a group of rebels who seek to overthrow their rulers and restore fertility to humanity. They discover that the only way to achieve this is by finding a way to break through the "Iron Womb", a technological barrier that prevents humans from reproducing naturally.
By Poul Anderson · First published 1977 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure · 6 chapters · 15,271 words
First lines
The most dangerous is not the outlawed murderer, who only slays men, but the rebellious philosopher: for he destroys worlds.
Darkness and the chill glitter of stars. Bo Jonsson crouched on a whirling speck of stone and waited for the man who was coming to kill him.
What this Textopian page supports
Out of the Iron Womb is listed on Textopian as a novel by Poul Anderson, dated 1977 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Poul Anderson
- Date: 1977 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Social Commentary, Dystopian
- Length: 15,271 words
- Structure: 6 chapters, 334 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Out of the Iron Womb by Poul Anderson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Out of the Iron Womb?
- How does this novel by Poul Anderson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
- World Of The Mad by Poul Anderson
- Task Of Kayin by Joseph Samachson
- Naudsonce by H. Beam Piper
- Anchorite by Randall Garrett
- What Hath Me by Henry Kuttner
- The Call From Beyond by Clifford D. Simak
Genres
- Science Fiction — The narrative explores futuristic themes, advanced technology, and speculative concepts.
- Fantasy — Elements of myth and imaginative worlds are present, blending reality with fantastical elements.
- Adventure — The plot involves exploration and significant challenges faced by the characters.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques societal norms and explores human behavior in a speculative context.
Tags
Science Fiction · Fantasy · Alternate History · Alternate Reality · Time Travel · Parallel Universe · Multiverse · Mythology · Folklore · Celtic Mythology · Arthurian Legend · Historical Fantasy