"Seventh Victim" | |
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Short story by Robert Sheckley | |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Genre(s) | Science fiction short story |
Publication | |
Published in | Galaxy |
Publication type | Periodical |
Media type | Magazine, radio play, movie |
Publication date | 1953 |
"Seventh Victim" is a science fiction short story by American writer Robert Sheckley, originally published in Galaxy Science Fiction in April 1953. In 1957 it was adapted for NBC's X Minus One radio play as "The Seventh Victim". It was heavily revised for the 1965 Italian movie The 10th Victim. Sheckley published a novelization of the film under that title the next year, and later followed with two sequels, 1987's Victim Prime and 1988's Hunter/Victim.
The story concerns a future society that has eliminated major warfare by allowing members of society who are inclined to violence to join The Big Hunt, a human hunting game. This eliminates the approximately one quarter of the population that would otherwise be a danger. The story follows an experienced hunter who is excited to receive his latest mission, but is faced with the concern that something is seriously wrong with the assignment.