The Left Hand of Darkness

The Left Hand of Darkness Summary | Chapter 1, A Parade in Erhenrang Summary

"Left Hand of Darkness" opens with a report from Genly Ai, First Mobile, who is stationed on the planet Winter, which is called 'Gethen' by the natives. It begins on the 44^th diurnal of the year 1491 in Erhenrang, the capital of the nation of Karhide. Genly Ai participates in a parade to celebrate the completion of the Arch of River Gate, which completes the New Road and River Port of Erhenrang, an operation that took five years and will ostensibly define the reign of King Argaven XV.

As part of the ceremony, the king mortars the joints of the Arch's keystone with a pinkish cement. Genly learns from Therem Harth rem ir Estraven, the Prime Minister or "King's Ear" and one of the most important men in the country, that the mortar is made of ground bones mixed with blood. In the old days, masons used human bones and blood, but they use the blood of animals now, Estraven tells him.

For the first time, Genly is hot on Winter, as he is dressed in layers of clothing for the occasion.The rain has stopped, and the sun has come out. Genly is bored, as the significance of the occasion is lost on him. The king's cousin, Pemmer Harge rem ir Tibe, pushes his way through to Estraven, and it is clear that there is animosity between the two. The rain begins again, and the king finishes and descends the gangplank. Half an hour later, it is snowing.

Estraven invites Genly to supper that evening, and though he surprised, Genly accepts. Genly then leaves and walks amongs the crowd toward his lodgings. A few blocks away, he becomes aware of Tibe walking alongside him. They speak for a while, and it is clear that Genly does not trust Tibe. Tibe spots his car and begs his leave, saying that he's due at the King's House. After having dinner at his "island," the word used to describe the apartment-boardinghouse buildings that house much of the urban population, Genly goes to supper at the Palace. Karhiders eat four meals a day: breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper.

Inside the Palace, which is a sort of walled city, Genly goes to Estraven's house. They drink hot beer by the fire after supper, and Estraven tells Genly that he can no longer act on his behalf with the king. Genly has come to rely on Estraven, and he is angry because he doesn't understand why Estraven suddenly is withdrawing his support. Genly is to have an audience with the king the following day, and his mission is bring about an alliance between Gethen and the Ekumen of Known Worlds, a league of about 83 planets. The gongs in Remny Tower strike Sixth Hour, which is midnight, and Genly uses it as an excuse to take his leave.