The guest rites

"The Guest Rites" by Robert Silverberg is a science fiction story that unfolds on the planet Carthule, where the local religion deeply values hospitality and centers around their god, Carthule. It examines questions of right and wrong, the importance of what is holy, and clashes between the cultures of Earth and Carthule. The story follows Marik, the head priest, as he finds a lost Earthman who has stolen a valuable gem from their temple. Even though the Earthman committed this crime, Marik must protect him because of the Guest Rite. The story shows the Earthman's arrogance battling with the Carthulians' beliefs and the Earthman's inability to understand or respect the Carthulian ways. Ultimately, the Earthman's predicament demonstrates the continuing tension between duty, outcome, and ethics, as he is permanently stuck on Carthule as punishment for his crime.