speran

Speran is a term used in speculative fiction to denote a guiding principle, a social mood, or a spiritual force linked with hope and perseverance. It is not tied to any single real-world tradition, and its meaning varies across different works and authors.

In-universe uses include a deity or spirit, an abstract energy, or a cultural value. Some narratives personify Speran as a benevolent entity accompanying communities; others treat Speran as a shared conviction that motivates collective action and recovery after crises. The term is often introduced as a fictional coinage created to explore resilience.

Thematically, Speran typically centers on resilience in the face of adversity, solidarity, and renewal. Characters may invoke Speran to inspire courage, organize mutual aid, or resist oppressive forces. Conflicts may arise between Speran and forces of despair, doubt, or division, highlighting the tension between communal hope and fragmentation.

Representations of Speran can appear as part of rituals, festivals, or codes of conduct within the imagined cultures. Such depictions emphasize cooperation, interdependence, and communal healing over solitary heroism.

See also: hope, resilience, perseverance in fiction, mutual aid, fictional belief systems.