Eco-spirit worlds: An ecocritical study of environmental consciousness in Easterine Kire’s Spirit Nights

Nature can be understood as the supreme architect of existence, weaving every thread of life into a delicate balance that sustains the planet. The whisper of forest leaves, the gentle rhythm of a flowing stream, and the vast canopy of a star-studded night sky all testify to the enduring grandeur of the natural world. From the smallest being to the tallest tree, each is vital to the interconnected web of life. This enduring presence accompanies humanity from the break of dawn to the quiet descent of night. This research examines Easterine Kire’s works, particularly Spirit Nights, with the global vision of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Kire’s storytelling resonates strongly with SDG 15 by drawing attention to the protection of forests and biodiversity, and with SDG 13 by reminding us of the urgency of maintaining ecological balance in the face of disruption. Her evocative prose in Spirit Nights presents nature as a living, healing force, where communities draw resilience and sustenance from indigenous ecological practices. This vision aligns with SDG 11 by emphasizing sustainability rooted in local knowledge. Kire’s work thus preserves indigenous memory while linking it to global sustainability discourses, showing how literature bridges local ecology and the SDGs.