"Melancholy Elephants" is a science fiction short story by American-Canadian writer Spider Robinson, published in 1982. The story examines the interaction of copyright and longevity, and the possible effects of the extension of copyright to perpetuity. Its title is a reference to claims that elephants "never forget". Plot summary A woman desperately tries to convince a powerful senator to oppose perpetual copyright—because the fate of humanity is at stake. Reception "Melancholy Elephants" won the 1983 Hugo Award for Best Short Story. References External links Text of Melancholy Elephants at the Baen Free Library Melancholy Elephants, by Spider Robinson in his site. 1983 short stories Science fiction short stories Hugo Award for Best Short Story winning works 1980s science fiction works