Ergodic literature, a fascinating outlier in the vast expanse of the literary landscape, challenges conventional reading norms and beckons readers into a more participatory role. This genre, derived from the Greek roots "ergon" (work) and "hodos" (path), encapsulates works that demand considerable intellectual and physical engagement from their audience, effectively making the act of reading a labour-intensive journey. Unlike traditional narratives where the path is linear and the reader’s role is largely passive, ergodic literature compels its readers to become active participants, often requiring them to navigate through non-linear constructions, solve puzzles, and make choices that influence the story’s trajectory.

The term itself, coined by Espen J. Aarseth in his seminal 1997 work, "Cybertext: Perspectives on Ergodic Literature," highlights the dynamic interplay between text and reader. Ergodic literature transforms the reading experience into an exploratory venture, where each interaction with the text can lead to different outcomes or layers of meaning. This interaction is not just metaphorical; in many cases, it involves literal physical actions, such as flipping pages back and forth, deciphering coded text, or choosing hyperlinks that alter the story's direction. By necessitating an active effort, ergodic literature expands the boundaries of how stories are told and experienced, making it a compelling study of narrative possibilities.