Ethnian
Ethnian is a fictional planet featured in the science fiction novel "The City of the World" by Julian May. It is depicted as a world inhabited by the Ethnians, an ancient and highly advanced alien species. The planet itself is described as having a unique and complex ecosystem, supporting a variety of strange and wondrous flora and fauna. The Ethnians are characterized by their immense age and deep understanding of the universe, having achieved technological and philosophical advancements far beyond those of humanity. Their society is often portrayed as enigmatic and detached, with their motivations and long-term goals remaining largely inscrutable to human observers. The novel explores the interactions between humans and the Ethnians, focusing on themes of cultural exchange, the vastness of cosmic history, and the potential for both cooperation and misunderstanding between vastly different civilizations. Ethnian serves as a backdrop for significant plot developments and philosophical explorations within the narrative.