Gethenians

The Gethenians are a fictional, androgyons species inhabiting the planet Gethen, also known as Winter, in Ursula K. Le Guin's science fiction novel "The Left Hand of Darkness". Their society is the central focus of the novel, which explores themes of social and biological determinism.

Physically, the Gethenians are vaguely human in appearance, but they possess unique characteristics that distinguish them from humans. They have a dual sex, which is latent until the time of their menstrual period, known as "kemmer". During this period, they are capable of mating, and can become either male or female according to their companion's sex during intercourse.

Their society is relatively primitive in comparison to that of the Ekumen, a supranational organization representing Earth's planet. As such, the Gethenians have a distinctive culture grounded in nature and community. Their traditions and customs are closely tied to the cycles of nature and the survival demands of their harsh, snowy environment.

The protagonists, led by the Prime-Detective Genly Ai and Estraven, a skilfully strategic politician, play a key role in understanding the Gethenians' unique biology and societal norms. The novel examines how environment, biology, and culture influence each other in complex and often unforeseen ways.

The portrayal of the Gethenians serves as a commentary on human nature and society, and how our social norms are often conditioned by the context in which we live. It also emphasizes the differences in human perspectives and their concepts of "male" and "female". The unique biology of the Gethenians serves to blur what is often considered fundamental to human society: the distinctions between man and woman.