Hiiglas

Hiiglas are a fictional species from the science fiction novel "A Door into Ocean" by Joan Slonczewski. They are described as sentient, silicon-based lifeforms native to the planet Shora. Hiiglas possess a unique physiology, being amorphous and capable of changing their shape and density. They communicate through intricate patterns of bioluminescence and subtle changes in their physical form, a form of visual language. Their life cycle is very long, and they reproduce asexually through a process of budding or fragmentation.

The Hiiglas are depicted as having a deeply communal and peaceful society. They do not possess individual names in the human sense but rather identify themselves through their relationships and contributions to the collective. They are highly intelligent and possess a profound understanding of their environment, which they actively cultivate and maintain. Their technology is biological and integrated with their natural surroundings, a stark contrast to the mechanical technology of the human visitors from the planet Sp Jair.

The interaction between the Hiiglas and the human colonists forms a central theme of the novel. The humans, accustomed to a patriarchal and militaristic society, struggle to comprehend the Hiiglas' egalitarian and non-violent nature. The novel explores themes of cultural misunderstanding, the definition of sentience, and the potential for peaceful coexistence between vastly different forms of life. The Hiiglas are presented as a model of ecological harmony and social cooperation, offering a counterpoint to the destructive tendencies of the human society.