Kalnus

Kalnus refers to a fictional celestial body within the universe of the science fiction novel "Children of Time" by Adrian Tchaikovsky. This planet is the primary setting for a significant portion of the narrative, serving as the homeworld for a highly intelligent, evolutionary spider species. The planet's environment is depicted as a harsh but ultimately fertile world, characterized by a variety of ecosystems that drive the evolutionary pressures on its inhabitants.

The novel details the long and complex history of Kalnus, tracing the development of its dominant species from simple organisms to a technologically advanced civilization capable of space travel. The planet's unique flora and fauna are integral to the spiders' development, providing resources and posing challenges that foster their intelligence and adaptability. Kalnus is not only a physical space but also a symbol of evolution and the potential for non-humanoid intelligence to flourish. Its description plays a crucial role in the novel's exploration of themes such as evolution, consciousness, and interspecies relations.