Karuns

Karuns are a fictional species originating from the novel "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin. They are an ambisexual, humanoid race inhabiting the planet Gethen, also known as Winter. Karun physiology is unique in that they do not have a fixed sex. For most of the month, they are in a state of "kemmer," a period of sexual neutrality. During this time, they may develop either male or female sexual characteristics depending on hormonal triggers related to social interaction and the presence of another Karun. This biological fluidity has a profound impact on their society, culture, and personal relationships, blurring traditional gender roles and concepts of family.

The Karun have a society that is generally agrarian and feudal. They live in smaller, often isolated communities. Their history is marked by periods of conflict and cooperation, with a strong emphasis on tradition and cyclical time. The concept of "shifgrethor" is central to their social interactions, an intricate system of honor, pride, and face-saving that governs how individuals present themselves and interact with others. Their technology is relatively advanced but has not led to widespread industrialization. The novel explores themes of gender, identity, communication, and cultural understanding through the lens of the Karun and their interactions with a human envoy.