Lithais

Lithais is a fictional planet featured in the science fiction novel "Children of Time" by Adrian Tchaikovsky. It is a terrestrial world, meaning it is a rocky planet similar to Earth, orbiting a star in the Kepler-186 system. The planet is characterized by its diverse and often harsh environments, which have driven the evolution of its inhabitants.

The primary intelligent species native to Lithais are the Portiids, an insectoid race. These creatures possess a complex social structure and have developed sophisticated technologies over millennia, evolving from primitive forms to a spacefaring civilization. Their development is a central theme of the novel, as they navigate challenges ranging from environmental pressures to internal conflicts.

Lithais is depicted as a world with a variety of biomes, including arid deserts, dense forests, and expansive oceans. The planet's geology and climate have played a significant role in shaping the Portiids' evolutionary path and their societal development. The novel explores how these environmental factors influence their biology, behavior, and technological advancements, leading to unique adaptations and societal structures.

The narrative of "Children of Time" contrasts the long, gradual evolution of the Portiids on Lithais with the rapid technological progress of a remnant human population from Earth. This comparison highlights themes of intelligence, evolution, and the potential for different forms of life to achieve sentience and build civilizations. Lithais serves as the primary setting where the Portiid civilization flourishes and interacts with the encroaching human presence.