Marjasis

Marjasis is a fictional celestial body featured in the science fiction novel "A Fire Upon the Deep" by Vernor Vinge. It is described as a planet located within the "Slow Zone," a region of the galaxy where the laws of physics are altered, making faster-than-light travel and advanced technologies impossible. This unusual environment significantly impacts the development of life and civilizations on Marjasis.

The native inhabitants of Marjasis are the Qeng, a species characterized by their unique biological and social structures. The Slow Zone's limitations have led to the Qeng evolving in ways that differ greatly from species in the "Beyond," where faster-than-light travel is possible. Their society is deeply intertwined with their planet's natural resources and the peculiar physics of their region.

Marjasis plays a crucial role in the narrative of "A Fire Upon the Deep" as a location of ancient secrets and a potential refuge for characters fleeing more advanced threats. The planet's isolation within the Slow Zone makes it both a place of safety and a trap, depending on the circumstances. The Qeng and their home world represent a fascinating exploration of how environmental constraints can shape evolution and civilization in speculative fiction.