Morphille

Morphille is a fictional planet featured in the science fiction novel "A Fire Upon the Deep" by Vernor Vinge. The planet is notable for its unique zoology, particularly its intelligent inhabitants known as the Tines. These creatures are pack-mind entities, with each individual Tine being composed of several smaller, dog-like beings that function as a collective consciousness. The planet's environment is harsh, characterized by extreme temperature fluctuations and a dangerous, predatory ecosystem that has shaped the evolution of its inhabitants.

The Tines are a semi-sentient species at the beginning of the story, living in nomadic packs and exhibiting a hierarchical social structure. Their intelligence develops through interaction and the shared experiences of their pack members. They possess a rudimentary technology and a strong sense of community, deeply influenced by the need for survival in their unforgiving world.

A significant aspect of Morphille is its role in the broader narrative of "A Fire Upon the Deep." It serves as the initial setting for the story's protagonists, including the human characters and the Tine pack known as the "Fools." The interactions between these disparate beings highlight themes of communication, cooperation, and the definition of intelligence. The planet and its inhabitants represent a fascinating exploration of alien biology and societal evolution within Vinge's complex literary universe.