Nykym

Nykym is a fictional entity appearing in the works of author M. John Harrison. It is primarily featured in his acclaimed novel "Light" (2002) and is also alluded to in other parts of his Kefahoun universe. Nykym is not a character in the traditional sense but rather a concept, a fundamental force or phenomenon that underlies the strange and often unsettling reality of Harrison's settings.

The exact nature of Nykym is deliberately ambiguous and open to interpretation. It is often described in terms of its influence, which can manifest as shifts in perception, temporal anomalies, or the intrusion of the uncanny into everyday life. It is associated with a sense of existential unease and a feeling that the universe is not as stable or rational as it appears. Nykym can be seen as a representation of the unknown, the subconscious, or the underlying chaos that governs existence, defying easy explanation or control.

Harrison employs Nykym to explore themes of reality, consciousness, and the limits of human understanding. It serves as a catalyst for the disorienting and often surreal experiences of his characters, forcing them to confront the arbitrary nature of their world and their own place within it. The presence of Nykym contributes significantly to the unique, often dreamlike and nightmarish atmosphere that characterizes Harrison's science fiction.