Pektiinic

Pektiinic is a fictional chemical compound that appears in the "Gormenghast" series of novels by Mervyn Peake. Within the narrative, pektiinic is presented as a substance that induces intense hallucinations and unpredictable behavior in those who ingest it. It is often associated with the more eccentric and dangerous aspects of the Gormenghast castle and its inhabitants.

The exact nature and chemical composition of pektiinic are not detailed by Peake, as the novels focus on the psychological and social effects rather than scientific accuracy. It serves as a plot device to explore themes of madness, delusion, and the breakdown of order within the rigid, decaying society of Gormenghast. Characters who consume pektiinic often experience vivid and disturbing visions, leading to dramatic and sometimes tragic events. The substance contributes to the surreal and gothic atmosphere that defines the series, highlighting the fragility of the human mind and the pervasive influence of irrationality in the lives of the characters. Its presence underscores the sense of decay and the loss of control that permeates the world of Gormenghast.