ephriner

Ephiner is a fictional substance appearing in the science fiction novel "The Martian Chronicles" by Ray Bradbury. Within the narrative, it is a chemical compound created by the Martians, the native inhabitants of Mars. Ephiner is described as a substance that has the ability to induce profound psychological effects, particularly a sense of deep nostalgia and a longing for the past. It is often associated with the decline and eventual disappearance of the Martian civilization.

The Martians used ephiner in various ways, often in rituals or as part of their daily lives, to connect with their history and their ancestors. However, its pervasive use is also implied to have contributed to their eventual apathy and withdrawal from the present. When humans arrive on Mars, they encounter remnants of Martian culture and the lingering effects of ephiner. Some human characters also experience its influence, leading to a powerful connection with the planet's history and a sense of loss for the vanished Martian race. Ephiner serves as a symbolic element in the novel, representing the ephemeral nature of civilizations and the potential dangers of becoming too fixated on the past.