tollag

Tollag is a fictional entity appearing in the science fiction novel "A Fire Upon the Deep" by Vernor Vinge. It is a unique and ancient species characterized by its silicon-based biology and its ability to exist in multiple physical forms simultaneously. Tollag are known for their immense age and their deep understanding of the universe's fundamental laws. They inhabit the "Beyond," a region of space where the laws of physics are unstable and sentience is difficult to maintain.

The species is described as being immensely powerful, capable of manipulating space and time in ways that are incomprehensible to most other beings. Tollag are not individuals in the conventional sense; rather, they are a collective consciousness that exists across many scattered bodies. This distributed nature makes them difficult to track or confront directly. Their motivations are often enigmatic, driven by concerns that span cosmic timescales and involve the preservation of knowledge and the balance of power within the galaxy.

In the narrative, Tollag play a crucial role in the unfolding events, acting as both a source of exposition and a mysterious force that influences the protagonists' actions. Their interactions with other species highlight the vast differences in understanding and perception that can exist across the universe. The concept of Tollag challenges conventional notions of life and intelligence, presenting a truly alien perspective on existence.