Malacandra
the fourth planet from the Sun in the Solar System; known to humans as "Mars"
eldila
a species of being entrusted by the Old One (God) with care over His creation. They appear to humans to be little more than heavenly glimmers of light, and seem to be equivalent to angels.
Oyarsa
Perhaps roughly analogous to archangels, an Oyarsa rules over each of the planets in the Solar System. They are exalted members of the eldila and care for their respective planets.
bent
"Bent" is the closest Malacandran equivalent to an expression of sin and evil. Earth is "bent," in their view, as are Weston and Devine.
hrossa
a species of intelligent, creative, and communicative beings that have a form resembling that of a large otter. Native to Malacandra, they delight in farming, hunting, and art of all forms.
pfifltriggi
a species of intelligent, creative, and communicative beings that have a form resembling that of a mantis. Native to Malacandra, they are the planet's primary builders and technicians.
seroni
a species of intelligent, creative, and communicative beings that have a form resembling that of a feathered man, but stretched vertically. Native to Malacandra, they are the planet's primary scholars and thinkers, spending much time dwelling on abstract concepts and the transcendentals.
handra
the Malacandran word for "earth" (although, of course, on Mars), meaning soil or heart of the land
handramit
the geographical regions of Malacandra that are characterized by deep, lush valleys - means "low earth" in Malacandran
harandra
the geographical regions of Malacandra that are characterized by high, bare stretches of rock - means "high earth" in Malacandran
hnakra
A hnakra, in the language of the hrossa, is a shark-like aquatic creature that swims through the waters of Malacandra. It is considered a great honor to kill many hnéraki (pl. form) in their culture.
hnakrapunt
In the language of the hrossa, one who kills many hnéraki (literally "hnakra-slayer").
Thulcandra
The Malacandrans' term for the planet Earth
the Old One
the Malacandran name for God; he created the universe and entrusts Oyéresu with care over each individual planet.
Maleldil the Younger
The Malacandran equivalent to Jesus, the Son of God and Savior of all intelligent life.
