Rishathra
Encyclopedia
In Larry Niven
's Ringworld
novels, rishathra is "sexual practice outside one's own species but within the intelligent hominoids." It is not generally considered a taboo
and is often used by the myriad hominids of the Ringworld
as a way of sealing agreements, such as trade contracts and peace treaties. Humans, though not native to the Ringworld, share a common descent with the hominids of the Ringworld and may participate freely in rishathra.
Rishathra is also used as a form of birth control
. Because it is impossible to impregnate a member of another species, sexual intercourse with such an individual provides sexual release without the risk of pregnancy. The issue of sexually transmitted diseases is not explored in the Ringworld novels until the last book, Ringworld's Children
in which it is briefly mentioned that Ringworld STDs cannot jump the species barrier.
The (non-sentient) "Vampire" species of hominid on Ringworld uses rishathra to obtain prey. A powerful pheromone
is released that brings any compatible hominid into an extreme state of arousal. The victim immediately attempts to mate with the nearest compatible hominid, usually the vampire. During this mating, the vampire gains sustenance by draining the victim's blood
.
The "Ghoul" species of hominid on Ringworld are generally not permitted to "rish" with members of another species. This is due to their place in the Ringworld ecosystem as carrion eaters, specifically the dead bodies of other hominid races, a practice that while accepted by other hominids prohibits such close relations.
The "Water People" species of hominid on Ringworld are not able to rish with most other hominids due to the requirement that such activities take place underwater. Air breathers are typically not able to hold their breath for sufficient time to allow the act of sexual intercourse to take place. (This does not seem to disappoint them, however.)
Larry Niven
Laurence van Cott Niven / ˈlæri ˈnɪvən/ is an American science fiction author. His best-known work is Ringworld , which received Hugo, Locus, Ditmar, and Nebula awards. His work is primarily hard science fiction, using big science concepts and theoretical physics...
's Ringworld
Ringworld
Ringworld is a Hugo, Nebula, and Locus award-winning 1970 science fiction novel by Larry Niven, set in his Known Space universe and considered a classic of science fiction literature. It is followed by three sequels, and preceded by four prequels, and ties into numerous other books set in Known Space...
novels, rishathra is "sexual practice outside one's own species but within the intelligent hominoids." It is not generally considered a taboo
Taboo
A taboo is a strong social prohibition relating to any area of human activity or social custom that is sacred and or forbidden based on moral judgment, religious beliefs and or scientific consensus. Breaking the taboo is usually considered objectionable or abhorrent by society...
and is often used by the myriad hominids of the Ringworld
Hominids of the Ringworld
The Hominids of the Ringworld, like the humans of Larry Niven's other works about the Known Space fictional universe, are descendants of the species called the Pak, whose "breeder" stage resembled Homo habilis, and who utilize a symbiotic virus to then develop into a hyper-intelligent Protector...
as a way of sealing agreements, such as trade contracts and peace treaties. Humans, though not native to the Ringworld, share a common descent with the hominids of the Ringworld and may participate freely in rishathra.
Rishathra is also used as a form of birth control
Birth control
Birth control is an umbrella term for several techniques and methods used to prevent fertilization or to interrupt pregnancy at various stages. Birth control techniques and methods include contraception , contragestion and abortion...
. Because it is impossible to impregnate a member of another species, sexual intercourse with such an individual provides sexual release without the risk of pregnancy. The issue of sexually transmitted diseases is not explored in the Ringworld novels until the last book, Ringworld's Children
Ringworld's Children
Ringworld's Children is a 2004 science fiction novel by Larry Niven, the fourth in the Ringworld series set in the Known Space universe. It describes the continuing adventures of Louis Wu and companions on Ringworld.-Plot summary:...
in which it is briefly mentioned that Ringworld STDs cannot jump the species barrier.
The (non-sentient) "Vampire" species of hominid on Ringworld uses rishathra to obtain prey. A powerful pheromone
Pheromone
A pheromone is a secreted or excreted chemical factor that triggers a social response in members of the same species. Pheromones are chemicals capable of acting outside the body of the secreting individual to impact the behavior of the receiving individual...
is released that brings any compatible hominid into an extreme state of arousal. The victim immediately attempts to mate with the nearest compatible hominid, usually the vampire. During this mating, the vampire gains sustenance by draining the victim's blood
Hickey (injury)
A hickey, kiss mark or love bite , is a bruise or mark caused by the kissing or sucking of the skin...
.
The "Ghoul" species of hominid on Ringworld are generally not permitted to "rish" with members of another species. This is due to their place in the Ringworld ecosystem as carrion eaters, specifically the dead bodies of other hominid races, a practice that while accepted by other hominids prohibits such close relations.
The "Water People" species of hominid on Ringworld are not able to rish with most other hominids due to the requirement that such activities take place underwater. Air breathers are typically not able to hold their breath for sufficient time to allow the act of sexual intercourse to take place. (This does not seem to disappoint them, however.)
Popular Culture and Science
The discovery of populations of homo denisova cohabiting with Neandertal and homo sapiens in a cave in Siberia in 2011 raised the interesting possibility that Niven may have accurately "hindcast" a previous state of hominid behavior. The downside of sex with neanderthals Scientists now believe that Denisovans may have passed on useful immunity alleles to the homo sapiens genome.Further reading
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- republished as