Murris (Pseudo-simia Murri), named by and after interplanetary explorer Sidney Murray who discovered them, are a species of monkey-like creatures which inhabit the mist-covered jungles of Venus. They live in groups of fifty or so individuals which make their homes in holes in cycad trees.
The name "Murri" is triply appropriate, reflecting not only the sounds they make and the name of their discoverer, but also a self-depreciative joke on Sidney Murray's part, as both the creatures and their discoverer are known for their remarkably large noses.
Biology[]
Like many arboreal simians, Murris are known for their nimble and garrulous nature. They have soft greyish-brown skin with scanty hair growth on their backs. Their faces consist of large brown eyes and an enormous nose resembling that of a proboscis monkey. The tail is short but prehensile, and tipped with a venomous stinger for defense. The venom is relatively harmless, similar to a bee-sting, and their behaviour is generally docile anyway. Murris are herbivorous and feed principally on the date-like fruits of the trees they live in.
In terms of behavior, Murris are notable for their extreme agoraphobia. Specifically, they are extremely afraid of being taken even a few yards away from their home trees. They spend their entire lives in and around their trees and never venture out of their sight. If taken by force, they will repeatedly sting themselves, strangle themselves or die from the sheer amount of stress.
Cultural significance[]
After Sidney Murray made contact with the scaly Venusians and became worshiped as a god by them, the Murris were likewise elevated to a prominent position in the Venusian religion, being venerated for their physical resemblance to the Human explorer. Trees inhabited by Murris often end up with piles of offerings on their bases, consisting of things that the Venusians acquired from Human settlers such as clocks, matches and assorted trinkets.
Appearances[]
- "The Hothouse Planet", by Arthur K. Barnes (1937)
- "Trouble on Titan", by Arthur K. Barnes (1941) (Mentioned only)
Notes[]
- Their scientific name, "Pseudosimia murri", roughly translates to "Murray's false ape", albeit with faulty spelling.