Lunarians
Moon-dwellers with extended lifespans, genetic illusions, and a fractured monarchy—neither immortal nor magical.
The Lunarians are the native inhabitants of Luna, a moon orbiting Earth characterized by its cold beauty and advanced technology. Known for their striking appearance with pale skin and luminous blue eyes, they possess extended lifespans—though they are not immortal and can die of old age—and are often mistakenly attributed with magical abilities tied to mirrors and illusions, which are actually derived from their genetic modifications. Throughout history, they have maintained a strict hierarchy under a monarchy, often viewing themselves as superior to the humans of Earth.
- Average Lifespan
- Extended but not immortal; can die of old age
- Distinctive Features
- Pale skin, blue eyes (no pointed ears)
- Notable Member
- Queen Levana (not Cress; Cress is a shell, not a Lunarian)
Lore & Background
A significant schism occurred when Queen Levana usurped the throne from her sister Queen Channary, who died of a drug overdose—not exile or hiding—leading to a civil war that threatened both worlds. While many Lunarians followed Levana blindly due to her hypnotic influence, others secretly resisted the tyranny imposed upon their people. The conflict ultimately reshaped their political landscape, ending centuries of oppression and restoring balance between Luna and Earth.
In Their Own Story
Cold wind whipped through the crystalline corridors of the Palace of Mirrors. A servant adjusted the hem of a silver gown, eyes downcast before the towering figure ahead. Shadows danced on the walls, not from torchlight, but from the reflections multiplying in every surface. The Queen's voice echoed without sound, commanding obedience that seeped into bone and blood. Here, time meant nothing to those born under the moon's pale glow.
Reader's Guide
The Lunar Kingdom operates under an absolute monarchy where the reigning Queen holds ultimate authority over life and death within her domains. Beneath her lie high-ranking nobles who manage sectors of Earth conquered during past wars, ensuring resources flow back to Luna for the elite class. Common Lunarians serve as soldiers or administrators, often indoctrinated from birth to believe their biological superiority justifies ruling other species without question. The primary goal has historically been the subjugation of Earth and the preservation of Lunar immortality through advanced technological and magical means. However, internal conflict frequently arises when succession is disputed or when external threats challenge royal authority directly. A resistance movement, formed by exiles and disillusioned citizens, eventually sought to dismantle this oppressive hierarchy and establish peace between worlds instead of conquest. Leadership transitions are often violent, historically marked by betrayal among sisters or family members vying for the throne during periods of instability. Recent history saw a decisive shift from tyranny toward a more cooperative governance following the defeat of the usurper Levana in the civil war. Current factions focus on rebuilding trust with Earthlings while maintaining Lunar sovereignty and cultural identity within the wider solar system community.
Did You Know?
- Cress is a shell (genetically engineered human from Earth) raised on Luna, not a native Lunarian.
- Queen Channary, not 'Queen Moon,' was the rightful queen before Levana; she died of a drug overdose, not exile.
- Lunarian blood is red like human blood, with only a faint shimmer under certain light—it does not glow silver.
- They utilize a network of mirrors for long-distance communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lunarians?
Lunarians are the native people of Luna, a moon orbiting Earth, recognized by their pale complexion, pointed ears, and vivid blue eyes. They enjoy near-immortal lifespans and maintain a deep cultural bond with magic and mirror-based technology. Historically, they have ruled over Earth's human population from a position of perceived superiority.
What powers or abilities do Lunarians possess?
Lunarians carry an innate magical gift, though not every individual openly displays it—Cinder, for example, conceals her abilities while living among humans. They also depend on sophisticated mirror technology for communication, travel, and surveillance across both Luna and Earth. Their magic is generally tied to their lunar heritage and cultural identity rather than being a universal, uniform power.
How do Lunarians differ from humans?
Beyond their pointed ears, pale skin, and blue eyes, Lunarians are effectively immortal unless killed by injury or violence. They also carry a centuries-old cultural belief in their own superiority over Earth's human population, a divide reinforced by Lunar political dominance. Their magic and mirror-based technology further separate them both spiritually and technologically from humans.
Who leads the Lunarians and how is their society structured?
Luna operates under a monarchy headed by a Queen, with Queen Ives serving as the ruler during the main events of the series. Society follows a rigid hierarchy that places the royal family and nobility at the top, with commoners and servants occupying lower ranks. This strict social ordering is a defining feature of Lunar culture throughout the books.
What happens to the Lunarians at the end of the series?
After the Red Army destroys Luna with a bomb, the surviving Lunarians are scattered and compelled to live among humans on Earth. This catastrophe shatters their long-held sense of separateness and forces them to rebuild their identity in a shared world. Cress, as a prominent Lunarian, navigates this new reality alongside her human companions.
More in Factions & Groups
Elsewhere in the The Lunar Chronicles universe
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