Tiua’k Ennbe Ennbe Character Analysis

Tiua’k Ennbe Ennbe is an Aldebaranian Alien. Like all Aldebaranians, Tiua’k Ennbe Ennbe is completely encased in a big, clunky, turtle-like suit that enables him to breathe the Earth’s air. The turtle suits are equipped with metal rods hooked up to machines that translate words and facilitate speech. Tiua’k Ennbe Ennbe works as a shopkeeper at an antiques store. When Orr drops by one day and asks Tiua’k Ennbe Ennbe to explain the meaning of the Alien word iahklu’, Tiua’k Ennbe Ennbe tells Orr the word is incommunicable and gifts him the Beatles record “With a Little Help from My Friends” to convey the meaning to him without words. Tiua’k Ennbe Ennbe’s gesture deeply moves Orr. Listening to the record enables Orr to glide effortlessly and safely through his dreams and even allows him to restore Heather, who hadn’t existed in the previous reality. The record instills a clarity and calmness in Orr that enables him to understand the inarticulable Alien concepts of iahklu’ and Er’ perrehnne he needs to make peace with his dreams and the universe. Thinking about the record, Ennbe Ennbe, and Heather is ultimately what gives Orr the strength to defeat Haber at the end of the novel, which underscores the novel’s premise that fulfillment and strength are attained through living in collective harmony with others.