: Re: How can I explain my world if the character is technologically not yet capable of understanding it? One feature of my world is a plant that lives in a magmaous (rather than "volcanic") cave.

@Correia211

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In addition to excellent answers given previously I would point out very, VERY important bit, which may bite you down the way. Instead of thinking HOW to introduce the concept, you might to ponder for a moment WHY instead...

Depending on exactly how advanced the medieval period you're looking at (Early, High, Late?) you may think on how discovery of INVISIBLE part of light spectrum would impact the scientific development of the world you're building.

Light theory, color theory, optics (reflection, diffusion, vision) were all known in Ancient Greece. However, IR is definite proof of EM spectrum of light and this might be - some say - the start of the modern technological revolution that goes on to this day. From IR you go to UV, then X-ray and so on, all in a blink of an eye compared to scientific progress before the 19th century (IR, UV and X are all within 100 years of each other). We all know how X-ray impacted the modern world. Are you prepared for that?

Oh, and even if UV is not needed, it plays part in plant life cycle, especially when talking about edible plants. You may have to think on that, too.

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