The White Martians are humanoids with a close resemblance to Caucasian humans. They have white skins and blonde or auburn hair. They were once among the dominant races of Mars. A seafaring race who built sophisticated cities and advanced technology. When the oceans of Mars bean to dry up, the overcivilized and decadent empire of Orovars failed to survive. Millennia later, the Orovars are a dwindling remnant.

The Barsoom novels also depict two subtribes of White Martians, long isolated from their Orovar kinsmen. These are the Lotharians (a tribe of telepathic philosophers), and Therns (a tribe of raiders who feed on their victims).