vulcan star trek characters

Star Trek: Every Vulcan Ability You Need To Know

Star Trek's iconic emotionless aliens have more powers than you'd think.

The Vulcans are perhaps the most beloved aliens in Star Trek. They were the first alien species created by Gene Roddenberry for The Original Series and instantly became a Trek staple.

Vulcan history is incredibly detailed. Following a long history of violence and war that nearly devastated their species, the Vulcans chose to follow the philosopher, Surak, by suppressing all emotion and embracing logic. The followers of Surak engaged in countless rituals and meditations to completely purge themselves of all emotion, as they saw it as the only way to prevent the extinction of the Vulcan race. Some Vulcans rejected Surak's teachings, though most of these detractors eventually left the planet Vulcan and became the Romulan Star Empire.

However, Vulcans are not only renowned for their strict adherence to logic, but also for their many almost supernatural abilities. Vulcans possess a number of unique physical and mental powers, and this list will be counting down and describing all of them.

As always, live long and prosper.

8. Controlling Emotions

As mentioned earlier, when the philosopher, Surak, introduced the Vulcan society to his belief system of logic and emotional suppression, the species saw it as the only way to save the Vulcan people from themselves.

Naturally, Vulcans have much more intense emotions than most humanoid species. Their violent nature combined with their impressive physical and mental abilities led to a great many wars that devastated the planet for generations. So, although Vulcans may seem completely robotic, this is all just a façade that they maintain to avoid allowing their emotions to control them.

Vulcans work their whole lives to eradicate their emotions, though subtle hints of them remain deep in their minds. Without completing the Vulcan ritual known as Kolinahr, which Spock was never able to do, a Vulcan is still capable of emotional outbursts when dealing with extreme stress.

There have, however, been some Vulcans who've embraced their emotions fully, rejecting the Vulcan way of life, such as Spock's half-brother, Sybok.

Marcia Fry is a writer for WhatCulture and an amateur filmmaker.

• Copy from this list
• Report this list

The Best Vulcan Characters on Star Trek

These are the best Vulcan characters I've seen on the series.

1. Tim Russ

Actor | Spaceballs

Timothy Darrell Russ was born on June 22, 1956, in Washington, D.C., to Air Force officer Walt and his wife Josephine. He and his younger siblings Michael and Angela grew up on several military bases, including Niagara Falls, Elmendorf (Alaska) AFB, Omaha, Taiwan, Philippines and Turkey. During ...

Played Lt Tuvok on Star Trek: Voyager

2. Leonard Nimoy

Actor | Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

Leonard Simon Nimoy was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to Dora (Spinner) and Max Nimoy, who owned a barbershop. His parents were Ukrainian Jewish immigrants. Raised in a tenement and acting in community theaters since age eight, Nimoy did not make his Hollywood debut until he was 20, with a bit ...

Played Commander Spock on Star Trek TOS as well as in the first 5 Star Trek movies as well as he played Ambassador Spock on Star Trek: The Next Generation.

3. Mark Lenard

Actor | Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

Mark Lenard was an American actor, primarily known for television roles. He is primarily known for playing Vulcan ambassador Sarek (Spock's father) in "Star Trek: The Original Series" and a number of its spin-offs. In 1924, Lenard was born under the name "Leonard Rosenson" in Chicago Illinois. His ...

Played Ambassador Sarek on Star Trek TOS

4. Jolene Blalock

Actress | Enterprise

Jolene Blalock was born and raised in San Diego, California. At age 16, she left home to pursue a modeling career in Europe and Asia. It was on a 1998 trip back to the United States that Blalock was compelled to flex her untested acting skills, and after a few commercial appearances and some ...

Played T-Pol on Enterprise

List Activity

Tell your friends, other lists by c-keenan2001.

Recently Viewed

Vulcan (Star Trek)

• Edit source
• View history

Vulcans , or sometimes Vulcanians , are a humanoid species in the fictional Star Trek universe who evolved on the planet Vulcan , and are noted for their attempt to live by reason and logic with no interference from emotion . They were the first extraterrestrial species officially to make first contact with Human species, and later became one of the founding members of the United Federation of Planets . Vulcans appear in all six Star Trek series, three of which featured either a Vulcan or a half-Vulcan as a main character.

• 1.1 Physical appearance
• 1.3 Mating drive
• 1.4 Other characteristics
• 2.1 Emotion
• 2.2.1 Mind melds
• 2.2.2 Katra
• 3.1 Language
• 3.3 Marriage
• 3.5 Fighting and self defense
• 3.6 "Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations"
• 4 Homeworld
• 5.1 Vulcan High Command
• 5.2 Star Trek (2009) alternate timeline
• 6 Character development
• 7 In other media

Biology [ ]

Physical appearance [ ].

Vulcans are depicted as similar in appearance to humans . The main physical differences are their eyebrows and ears: the former are arched and upswept, while the latter feature pinnae which taper into a point at the top. Vulcans can be classified into various races . Most caucasianoid -like Vulcans typically appear with a subtle greenish hue to their skin , due to Vulcans' copper-based blood (not blue as in Horseshoe Crabs ), which aside from being green in color is also referred to as being as cold as ice water. Other features described include an inner eyelid, or nictitating membrane , which protects their vision from bright lights, an adaptation for their bright and hot home world. In addition, their hearts are located on the right side of the torso, in between the ribs and pelvis, as Dr.McCoy once says about Spock:“he is lucky that his heart is where his liver should be, or he’d be dead!” (ST:TOS, A Private Little War )

Vulcans are vegetarians by choice and were omnivores in ages past. In the Star Trek original series (TOS) episode " All Our Yesterdays ", Spock willingly consumes meat; partly due to the effects of time-travel 5,000 years into the past, and partly because he reasons there is no other suitable food available given the harsh, ice-age climate in which they are trapped. Vulcans are repeatedly stated to be herbivorous in the TAS episode " The Slaver Weapon ", by the carnivorous Kzinti . Vulcans do not like to touch their food with their hands, preferring to use utensils whenever possible (though there are numerous cases where Vulcans have broken this rule). It is a Vulcan custom for guests in the home to prepare meals for their hosts (“Star Trek Enterprise” episode: “Home”).

Vulcans are said not to drink, though they are depicted indulging on special occasions or as a storyline warrants. In the Star Trek: Voyager episode " Repression ", Humans and Vulcans are shown drinking a Vulcan alcoholic drink called "Vulcan Brandy ". In the TOS episode " The Enterprise Incident ", as part of his diversionary role during an espionage mission against the Romulans , Spock shares a drink known as romulan ale (blue colour beverage) with the female Romulan commander. In a later TOS episode " Requiem for Methuselah ", Spock specifically requests a Terran brandy after Dr. McCoy , while serving himself and Captain Kirk , observes that he had no expectation that Spock would be joining them in a drink for fear that the alcohol would affect his logic faculties. In Star Trek: First Contact , when the Vulcans first met Zefram Cochrane , he served them alcoholic beverages, which they took in lieu of dancing. In "non-canon" Trek-related literature, such as the novelization of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home , Vulcans are depicted as immune to the effects of alcohol, but become inebriated by ingesting chocolate (this is also quickly alluded to in DS9 when Quark offers a Vulcan client some Vulcan Port or chocolate, in speaking of which he implies something sexual).

Mating drive [ ]

Approximately every seven years, Vulcan males and bonded females experience an overpowering mating drive known as pon farr . Once triggered, Vulcans must have sexual contact with someone, preferably their mate, or else face insanity and death.

If a mate is not available, there are other ways to relieve the effects of the pon farr . The first is meditation , by means of which the Vulcan must overcome the urge to mate through mental discipline. The second is violence. This is seen in the Voyager episode " Blood Fever ", when B'Elanna Torres and Ensign Vorik fight in the traditional Vulcan manner. The violence ends the pon farr. The other option is extreme shock; in the TOS episode " Amok Time ", Spock believed he had killed James T. Kirk , his best friend, thus providing sufficient shock to nullify the effects of pon farr. When he experienced pon farr, Tuvok of the USS Voyager made use of a holodeck simulation of a temporary mate which resembled his wife to relieve his condition. This holodeck simulation was created because The Doctor was unavailable; the dialog of this episode suggests that The Doctor had prepared a medicine to help Tuvok overcome the effects of pon farr. Infection is another mechanism writers have used to induce pon farr in Vulcan characters. Template:Citation needed

In the TOS episode " This Side of Paradise ", Leila Kalomi hints at having had a special relationship with Spock some six years earlier, which may suggest an encounter between them during pon farr. Likewise in the film Star Trek III: The Search for Spock , the regenerated adolescent Spock went through at least two pon farrs at accelerated speed. As his mate was not available on the Genesis planet (where Spock underwent the accelerated pon farrs), it was implied that he mated with Lt. Saavik, a female Vulcan scientist on the crew of the Enterprise who accompanied him during the accelerated pon farr.

Despite popular opinion, TOS writer and story editor, Dorothy C. Fontana , insists that Pon Farr is not the only time that Vulcans feel sexual desire or engage in sexual activity: "Vulcans mate normally any time they want to. However, every seven years you do the ritual, the ceremony, the whole thing. The biological urge. You must, but any other time is any other emotion - humanoid emotion - when you're in love. When you want to, you know, when the urge is there, you do it. This every-seven-years business was taken too literally by too many people who don't stop and understand. We didn't mean it only every seven years. I mean, every seven years would be a little bad, and it would not explain the Vulcans of many different ages which are not seven years apart." [1]

Other characteristics [ ]

Vulcans are typically depicted as stronger, faster, and longer-lived than humans (although discrepancies have occurred). Vulcans are about three times as strong as an average human, though their durability is about the same. There are instances of them living over two hundred and twenty years. Having evolved on a desert world, Vulcans can survive without water for longer periods than humans.

Psychology [ ]

Emotion [ ].

Vulcans, as a matter of custom and policy, suppress or think past all emotional influence by living lives of rigid emotional self-control through meditative techniques and training of mental discipline. Vulcans are not depicted as having no emotions; although they themselves make this claim, Vulcans are an exceptionally emotional people. They developed techniques to suppress their emotions precisely because of the damage they can cause if unchecked. In one episode of Star Trek: Voyager , Tuvok explains that Vulcans' natural emotions are "erratic and volatile"; if Vulcans do not strongly repress emotions, they can get violently angry in an instant. T'Pol once stated that paranoia and homicidal rage were common on Vulcan prior to the adoption of Surak 's code of emotional control. In the original series episode "The Savage Curtain", Spock meets Surak and displays emotion, for which Surak reprimands him, and he asks forgiveness.

The advanced ritual of Kolinahr is intended to purge all remaining vestigial emotion; the word also refers to the discipline by which this state is maintained. Only the most devoted and trained Vulcan students attain Kolinahr ; most Vulcans do retain control over their emotions, but do not completely eliminate them as Kolinahr attempts to do. In Star Trek: The Motion Picture , Spock was unable to complete this ritual after receiving powerful telepathic signals from space and experiencing strong emotions as a result. The Vulcan masters conducting the trials concluded that since Spock's human blood was touched by these messages from space, he could not have achieved Kolinahr, and the ritual was halted.

The term for the purge of emotion is arei'mnu. It is stated that it does not translate properly into any Earth language. In Diane Duane 's novel Spock's World, it was suggested that arei'mnu closely translates into "mastery of emotions", but that linguist Amanda Grayson , Sarek 's wife and Spock's mother, in her work on the universal translator , had mistranslated the Vulcan word to mean "lack of emotions".

Some Vulcans, such as T'Pol, Sarek (in his later years, due to a rare disease which can affect Vulcans over the age of 200 years), and Soval , carry their emotions close to the surface, and are prone to emotional outbursts, even without outside influences or illness; T'Pau certainly displayed restrained but definite emotions in the TOS episode " Amok Time ", including suspicion of the Human visitors followed by admiration and approval of their friendship for Spock, and contempt for Spock's humanity. There is some evidence to support the hypothesis that Vulcans in close contact with Humans for an extended period of time may become more emotional than Vulcans who do not. Established canon has yet to make a definitive case for this.

Not all Vulcan characters follow the path of pure logic; some instead choose to embrace emotions. A group of renegade Vulcans who believed in this was encountered in the Star Trek: Enterprise episode " Fusion ", while Spock's half-brother Sybok , seen in the film Star Trek V: The Final Frontier , was also fully emotional. An episode of Enterprise titled " E² " featured an elderly T'Pol in an alternate timeline who had embraced emotion and allowed her half-Human son, Lorian, to do likewise.

In the pilot episode " The Cage ", Spock showed much more emotion. " Number One ", played by Majel Barrett , was supposed to be the emotionless character. Although the test audience indicated they liked the actress, they hated the character because they could not relate to a female who was so "cold". As a result, the character of Christine Chapel was created for Barrett and the "coldness" was transferred to the Spock character.

Telepathy [ ]

Many Vulcans are contact telepaths , and have been observed taking part in a number of telepathy-related actions and rituals, including an instance where Cmdr. Spock was telepathically aware of the simultaneous deaths of 400 other vulcans on a far-away ship (in 2nd season episode, "The Immunity Syndrome").

Mind melds [ ]

A "mind-meld", is a technique for sharing thoughts, experiences, memories, and knowledge with another individual. It usually requires physical contact with a subject, though instances of mind-melds without contact have been seen (for example, in the episode " The Devil in the Dark "). Vulcans can perform mind melds with members of most other species, most notably Humans , with Jonathan Archer being the first known Human participant in such a ritual in 2154. Even the Earth Humpback Whale can be successfully melded with. The Ferengi are one of the few races known to be impervious to the mind meld; mentally disciplined Cardassians may also be resistant to mind melds if properly trained. It is not established if this potential ability is inherent to Cardassians, or if members of any race could be trained to resist a mind meld. Machines, such as the Nomad probe, have been melded with even if only through complete contact. Though not canon, in the Star Trek: The Animated Series episode " One of Our Planets is Missing ", a touch-less melding of a gaseous nebular entity was depicted.

Mind melds have been used to erase memories, as Spock performed on James T. Kirk in the TOS episode " Requiem for Methuselah ". Mind melds can also allow more than one mind to experience memories and sensations, and sometimes even interact with the memories, as seen in the Star Trek: Voyager episode " Flashback ".

The mind meld can be considered a terrible intimacy because of the strength of Vulcan emotions and the strict psycho-suppression disciplines in which they are trained, and thus not one to be taken lightly. In the Star Trek: The Next Generation installment "Sarek", when the diplomat proves to have Bendii's syndrome and thus to be incapable of completing his last great mission without assistance, he executes a mind meld with Captain Jean-Luc Picard , gaining enough emotional stability from this to complete his mission—but Picard himself almost goes insane from the direct onslaught of Sarek's powerful emotions as a result.

Though mind melds are frequently portrayed as a consensual act, that is not always the case. In the TOS episode " Mirror, Mirror ", Spock of the Mirror Universe performed a forced mind meld on Dr. Leonard McCoy in order to learn what McCoy was keeping secret. Mind melds can also be very violating and potentially harmful under certain circumstances. In Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country , Spock forcefully used the technique on Valeris in order to discover information she had that could be used to prevent a war; Valeris began screaming just before Spock broke the connection.

The use of the mind meld was taboo for a period of time. In the Vulcan timeline, this changed when experienced melders were shown to be able to cure Pa'nar Syndrome , a condition passed on by melders who are improperly trained. Within a week of the Kir'Shara incident in 2154, the stigma against mind-melders was evaporating, and sufferers of Pa'nar were being cured in large numbers. By the mid-23rd century, the mind meld is a fully accepted part of Vulcan society, and was even used once to rejoin Spock's katra with his healed physical body ( see below ).

As originally depicted in TOS, mind-melds were considered dangerous and potentially lethal. Over the course of the original series, however, the element of risk was no longer mentioned, although it was revived on Star Trek: Enterprise with the revelation that Pa'nar Syndrome can be transmitted this way.

For a number of years, it was held that not all Vulcans are genetically capable of initiating a mind-meld, such as T'Pol . However, the overthrow of the Vulcan High Command in 2154 revealed that this is not the case, and T'Pol conducted her first mind meld soon after.

Some Vulcans appear with advanced mental abilities. For example, in the TOS episode " A Taste of Armageddon ", Spock was once able to induce uncertainty in the mind of a prison guard on Eminiar VII , and in the episode " The Devil in the Dark ", he was able to perform a limited mind meld with a horta without actually making physical contact with the being. It is made apparent that a touch-less meld is limited in effectiveness compared to physical melds. During more intense melds, the melder is sometimes shown using both hands.

Some Vulcans appear able to "cheat death" by implanting their katra , essentially their living essence or spirit, into an object or another person via a form of mind-meld just prior to death. The history and mechanics of the katra have never been discussed in great detail in canon. It was known at the time of Surak , and Surak successfully transferred his essence into a "katric ark" which remained hidden for 1,800 years until it was recovered by a Vulcan named Syrran in the 22nd century. Syrran melded with the ark and received Surak's katra , which guided him into creating the Syrrannite movement which fought to restore Surak's teachings to Vulcan , but was labeled a terrorist group by the Vulcan High Command .

Syrran was fatally wounded by a lightning strike while escorting Jonathan Archer and T'Pol across a desert region called The Forge in 2154 prior to a short-lived conflict between Vulcan and Andoria . He conducted a forced mind-meld on Archer and implanted Surak's katra into Archer's mind before he died. For a brief time, Archer found himself communicating with the long-dead Surak, and Surak began controlling, or at least strongly influencing, Archer's actions. Surak's katra was so strong that it resisted efforts to be transferred into T'Pau , but once the Syrrannites overthrew the High Command, the katra allowed itself to be transferred into a Vulcan elder. The ultimate fate of Surak's katra remains unknown.

Katras can, on rare occasions, be returned to the body, effectively bringing an individual back from the dead . Such was the case with Spock , who, near the end of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan , implanted his katra into the mind of Dr. McCoy prior to sacrificing his life to save the USS Enterprise . (Such was the strength of Spock's mental abilities that he was in fact able to function normally for several minutes despite depositing his "soul" elsewhere). Following Spock's death, McCoy began exhibiting Vulcan-like behavior and was briefly institutionalized. It was later discovered that Spock's body came to rest on the Genesis Planet after his burial in space, and was regenerated. He was recovered and was taken with McCoy to Mount Seleya on Vulcan where a Vulcan high priestess named T'Lar performed a rare, seldom-attempted ritual called the fal tor pan (literally, "re-fusion"), which removed the katra from McCoy and implanted it into Spock's regenerated body. Subsequently, Spock recovered, although it took some time to retrain his mind to where it was prior to his death. Eventually, Spock's original memories apparently reasserted themselves, and he resumed his duties in Starfleet .

Culture [ ]

Language [ ].

The Vulcan language is depicted as developing so much over time that writings from the era of Surak required translation to be understood upon discovery in 2154. Template:Citation needed

According to the DVD commentary of the film, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan , actors Leonard Nimoy and Kirstie Alley , portraying Spock and Saavik respectively, spoke their lines in English, and later dubbed in alien dialogue that corresponded with the movements of their mouths in the scene.

The treatment of Vulcan names has been erratic throughout Star Trek 's production history. Early on, female Vulcans were typically given names beginning with "T" followed by an apostrophe then a "p". The earliest reference to Vulcan names following a set pattern dates back to a May 3, 1966 memo from TOS producer Robert H. Justman to Gene Roddenberry (later reprinted in the book The Making of Star Trek ) in which Justman recommended that all Vulcan names begin with "SP" and end with "K", and have exactly five letters. (It is clear from the context of the book, however, that the memo was intended as a joke, as the series of memos ends up discussing the pronunciation of such names as "Spilk" and "Spork".) [2]

Beginning with the Star Trek movies of the 1980s and continuing to today, a greater variety of names have been given to Vulcans beginning with other letters of the alphabet, such as Tuvok , Koss, Mestral, Chu'lak, Valeris , and Xon to name a few (Xon being a Vulcan character created by Gene Roddenberry for the intended Star Trek: Phase II series in the 1970s, and the actress Kim Cattrall , who played Valeris, chose the character's name). Template:Citation needed

Only non-canonical sources have provided any Vulcans with family names, which are usually spoken of as defying attempts at both human pronunciation, especially with English-language phonemes, and human typesetting, especially with the characters of the modern Latin alphabet used for the English language. Hence, no canonical source has given any family names to any Vulcan characters, and indeed, every one of the personal names previously mentioned are all officially described as being only Latin-alphabetical and English-phonetic approximations of the real ones.

Marriage [ ]

Template:Unreferenced section Vulcans practice arranged marriage [3] , in which a male and a female are married or affianced as children, with consummation at a later date. Following adult union, it is customary for the couple to remain on Vulcan for at least one Vulcan year before conducting off-world travel, though it is possible to defer this requirement until a later date, upon negotiation with the male's family. The state of pon farr is not required for marriage to occur. The mating session of a Vulcan (pon farr) includes the private act of sex undifferentiated from the human version of mating.

A Vulcan female can challenge the proposed bonding by calling for koon-ut-kal-if-fee, meaning "marriage or challenge", in which a challenger for marriage engages the bonded male in a fight to the death. Alternately, the bonded male has the option of rejecting his intended bride and choosing another. It is acceptable for a male to "release" his mate from marriage (effectively the same as a divorce ). It is not established whether females have the same option, and T'Pring stated in " Amok Time " that a koon-ut-kal-if-fee challenge was the only way she could legally divorce Spock . [3]

Template:Unreferenced section It is customary for Vulcan children to undertake an initiation ordeal known as the Kahs-wan (sometimes spelled Kaswahn ), in which they are left to fend for themselves in the desert for a specific period of time. Not all children survive this rite of passage. T'Pol underwent the ritual, while Tuvok experienced a variation known as the tal'oth . The Kahs-wan was first introduced in the Star Trek: The Animated Series episode " Yesteryear ", in which Spock's experience as a child was detailed.

Contrary to the Vulcan image of expressing no emotion, family bonds can be strong and affectionate just as they are for Humans . Tuvok expressed his love for his wife on a few occasions (without actually using the term), Sarek openly expressed affection for both his Human wives, and a clear bond of love existed between T'Pol and her mother, T'Les.

Fighting and self defense [ ]

Template:Unreferenced section Although generally adhering to a philosophy of non-violence, Vulcans have developed martial arts and techniques of hand to hand combat . Vulcan martial arts are highly ritualistic and based on philosophy, similar to Human counterparts such as karate and Silat . The most extreme example is the koon-ut-kal-if-fee , or fight to the death, described earlier, though one particular discipline is known as Suss Mahn (named for Star Trek: Enterprise producer Mike Sussman ).

Many Vulcans are skilled in a self-defense technique known as the " Vulcan nerve pinch " or "neck pinch", which targets a precise location on the neck, rendering the victim unconscious (sometimes instantly, sometimes after a short delay depending on the subject). The mechanics of the pinch have never been explained in on-screen canon. While practiced mainly by Vulcans, it is not exclusive to their race; for example, Jonathan Archer and Jean-Luc Picard are depicted as having mastered the technique after each became involved in a Vulcan telepathic ritual (Archer holding the katra of Surak ; Picard having undergone a mind-meld with Sarek ). The android Data also displayed this ability, though none of the three characters were depicted using the skill regularly. Leonard McCoy attempted to use the "neck pinch" while carrying Spock 's katra in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock , but was unsuccessful for reasons unknown. In " Whom Gods Destroy ", Garth of Izar performs the neck pinch on a Tellarite guard while masquerading as Spock, using his shape-shifting ability. However, the Tellarite was one of Garth's minions, and the neck pinch may have been a ruse to convince Kirk that Garth really was Spock. Tongo Rad, a Catuallan, employed a similar technique to render a Starfleet officer unconscious by driving his thumbs suddenly and firmly into the sides of the officer's neck in the original-series episode " The Way to Eden ".

"Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations" [ ]

Template:Unreferenced section

Vulcan IDIC Symbol

The phrase "Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations" (IDIC) refers to the infinite variables (or forms of intelligence) in the universe and the infinite ways in which they may beneficially combine. IDIC is often seen as an underlying philosophy of the Vulcans. Template:Citation needed The theme is symbolized by the Vulcans in a Kol-Ut-Shan, [4] represented as a pendant of yellow and white gold with a circle and triangle resting upon each other, and adorned with a white jewel in the center.

Spock wore the symbol during important gatherings and ceremonies as part of his dress uniform . It appeared for the first time in the Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) episode " Is There in Truth No Beauty? " It also appeared in Spock's quarters in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan , Star Trek III: The Search for Spock , and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country . In the series Star Trek: Enterprise , T'Pol is given, through her in-name-only husband Koss , an IDIC pendant from her mother T'Les which projects a holographic relief, enabling T'Pol and Captain Archer to find the location where T'Les and the Syrrannites are hiding. Also in Star Trek: Enterprise, T'Pol, the science officer, holds an IDIC pendant in Terra Prime while she is in mourning for her dying cloned child Elizabeth, named in honor of Charles "Trip" Tucker 's deceased sister. In the series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode " Take Me Out to the Holosuite ", Captain Solok, an Academy classmate and longtime rival of Benjamin Sisko , challenges Sisko and other DS9 personnel to a baseball game against his Vulcan team, the Logicians. The IDIC symbol appears on the Vulcans's ballcaps.

The Vulcan IDIC pendant was designed by Gene Roddenberry as a marketing premium long before the third season. As early as the end of the first season, fans of the show had begun writing in asking for copies of the scripts, film clip frames, etc., and these were soon sold through Roddenberry's "Lincoln Enterprises", run by Majel Barrett . As evidenced in some of his letters and memos, Roddenberry was fond of circle-and-triangle designs and had wanted to use them for purposes of theatrical unity as early as the first season's " The Return of the Archons ". As reported by editor Ruth Berman (issue #1, Inside Star Trek , July 1968, pp. 15–16), "ardent rock hound and amateur lapidary" Roddenberry came up with the Vulcan philosophy after he presented Leonard Nimoy with a unique "hand-crafted piece of jewelry," a "pendent" (sic) of polished yellow gold (circle) and florentined white gold (triangle), with a stone of brilliant white fabulite—an artificial gem "developed by the laser industry and used in space mechanisms for its optical qualities," and thus well-suited as a gift for an actor in a science fiction show. Readers were encouraged to submit their interest in such a product to the then-Star Trek Enterprises mail order firm. It was noted that "less expensive materials" would keep costs down.

According to William Shatner in Star Trek Memories, the book about TOS he dictated to Chris Kreski , IDIC was only worked into the episode " Is There in Truth No Beauty? " as an afterthought. The actors all knew it was a mere advertising toy. Reportedly, Leonard Nimoy was asked to wear it and refused, so it was passed on to Shatner; when he also refused, Nimoy reluctantly agreed to wear it. At the last minute, Roddenberry sent down several pages of new script for the dinner scene, in which Spock was to give a long-winded explanation of the philosophy. The actors refused to film it until Roddenberry cut it down.

Homeworld [ ]

Comparison of the habitable zone of 40 Eridani with the habitable zone in our solar system.

The Vulcan homeworld is also named Vulcan , a reddish Minshara-Class planet orbiting the star 40 Eridani A , 16 light years from Earth . Its inhabitants were originally called Vulcanians; the latter name was used by Spock in the Original Series episode " A Taste of Armageddon ", and by Federation colonists in " This Side of Paradise ".

Much of its surface consists of deserts and mountain ranges, and large areas are set aside as wilderness preserves. It is much hotter, it has a stronger surface gravity , and its atmosphere is thinner than that of Earth. As a result of these factors, humans tend to tire out more quickly than native Vulcans.

In the alternate timeline of the 2009 film the planet was destroyed by Nero who created a black hole in the center of Vulcan. The planet imploded, leaving an estimated 10,000 survivors out of a population of 6 billion, including Spock and some of the Elders.

Fictional history [ ]

Template:Unreferenced section Template:Very long In the episode " Return to Tomorrow ", Spock theorized that the Vulcans might be the descendants of a colony from Sargon 's planet.

It is speculated on the official website startrek.com that a species that was known on Earth as the gods of ancient Rome or the gods of ancient Greece traveled to ancient Vulcan (named by Star Trek creators to refer to the Roman god of fire ), thus influencing both those that would later become Romulans as well as those who remained on Vulcan. Template:Citation needed Vulcans subsequently practiced a form of paganism ; this can be seen in gods of war , peace, and death depicted on the Stone of Gol , as well as the celebration of Rumarie. The DVD commentary for " Amok Time " says that TOS writer D. C. Fontana named the Vulcan god of death "Shariel", a bust of whom is seen in Spock's quarters.

In about the 4th century AD , Vulcans emerged from their violent tendencies and civil wars under a philosopher named Surak , who advocated the suppressing of emotion in favor of logic . This period was known as the Great Awakening, and much of present-day Vulcan philosophy emerged from this period. According to the Star Trek: New Frontier book series (like all novels, many of which are not considered canon), the Great Awakening caused many wars and conflicts to occur amongst various Vulcan tribes; those who supported Surak's cause would become separated from friends and even close family members who did not. For cases in which parents were separated by this, a ritual was created called the ku'nit ka'fa'ar , a battle to determine which parent would maintain their child. Despite the acceptance of Surak's teachings, generations of imperfect copies of his writings, combined with changes in the Vulcan language over time, resulted in a diluted form of the culture he instituted.

Surak 's views and lifestyle were not universally accepted by Vulcan society. One particular group of Vulcans who called themselves "those who march beneath the Raptor's wings" were so adamant in their opposition against Surak that it resulted in a nuclear war , of which Surak himself became a victim. After time the portion of Vulcan society who rejected Surak's teachings left the planet for the stars. This migration of Vulcan separatists would eventually become known as the Romulans . Knowledge of the common ancestry of Romulans and Vulcans would obscure into myth over the millenniums, and while some Vulcans had direct dealings with Romulans in the 22nd century, the common ancestry would not become widely known until the mid-23rd century.

A great deal of Star Trek spin-off fiction , in particular the novel The Romulan Way by Diane Duane and Peter Morwood , has stated that the leader of the Vulcan-Romulan migration was a close follower of Surak's named S'Task. S'Task would see the founding of the Romulan Empire , but was killed by political factions shortly thereafter.

Vulcans did recover from the effects of barbarism and turn much of their attention to space travel for 1,500 years. What would later become known as the Vulcan High Command was initially formed to orchestrate space exploration, but it ended up seizing control of Vulcan government.

The Vulcans fought a hundred-year war with the Romulans starting circa 1944.

Spock was one of three Starfleet officers from the 23rd century who travel in time to 1930s New York City , in the original series episode " The City on the Edge of Forever ". He would also briefly travel to Earth in 1968 on a mission, in the episode " Assignment: Earth ;" accidentally in 1969, in " Tomorrow Is Yesterday ;" and again in 1986, in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home . (Technically speaking, these three events occurred after the founding of the Federation , but are included here as they constitute pre- First Contact encounters with contemporary Humans .)

First contact between Vulcans and the Andorians was promising, but relations soured in time. The threat of mutual annihilation existed as early as the 1950s. Template:Citation needed

In 1957, the launch of Sputnik I , Earth's first artificial satellite , was observed by a Vulcan vessel that subsequently crashed on the planet, marooning several crew members for a number of months in Carbon Creek , Pennsylvania ; this constituted the first true contact between Humans and Vulcans, but it was never recorded as such as the Humans were unaware of the alien nature of their guests. One Vulcan, Mestral, was so fascinated by humanity that he chose to stay on Earth: his fate has yet to be revealed. Template:Citation needed

In 2044, the Romulans and the Vulcans suspended hostilities in their hundred-year war. It is unclear whether the two groups knew they were fighting their kinsmen. Template:Citation needed

On April 5, 2063, Vulcans and Humans made official first contact following the successful test of Earth's first warp-powered starship, as depicted in Star Trek: First Contact .

In 2097, the Vulcans annexed the Andorian planetoid Weytahn and renamed it Pan Mokar.

In 2105, the Vulcans and the Andorians agreed to a compromise over Weytahn/Pan Mokar. Still, tensions continued due to the threat of mutual annihilation.

In 2151, Sub-Commander T'Pol joined the crew of the Earth Starfleet vessel Enterprise (NX-01) , within a couple of weeks setting a Vulcan endurance record for serving aboard a human vessel. In 2154, T'Pol became a commissioned officer with Starfleet.

In May of 2154, the Vulcan High Command considered a proposal for Vulcans and Humans to conduct joint space exploration missions. V'Las, the head of the High Command and undercover agent for the Romulans , bombed the United Earth embassy on Vulcan and attempted an invasion of Andoria . He was foiled by the crew of the Enterprise . During these events, the Kir'Shara , a device containing the original writings of Surak , was discovered by Jonathan Archer . This led to the prompt dissolution of the High Command and a reevaluation of traditional values . It also resulted in Vulcan agreeing to stop "looking over Earth 's shoulder" in space exploration matters.

On August 12, 2161, Vulcan became one of the founding members of the United Federation of Planets .

In the time of Star Trek: Enterprise , Vulcans are often seen to be rather arrogant and cold in their behavior towards Humans . It is explained that after first contact, Vulcan shared technology with Earth , but many Humans, such as Jonathan Archer , greatly resented the fact that Vulcans seemed to be holding back humanity's efforts at space travel. Soval , Vulcan's ambassador to Earth, appeared particularly distrustful of humans, and was often at odds with Archer and his crew. Soval later justified this behavior in the fourth season episode " The Forge ":

Soval also explained that, since Earth recovered from World War III far quicker than Vulcan did from its equivalent (in " The Forge " and its sequel episodes, it is said that Vulcans took almost a thousand years to rebuild their society after their last catastrophic war), it alarmed many Vulcans, who were confused as to how to deal with a rapidly growing and emotional society such as Earth's.

After the overthrow of the corrupt Vulcan High Command and the death of Admiral Maxwell Forrest , who sacrificed his life to save Soval from a terrorist attack, the attitudes of Soval, and Vulcan society in general, became more cordial and accepting towards humanity.

Vulcan High Command [ ]

In the 22nd century of the fictional Star Trek universe, the Vulcan High Command is apparently a form of military government which controls both the Vulcan space fleet and most of the planet itself. Most of the Vulcans, including T'Pol , from Star Trek: Enterprise served the High Command. It is dissolved in the early fourth season of Star Trek: Enterprise.

Throughout much of the show's run, Captain Jonathan Archer frequently had run-ins with the High Command - even after Archer proved conclusively, several times, that he was able to travel through time, the High Command stubbornly refused to acknowledge the possibility that time travel could ever be possible (although T'Pol tried to keep an open mind). The High Command, on at least one occasion, sent Vulcan starships to actively spy on the Enterprise and report on the ship's activities (see episode Breaking the Ice ), an act which infuriated Archer to no end.

However, this was not the end of the High Command's questionable activities. They appeared to participate in open acts of persecution towards other Vulcans, such as isolating and quarantining victims of Pa'nar Syndrome rather than treating them; prejudicial acts against any Vulcan proven to have committed a mind meld ; and hunting down and capturing, even often killing, members of the underground group, the Syrranites. With the help of Archer, it was discovered that the High Command's illogical and often emotionally based actions were, in reality, the result of covert Romulan influence. After the High Command's administrator, V'Las, was revealed to be a Romulan agent, the High Command was disbanded, and a more traditional and human-friendly Vulcan government was formed.

After the dissolution of the High Command, the Vulcan space fleet experienced a serious shortage of personnel, many of whom were still sympathetic to the old guard. Administrator T'Pau , who now oversaw Vulcan's fleet operations, attempted to rebuild the fleet.

Star Trek (2009) alternate timeline [ ]

In the alternate reality presented by the 2009 film Star Trek , the planet Vulcan is destroyed in the year 2258 by an artificial black hole created by the Narada, a Romulan mining vessel from the future, killing most of its six billion inhabitants. Its captain, Nero, holds Spock personally responsible for a disaster involving Romulus more than a century later. Spock estimates that no more than 10,000 Vulcans escaped the planet and survived the genocide (which may possibly include Vulcans that were on the original series). However, the film's writers have stated that this does not include Vulcans who were living off planet at the time. [5]

Character development [ ]

Blessing gesture that was the inspiration for the Vulcan salute

Leonard Nimoy discussed the origin of the Vulcan salute in his autobiography " I Am Spock ". [6] As a bit of stage "business" in the episode " Amok Time ", he invented the famous "Live long and prosper" Vulcan salute based on the hand symbol used by Jewish priests ( kohanim ) during the Priestly Blessing in the synagogue. The gesture actually emulates the initial Shin of the Shema (Nimoy has also commented that the "sh" could also indicate Shaddai , or the Almighty; more recently, on William Shatner 's Raw Nerve , he associated it with Shekhinah .) On numerous occasions, for example in the 1983 TV special Star Trek Memories (which is often syndicated along with The Original Series ), Nimoy recounts how as a child, he peeked during the blessing and witnessed the gesture, although the congregation are supposed to put hands over eyes or turn away at this moment in acknowledgement of the presence of the Almighty.

The Vulcan nerve pinch was created for the episode " The Enemy Within ". The original script called for Spock to knock the "evil" Kirk unconscious with the butt of a phaser . Leonard Nimoy felt that the act was too reminiscent of a TV western , and thus introduced the famous non-lethal maneuver.

In other media [ ]

An issue of DC Comics ' Green Lantern series, features a Green Lantern Corps member with pointed ears. He behaves 'logically' and has a brief conversation with Hal Jordan (the titular superhero) which ended with a "live long and prosper" and the famous hand gesture. Template:Citation needed

In the Disney Channel Original Movie The Luck of the Irish (2001 film) Kyle makes a reference to the Vulcan's when he learns he has pointed ears.

Dr Addy is referred to as a Vulcan by Dr Hodgins in the TV series "Bones" when he admits to find anger to be a useless emotions that he does not feel.

• ↑ Edward Gross, Mark E. Altman, Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages, Little Brown & Co, 1995. p. 53
• ↑ Whitfield, Stephen E. and Gene Roddenberry. The Making of Star Trek . New York: Ballantine, 1968. p.274. SBN 345-23401-4-150
• ↑ 3.0 3.1 Vulcan Mating Rituals documentary,Star Trek paradocumentary published by www.startrek.com
• ↑ Template:Cite video
• ↑ http://trekmovie.com/2009/05/22/orci-and-kurtzman-reveal-star-trek-details-in-trekmovie-fan-qa/
• ↑ "I am Spock" by Leonard Nimoy (Hyperion)
• 1 Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan
• 3 Star Trek (2009)

The Complete History of Vulcans In the Federation Era of Star Trek

While the Vulcans are an ancient society in Star Trek, their history has been intrinsically tied with Starfleet and the Federation for millennia.

Quick Links

Vulcan troubles with starfleet and the federation in the 23rd century, 24th century vulcans were integrated into federation society, ambassador spock and romulan reunification, vulcan reunification with the romulans and leaving the federation.

There is no alien species more closely associated with the history of Star Trek and the Federation than the Vulcans. Originally created by Gene Roddenberry via the character of Spock, countless writers, producers and actors have contributed to the history and culture of the signature Star Trek aliens. However, despite being one of humanity's first alien allies, the Vulcans have kept their distance from humans and the Federation just the same.In order to keep Spock unique, Roddenberry instructed writers to keep the rest of Vulcan society at a cosmic arm's length from Starfleet.

When picking through the Star Trek: Phase II leftovers for TNG , he wanted the next generation of his universe to avoid Vulcans, along with most elements from the previous show. To that end, Star Trek didn't have a regular Vulcan character until Tuvok appeared in Star Trek: Voyager , nearly 30 years after The Original Series debuted. While Vulcans and humanity worked closely in Star Trek: Enterprise , their relationship was as adversarial as it was friendly. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has introduced a handful of Vulcan characters, but only one was in Starfleet. Given the prominence of Vulcans in the Star Trek franchise, it's worth examining the history Vulcans in the time of Star Trek 's Federation.

Star Trek's Lost Vulcan: Phase II Almost Replaced Spock With This Character

While closely involved with the creation of the Federation, specifically through Commander T'Pol, the Vulcans continued to do their own exploration missions. At some point in the 23rd Century, for example, a Vulcan science vessel was destroyed in the Hanoli system trying to close a rupture in subspace. They did not seek help from Starfleet. In fact, in most timelines, Spock's decision to join Starfleet instead of the Vulcan Science Academy was controversial. Not the least of which, it caused him and his father to become estranged until the Federation conference on Babel in 2268.

This is perhaps because for much of the early 23rd Century, Vulcans endured some infighting about their role in the multicultural society. Spock's father Sarek may not have wanted his son to join Starfleet, but he did want to foster better relations with humanity. Along with marrying Amanda Grayson, he adopted Michael Burnham after her parents were killed. Sometime before the 2250s, Vulcan "logic extremists" tried to kill Burnham in a bombing at the Vulcan Learning Center. Later, they tried to assassinate Sarek himself. They even recruited Starfleet Admiral Patar into their ranks and philosophy, after he became disillusioned with the organization during the Federation-Klingon War.

In the late 23rd Century, Vulcans in Starfleet were more common, but they often served together on their own vessels. One such all-Vulcan crew served on the USS Intrepid and were killed by a microorganism that consumed organic life to replenish itself. Yet, Vulcans were still private people, with things like the pon-farr not even appearing in Federation medical records. Spock, however, stayed in the Federation's service and even helped negotiate the Khitomer Accords with the Klingons, bringing peace after decades of hot and cold war.

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country's Original Villain Was Heartbreaking

As has become a theme throughout each era of Vulcan history on Star Trek , there were some elements in the culture who wanted to step back from their role. I n the late 2360s, Captain Picard and Commander Riker were captured by pirates who were a part of this movement, hoping to use a telepathic weapon to force the Vulcans out of the Federation. They foiled this plan, and the Vulcans agreed to root out this movement, but wanted to keep it a private matter, at least within their own society.

Perhaps inspired by Spock's example, the Vulcans of the 24th Century played a significant role in the Federation, despite not many appearing on the screen. Vulcans lived by the motto "We're here to serve," specifically the galaxy. A number of Vulcans joined the Admiralty, with Savar, Sitak and T'Lara all appearing in both Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine . Still involved with the Federation was Spock's father, Sarek, who traveled on the USS Enterprise and mind-melded with Picard.

Despite all this progress, Vulcans still often served on ships that were only crewed by their kind. The USS T'Kumbra, for instance, was an all-Vulcan vessel that liked to challenge human Starfleet colleagues (especially Captain Sisko) to baseball games. Still, the disillusionment with the Federation and Starfleet wasn't limited to just Vulcan purists. When the Maquis group formed to fight Cardassians without the approval of Starfleet, a number of Vulcans were involved in it. The most notable was Sarkonna, who inadvertently orchestrated the potential for a peaceful settlement after Quark explained the "economics of war" to her.

The Star Trek Backrub That Launched Spock and Kirk Shippers, Explained

While Spock was still active, he resigned from Starfleet and retired to Romulus. There, he worked undercover to begin the process of introducing the teachings of Surak to their galactic cousins. This led to an invasion of Vulcan by Romulus, thwarted at the last minute by the ingenuity of Spock and Data working together. The USS Enterprise-D was dispatched to discover what he was doing on Romulus, specifically out of fear that he defected.

At this time, Sarek was succumbing to an affliction causing older Vulcans to suffer outbursts of emotion. This was described as Vulcan senility, and he asked Captain Picard to find his son. While Spock was unable to see his father again , he did mind-meld with Picard. Since Picard mind-melded with Sarek once before, Spock was able to share some of his father's thoughts. Spock decided to stay on Romulus to continue preaching logic and reunification, happy that this would be his final contribution to greater galactic peace.

However, Spock failed Romulus when he didn't stop the explosion of a star that destroyed the Romulan homeworld. A mining vessel constructed out of Borg technology called the Narada traveled back in time and destroyed the planet Vulcan in the 23rd Century. This created a branch timeline, which was depicted in the Star Trek movies of the 2010s. Ambassador Spock remained in this timeline and died of natural causes.

Strange New Worlds: One Vulcan Can Help Spock on His Emotional Journey

In the 32nd Century, the galaxy reeled from "the Burn," an incident that destroyed dilithium used for warp travel. This caused many founding species, including Vulcans and humans, to leave the Federation behind. At the same time, the effort of Romulan reunification begun by Spock was successful after the destruction of the Romulan homeworld.

Planet Vulcan was renamed Ni'Var and while Vulcans and Romulans retained their original species identities, they formed a collaborative society. When Michael Burnham -- once a source of ire among Vulcans -- visited Ni'Var in the 32nd Century, she helped set them on a course to rejoin the Federation and Starfleet. However, it was a lengthy political process.

There are still elements in the Vulcan and Romulan societies who distrust the Federation. Vulcan purists threaten the renewed alliance, and they are political rivals of President T'Rina. Her relationship with Captain Saru (a Kelpian and Starfleet officer)

The Star Trek universe encompasses multiple series, each offering a unique lens through which to experience the wonders and perils of space travel. Join Captain Kirk and his crew on the Original Series' voyages of discovery, encounter the utopian vision of the Federation in The Next Generation, or delve into the darker corners of galactic politics in Deep Space Nine. No matter your preference, there's a Star Trek adventure waiting to ignite your imagination.

further complicates this political situation. However, no matter where the stories fall in Star Trek history, Vulcans will be a significant part of them.

• Original Series Trivia
• Interesting Characters
• The Best Series and Movies, Ranked
• 'Make It So' - Picard
• Fun Facts About the New Film Series
• Store-Bought Items Used as Props
• Exasperated Picard
• Secrets from the Wardrobe Dept.
• The Greatest Star Trek Insults
• Accidents with the Transporter
• Celebrating Spock and Bones McCoy
• The Best ‘Star Trek’ Villains Who Give Starflee...
• Times Scotty Saved the Day
• Episodes That Get You Hooked
• Every 'Star Trek' Captain, Ranked By True Trekkies

List of Star Trek Characters

Embark on an intriguing exploration of the beloved Star Trek constellation of characters, seamlessly woven in our specially curated list. From Captain Kirk's indomitable spirit to Spock's logical brilliance, absorb the enthralling essence of these timeless personalities from one of science fiction's most enduring enterprises.

Diving beyond the surface, our list traces the intricate pathways of each character's narrative journey. Grasp the transformational arcs and pivotal roles of these fascinating individuals who have defied space and time and entered the panorama of popular culture.

Our meticulous, well-researched explorations are founded on extensive knowledge providing a broad-view perspective of their strengths, weaknesses, and alliances, as well as the antagonistic relationships within the Starfleet universe. Immensely engaging, this list will satisfy the curiosity of those seeking depth and perspective into their favorite characters while tracing the cherished legacy of Star Trek.

However, this engaging exploration isn’t just a monologue. We want our opinion. Are you fascinated by the stoicism of Jean-Luc Picard or intrigued by the duality of Data? Here, your opinion matters. Cast your vote for your favorite character and become a part of an enriching, collective conversation on this beloved franchise.

Commence your celestial journey with us as you dig deeper into the intricacies and marvels of the Star Trek universe. Participate, discover, and contribute to the shared passion for one of sci-fi’s greatest phenoms. 

James T. Kirk

Captain James T. Kirk, the iconic protagonist of the Star Trek universe, is a highly innovative and passionate leader who never shies away from taking risks. Known for his unwavering dedication to his crew and the ideals of the United Federation of Planets, Kirk's cunning mind, strategic thinking, and exceptional diplomatic skills set him apart from other Starfleet captains. His ability to think outside the box and make split-second decisions in critical situations solidifies his reputation as one of the most legendary characters in the Star Trek franchise.

The half-human, half-Vulcan First Officer of the USS Enterprise, Spock represents the epitome of stoicism, logic, and reason. Often struggling with the dichotomy between his Vulcan and human heritage, he brings an unparalleled level of intellect and curiosity to the crew while grappling with his emotions. His unwavering loyalty and deep understanding of both cultures make Spock not only a vital asset to the crew but also a symbol of unity and harmony between two seemingly disparate worlds. His unique upbringing and commitment to logic have made Spock one of the most beloved and enduring characters in the Star Trek universe.

Montgomery Scott

Affectionately known as "Scotty," Montgomery Scott is the brilliant and resourceful Chief Engineer of the USS Enterprise. With his unmistakable Scottish accent, wit, and humor, Scotty consistently saves the day by performing seemingly impossible engineering miracles. His uncanny ability to push the boundaries of the ship's systems, coupled with his unwavering loyalty to Captain Kirk and the rest of the crew, makes him an indispensable member of the Enterprise. Scotty's optimistic attitude and steadfast dedication to his work have endeared him to Star Trek fans throughout the years.

Nyota Uhura

A groundbreaking character for her time, Lieutenant Nyota Uhura serves as the Communications Officer aboard the USS Enterprise. Her linguistic and interpersonal skills play a significant role in fostering understanding between different races and cultures. As one of the first Black women to hold a central role in a major television series, Uhura broke barriers and shattered stereotypes during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. Her poise, intelligence, and strength continue to serve as an inspiration for women and people of color in the science fiction genre and beyond.

Hikaru Sulu

As the talented Helmsman of the USS Enterprise, Hikaru Sulu is known for his calm demeanor and exceptional piloting abilities. His passion for botany, fencing, and astrophysics showcases his well-rounded personality and diverse interests outside of his Starfleet duties. Sulu's portrayal as a competent Asian character during a time of Hollywood whitewashing broke racial barriers, paving the way for greater representation and diversity onscreen. His quiet confidence, strong moral compass, and ability to navigate complex situations make Sulu a fan favorite and a staple of the Star Trek universe.

Leonard McCoy

Gruff yet compassionate, Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy serves as the Enterprise's Chief Medical Officer. A skilled physician with a penchant for metaphors, Bones is often the voice of reason and humanity on the crew, reminding them of the ethical implications of their actions. His tumultuous yet endearing friendship with Spock provides a unique balance between logic and emotion that is rarely seen on television. Despite his grumbles and sharp wit, McCoy's unwavering concern for the wellbeing of his patients and crewmates solidifies him as a beloved and integral character.

Pavel Chekov

The young and enthusiastic Russian navigator of the Enterprise, Ensign Pavel Chekov brings a vibrant energy and eagerness to the crew. With his thick accent and unwavering patriotism, Chekov often serves as comic relief while providing valuable insights and ingenuity in critical situations. His youthful perspective and relentless loyalty to the crew, coupled with his exceptional problem-solving abilities, make him an indispensable and charismatic addition to the Star Trek universe.

Christopher Pike

Captain Christopher Pike, the original captain of the USS Enterprise before James T. Kirk, is a thoughtful and decisive leader with a strong moral compass. Known for his keen ability to judge character and motivate his crew, Pike serves as a mentor and guiding force for the younger members of Starfleet. His willingness to take risks for the greater good and unwavering dedication to the Starfleet ideals set an inspiring precedent for future captains. With his calm demeanor and tactical prowess, Captain Pike remains a revered and influential figure in the Star Trek universe.

A prominent Vulcan ambassador and Spock's father, Sarek embodies the intellect and stoicism characteristic of his race. Though he struggles with the emotional consequences of marrying a human woman, Amanda Grayson, his commitment to diplomacy and the pursuit of knowledge remains steadfast. Sarek's influence on Spock's upbringing is evident in his son's sense of honor and dedication to reason, making him an essential figure in shaping one of the franchise's most enduring characters. Despite his cool exterior, Sarek's complicated relationship with his family adds depth and complexity to his persona, solidifying his status as a beloved Star Trek character.

Amanda Grayson

The human wife of Sarek and mother of Spock, Amanda Grayson is a symbol of the potential for unity and understanding between different species and cultures. Her compassion, empathy, and love for her family serve as a powerful contrast to the Vulcan detachment and logic that often surrounds her. Amanda's influence on Spock is evident in his emotional growth throughout the series, as she encourages him to embrace his humanity and become a more well-rounded individual. Her quiet strength and unwavering love for her son make Amanda Grayson an essential and compelling character within the Star Trek universe.

Starfleet Computer

The Starfleet Computer is an indispensable component of the USS Enterprise, providing crucial information and analysis to the crew in their various missions and adventures. Capable of processing vast amounts of data in mere seconds, this advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system exemplifies the technological prowess of the Star Trek universe. With its neutral yet authoritative voice, the Starfleet Computer serves as a reliable source of knowledge and guidance for the crew, often assisting them in navigating complex situations and overcoming challenges. While not a typical character in the traditional sense, the Starfleet Computer is an iconic presence that greatly contributes to the distinctiveness of the franchise.

George Samuel Kirk, Sr.

The father of James T. Kirk, George Samuel Kirk, Sr., plays a pivotal role in shaping his son's character and values, even though his presence in the series is brief. As the First Officer of the USS Kelvin, George demonstrates bravery, self-sacrifice, and dedication to his crew by staying behind during the evacuation to save countless lives, including his wife and newborn son. His heroic actions leave a lasting impression on Kirk, inspiring him to follow in his father's footsteps and join Starfleet. The legacy of George Samuel Kirk establishes a strong foundation for the protagonist's journey, making him a significant figure within the Star Trek canon.

The Romulans, an enigmatic and cunning race, serve as one of the most formidable adversaries in the Star Trek universe. Characterized by their pointed ears, sharp eyebrows, and militaristic society, Romulans are driven by a desire for power and territorial expansion, often employing deception and subterfuge to achieve their goals. Despite their antagonistic role, the complex and nuanced portrayal of individual Romulans, such as Commander Sela and Senator Vreenak, adds depth and intrigue to the franchise. Ultimately, the Romulans represent the darker side of ambition and secrecy, albeit with glimmers of hope for peace and understanding.

Nero, a Romulan mining ship captain turned vengeful villain in Star Trek (2009) , serves as a testament to the devastating influence of grief and loss on an individual's actions. Driven by the destruction of his home planet and the death of his family, Nero's quest for vengeance against Spock and the Federation leads him down a path of ruthless destruction. His single-minded obsession and disregard for the lives of others makes him a formidable antagonist. However, the emotional backstory underlying his actions also highlights the complexities inherent in all beings, regardless of their race or allegiance.

Nero's wife

Although her presence is brief and mostly in flashbacks, Nero's wife Amandine plays a vital role in the development of Star Trek (2009)'s primary antagonist. Her tragic death during Romulus's destruction serves as the catalyst for her husband's descent into madness and vengeance, fueling his desire to punish the world he sees as responsible. The deep love and devotion Nero feels for his wife are testaments to the character's humanity, providing a glimpse of vulnerability beneath his hardened exterior. As such, Amandine serves as a symbol of the transformative power of love and heartbreak within the Star Trek universe.

Vulcan Bully #1

Appearing in Star Trek (2009) , the character of the Vulcan Bully illustrates the challenges faced by young Spock in his formative years, highlighting his struggle to reconcile his dual heritage. Despite the common perception that Vulcans are solely driven by logic and devoid of emotion, the bullies reveal that even this seemingly stoic race can fall prey to more base instincts such as prejudice and cruelty. The actions of the Vulcan Bully push Spock to explore his human side and ultimately become the multifaceted character we know and love. The presence of this character underscores the complexities that lie beneath the surface of the Vulcan race.

Captain Robau

Though his time onscreen is brief, Captain Richard Robau of the USS Kelvin plays a crucial role in the opening moments of Star Trek (2009) . When faced with the threat of Nero's ship, Captain Robau demonstrates bravery and selflessness by agreeing to leave his crew and board the enemy vessel in an attempt to negotiate peace. His unflinching dedication to his command and willingness to sacrifice himself for the safety of others serve as a prime example of the leadership qualities that define Starfleet captains. Robau's actions set a tone of heroism and duty that resonates throughout the film and the franchise as a whole.

Barracks Leader

The Barracks Leader in Star Trek (2009) serves as an authoritative figure within the Starfleet Academy, responsible for maintaining order and discipline among the cadets. While his role may be minimal, his presence establishes the structured environment and expectations placed upon those training to join the ranks of Starfleet officers. As a supportive figure, the Barracks Leader helps to guide young cadets like James T. Kirk on their paths to becoming the leaders and heroes of the future. His role underscores the importance of mentorship and guidance in the development of the franchise's beloved characters.

Winona Kirk

As the mother of James T. Kirk, Winona Kirk's influence on her son's life cannot be overstated. In the face of tragedy and loss, Winona demonstrates resilience and courage, raising Kirk and his brother in the aftermath of their father's death. Her strength and fortitude in the face of adversity inspire Kirk's own determination and drive to succeed in Starfleet. Although her appearance in the series is limited, Winona Kirk stands as a testament to the power of maternal love and endurance in shaping the lives of her children.

Gaila, an Orion woman attending Starfleet Academy in Star Trek (2009) , is a minor character who adds an element of intrigue to the film. As the roommate of Uhura, Gaila represents the diversity of species and cultures present within the Star Trek universe, particularly within the ranks of Starfleet. Her brief interactions with Kirk and Uhura also serve to showcase her intelligence and ambition, traits essential for success in the demanding environment of the Academy. Gaila's presence, though fleeting, highlights Star Trek's commitment to inclusivity and the celebration of unique individuals from all walks of life.

Admiral Richard Barnett

As the Superintendent of Starfleet Academy, Admiral Richard Barnett serves as an imposing presence and symbol of authority in Star Trek (2009) . His stern demeanor and high expectations for new recruits showcase the level of dedication required for a successful career in Starfleet. Additionally, his ability to recognize potential in cadets, such as Kirk, speaks to his keen understanding of the qualities necessary for leadership. Admiral Barnett's role is essential in reinforcing the discipline, commitment, and determination that define the Star Trek universe's most respected officers.

The Wrong Orion

The Wrong Orion, played by Rachel Nichols in Star Trek (2009), is an intriguing character who serves as an essential catalyst for the film's events, making her one of the best Star Trek characters to date. As the enigmatic and exotic green-skinned beauty, Nichols expertly captures the allure associated with the Orion race. However, she also brings a sense of vulnerability and depth to her character, highlighting the fact that she is more than just a stereotype. The Wrong Orion's presence on-screen not only adds intrigue and excitement to the plot but also challenges our preconceived notions of the Orions, enabling her character to leave an indelible mark on the Star Trek universe.

Ayel, Nero's second-in-command in Star Trek (2009) , serves as a loyal and ruthless supporter of his captain's quest for vengeance. The unwavering devotion he displays toward Nero's cause, even in the face of destruction, speaks to the strong bonds formed among Romulan comrades in their militaristic society. Ayel's fierce fighting skills and cunning tactics make him a dangerous adversary for the Enterprise crew. This character's blind loyalty serves as a stark contrast to the more nuanced relationships and moral compasses exhibited by the protagonists, emphasizing the complexities of friendship and allegiance within the Star Trek universe.

In Star Trek (2009) , Johnny is a childhood friend of James T. Kirk, providing insight into the protagonist's early life and experiences. Growing up in rural Iowa, Johnny's rebellious nature and youthful antics are mirrored by Kirk, offering glimpses of the future captain's defiant spirit and daring attitude. This character serves as a reminder that even legendary figures like Kirk have humble origins, highlighting the potential for growth and development in anyone. Although a minor character, Johnny's role in shaping Kirk's formative years adds depth to the franchise's beloved protagonist.

Kelvin Doctor

The Kelvin Doctor, portrayed by Sonita Henry in Star Trek (2009), is a fantastic character who proves that even small roles can have a significant impact. As the chief medical officer aboard the USS Kelvin, her character represents the compassionate and capable nature of Starfleet medical officers, despite the chaos unfolding around them. Henry's powerful portrayal of the Kelvin Doctor in the opening scenes provides the audience with an incredibly intense and emotional introduction to the rebooted Star Trek universe. This incredible performance cements the Kelvin Doctor as a standout character among the pantheon of Star Trek greats.  

The Iowa Cop in Star Trek (2009) represents authority and law on Earth, contrasting with the interstellar focus of most characters in the series. Encountering a young James T. Kirk during one of his more reckless moments, the interaction between the two showcases Kirk's defiance and struggle to find his path in life before joining Starfleet. The Iowa Cop's presence emphasizes the importance of choices and consequences in shaping one's future, a theme that resonates throughout the Star Trek universe. Though a minor character, his brief appearance reminds audiences that even Earth-bound concerns play a role in the larger narrative of the series.

Med Evac Pilot

In Star Trek (2009) , the Med Evac Pilot's role is small but significant, as he helps transport an injured George Samuel Kirk, Sr. to safety. Despite the chaos and uncertainty of their circumstances, the pilot demonstrates courage and professionalism under pressure. His actions contribute to the foundations of the Kirk family saga and the heroics that would define James T. Kirk's life. In the grand tapestry of the Star Trek universe, characters like the Med Evac Pilot emphasize the importance of teamwork and bravery in the face of adversity.

Lew the Bartender

Lew the Bartender, played by the late Jeremy Roberts in Star Trek: Voyager, is a unique addition to the long list of memorable Star Trek personalities. Providing a human touch within the heart of the Delta Quadrant, Lew's character exemplifies the idea that despite being lightyears away from home, some things remain constant - like a friendly face tending the bar. The engaging storytelling nature of his character manages to create a profound connection between the crew and the audience. Through Lew the Bartender's warm demeanor and quick wit, Roberts brings a sense of warmth and familiarity to the otherwise unpredictable and often hostile environment of the Delta Quadrant.  

Kelvin Helmsman

Kelvin Helmsman, portrayed by Greg Ellis in Star Trek (2009), is an exceptional character you can't help but appreciate. As the helmsman aboard the USS Kelvin, his character showcases a combination of unwavering loyalty and dedication to duty, even in the face of imminent danger. In what could have been a minor role, Ellis manages to imbue the character with a sense of purpose and skill that makes him stand out among the crew. Furthermore, the Kelvin Helmsman's actions under pressure leave an indelible mark on the audience, reinforcing his position as one of the best Star Trek characters of all time.  

Romulan Helmsman

The Romulan Helmsman serves as an integral member of Nero's crew in Star Trek (2009) , expertly navigating the villain's formidable ship through challenging situations. Although not a primary focus of the story, his contributions to Nero's destructive mission hint at the skills and cunning of the Romulan race. As a loyal supporter of his captain's cause, the Romulan Helmsman's role showcases the strength of the bond between comrades in the face of adversity. His presence offers yet another dimension to the complexity and depth of the Star Trek universe.

• Entertainment
• Star Trek Universe
• Watchworthy
• Film Characters
• Fictional Characters

Live long, and prosper.

Screen Rant

Star trek writers break down that massive 'vulcan god' twist, new section 31 secrets, and more.

Writers Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing discuss the massive lore reveals in Star Trek #19 from IDW Publishing and what fans can expect next.

• Revealing T'Lir as an Organian adds depth to the godly theme in IDW's Star Trek series, enhancing the character's identity and Trek lore.
• Exploring advanced beings' interaction with humanity is core to Star Trek, setting up a grand, unified, and catastrophic story.
• Section 31's mysterious involvement and upcoming revelations promise an incredible and interwoven tale in the Star Trek universe.

The Star Trek universe is adding new characters and resurrecting old ones in its quest to deliver "the best Star Trek story ever told," and with its newest headline-making chapter, the IDW comic series is pulling no punches to achieve that goal.

With the latest issue of the series dropping more than one lore-changing bombshell in the true, 'divine' nature of Sisko's Vulcan crew member T'Lir, a new twist in the shadowy operations of Section 31, and Captain Benjamin Sisko's own mission from the Prophets, fans are reeling. So Screen Rant asked the writers themselves, Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, to break down the newest reveals.

Needless to say, there will be SPOILERS for Star Trek #19 ahead!

SR: One of the new series' biggest mysteries has finally been solved: the true identity (and nature) of the Vulcan T'Lir. When did you decide to bring the Organians back into this story? What was it about their previous appearances in Tre k?

Jackson Lanzing: Finally, it can be told! T’Lir has secretly been an Organian from the very first outline - if we were going to make this a story about “gods,” it was extremely important for there to be a character on the ship who represented what that word actually meant. Incarnating them in a Vulcan body was also extremely important to us, as Star Trek always feels more like Star Trek with a Vulcan in the room, but it also gave us a great stereotype to begin breaking down - either as T’Lir cries when they see the crystalline entities for the first time, or when they keep repeating their mantra to stay grounded and corporeal. The audience could slowly be let into the secret… so that by the time we got to this reveal, it felt like it didn’t invalidate the character you knew, but rather enhanced them.

Collin Kelly: That question of whether T’Lir is the person the audience has grown to care about - and how much their Organian identity means to them - is right at the center of what makes this story tick. They didn’t just *become* a fully adult Vulcan - they were born, they were raised, they’ve lived a full life, all with the memory of another life - another person - under their skin. To help clue the audience in, every issue of this arc will feature a page from T’Lir’s personal journal, one they were keeping when they were still one of the Organians that were actually on the planet to meet Kirk and Spock during that species’ first appearance in “Errand of Mercy.” In those, readers will find a full story for T’Lir… one that will have huge consequences as we get to the end of this arc.

SR: So with one gigantic twist comes another: a journey to the Pleroma, why Sisko is forbidden from attending, and even a search for Wesley Crusher... what made these strands of god-level Trek lore stand out for you to dig into, and find spaces within the existing timeline to further flesh out?

Jackson Lanzing: That interaction between advanced beings and evolved humanity is at the very core of what makes Star Trek, well, Star Trek. It’s been there since the first two episodes - “The Cage” tells us all about how technology might be used to dominate us and change our very reality, while “Where No Man Has Gone Before” asks us what it means for a human to achieve that kind of reality-warping power. We knew from the start that this would be the center of our run.

Collin Kelly: Exactly. These were plot lines that we have wanted to dive into since the very first outline - in fact, of all the stories we planned to tell, “Pleroma” is the tale most crucial to paying off the first arc and establishing momentum for what comes next. As for Wesley, we owe that entirely to PICARD - while we always knew that Wesley became a Traveler, the world only recently learned that the Travelers are ALSO part of the Supervisors, which we established in Star Trek: Year Five as the leadership of the time-and-space caretakers known as Aegis. Now, Aegis was our villain in Year Five - which folks can read in the extraordinary hardcovers IDW has begun releasing - but their context has changed after that story. Are they friend, foe, or something in between? With Beverly on our crew, and the blessing of Paramount, the opportunity to reunite mother and (first born) child was too good to pass up. Jackson Lanzing: As for why Sisko *very specifically* isn’t invited to this gathering of Gods… read on.

Bringing in a new plot involving Section 31 is a bombshell on its own, but to name that character "Sloan," and recruiting one of Sisko's crew?! For the fans who already know the group's deal, what about this new wrinkle do you want fans to be asking, speculating, or worrying about until the next issue?

Jackson Lanzing: As with everything Section 31, that is extremely classified. What I’ll note is the character’s not named Sloan - they just use Sloan’s authorization. Maybe he’s gained a certain notoriety among the Section 31 agent community? Maybe there are those who wish he’d been able to go further? Collin Kelly: As for what’s going on with Section 31, fans might actually find more of a hint in the distant past than in their recent actions in the Dominion War…

SR: Your editor Heather Antos has teased that the next chapter of your Star Trek opus will go "beyond the human mind's wildest imagination." That's a grand scope, so any further details or teases you can offer about where these next chapters fit into the larger Trek tapestry?

Collin Kelly: First you ask about Section 31, then you ask about secrets? Is this a set up!? What we can say is that this arc is the start of something incredible - not just for our book, but for the casts of Star Trek: Defiant and Sons of Star Trek as well. This line is truly telling an interwoven story - and the time is drawing near to reveal the secret shape of what’s to come. Jackson Lanzing: You don’t tell a story about the fragile nature of spacetime without breaking a few realities. Strap in - there’s never been a Star Trek story as grand, as unified, or as catastrophic as the one we’re building to. You thought Day of Blood was a big event? You ain’t seen nothing yet.

Star Trek #19 is available now from IDW Publishing.

Star Trek is one of pop culture's biggest multimedia franchises, spanning multiple movies, TV shows, books, comics, video games, and various other media. The franchise was created by Gene Roddenberry and started with the 1960s TV series starring William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. Over the decades, several equally popular series have come out since as Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Discovery.

• View history

T'Lyn was a Vulcan female who lived during the 24th century . She served in the Vulcan High Command aboard the Vulcan cruiser VCF Sh'vhal until 2381 , when she was transferred to Starfleet and assigned to the USS Cerritos .

Her transfer was a result of conflict with her compatriots by her defiant (by Vulcan standards) willingness to allow her reasoning to be influenced by factors in addition to logic , such as intuition . Although the transfer was punitive, she came to feel more accepted on the Cerritos , resulting in her ultimately declining an offer to return to the Sh'vhal .

• 1 Early life
• 2.1 Sh'vhal
• 3.1 USS Cerritos
• 4.1 Appearances
• 4.2 Background information
• 4.3 External links

Early life [ ]

T'Lyn was born in 2319 . ( LD : " Empathological Fallacies ")

Vulcan career [ ]

Sh'vhal [ ].

By 2381, T'Lyn served on the Sh'vhal , where her crewmates had come to see her as "unstable" due to her tendency to act on factors other than logic, such as instinct and " gut feelings ". T'Lyn also happened to present herself differently in how she wore her uniform , choosing to forego wearing the sash belt that kept the outer robe enclosed.

T'Lyn enhanced the Sh'vhal 's long-range sensors by implementing personal algorithms , even though her assignment has been to monitor redundant tertiary impulse systems . When the enhanced sensors detected metreon particles in system 7743.8, she reported the anomaly and the ship changed course to investigate. However, T'Lyn was ordered by Captain Sokel to spend two days in meditation due to her behavior.

The Sh'vhal not only discovered that the metreon emissions had been caused by a Varuvian bomb detonated by Pakleds , but came across the Pakled Clumpship Pakled and the Klingon Bird of Prey Che'Ta' attacking the USS Cerritos . The Sh'vhal intervened and took fire from the Pakleds and Klingons, damaging its shields. T'Lyn offered Sokel a regenerative shield amplifier she had developed as a personal project. Though the protocol was untested, he implemented it, and shields rose to 120 % . The Che'ta' broke off its attack, and the Sh'vhal helped the Cerritos drive off the Pakleds.

In private, Sokel noted that T'Lyn's actions had likely saved the ship, but deemed her behavior unacceptable under his command. However, citing her lack of emotional control as a liability, he informed her that instead of having her returned to Vulcan as she expected, he had recommended that she be transferred to a Starfleet vessel, believing her instincts made her possibly a better fit to serve with Humans . Over her objection that she saw this as an unusually harsh punishment, he stated that his decision was final. ( LD : " wej Duj ")

Starfleet career [ ]

Uss cerritos [ ].

Ensign T'Lyn aboard the Cerritos .

In the year of her transfer to Starfleet, T'Lyn was assigned to the Cerritos , to be trained alongside Ensign D'Vana Tendi in the senior science officer training program and given the provisional rank of ensign. Although T'Lyn, having to seek out Tendi at the ship's bar as that's where most of the crew had gathered for a celebration, preferred a private discussion to begin her orientation, Tendi welcomed her with an exuberance the Vulcan did not expect and insisted on introducing the Vulcan to her friends to the point of literally dragging her by the hand to do so. ( LD : " The Stars At Night ")

T'Lyn would periodically send Sokel transmissions of her experiences onboard the Cerritos and her personal thoughts on them, particularly emphasizing if they were trying to her Vulcan sensibilities in an apparent effort to convince him to allow her to transfer back. ( LD : " Empathological Fallacies ")

Appendices [ ]

Appearances [ ].

• " wej Duj "
• " The Stars At Night "
• " In the Cradle of Vexilon "
• " Something Borrowed, Something Green "
• " Empathological Fallacies "
• " The Inner Fight "
• " Old Friends, New Planets "

Background information [ ]

T'Lyn was voiced by Gabrielle Ruiz .

Her name was derived from that of Kathryn Lyn , who wrote the episode in which the character first appeared. Lyn cosplayed at conventions for several years as a Vulcan named T'Lyn. [1]

According to Mike McMahan , T'Lyn was the Vulcan version of Beckett Mariner . ( LD Season 2 DVD , Lower Decktionary: Season 2 )

External links [ ]

• T'Lyn at StarTrek.com
• T'Lyn at Memory Beta , the wiki for licensed Star Trek works