Vulcans, sometimes referred to as Vulcanians, are a fictional
extraterrestrial humanoid
A humanoid (; from English ''human'' and '' -oid'' "resembling") is a non-human entity with human form or characteristics. By the 20th century, the term came to describe fossils which were morphologically similar, but not identical, to those of ...
species in the ''
Star Trek
''Star Trek'' is an American science fiction media franchise created by Gene Roddenberry, which began with the Star Trek: The Original Series, series of the same name and became a worldwide Popular culture, pop-culture Cultural influence of ...
''
media franchise
A media franchise, also known as a multimedia franchise, is a collection of related media in which several derivative works have been produced from an original creative work of fiction, such as a film, a work of literature, a television program, o ...
. They are noted for their strict adherence to
logic
Logic is the study of correct reasoning. It includes both formal and informal logic. Formal logic is the study of deductively valid inferences or logical truths. It examines how conclusions follow from premises based on the structure o ...
and
reason
Reason is the capacity of consciously applying logic by drawing valid conclusions from new or existing information, with the aim of seeking the truth. It is associated with such characteristically human activities as philosophy, religion, scien ...
and suppression of emotion. Known for their pronounced eyebrows and pointed ears, they originate from the fictional planet
Vulcan. In the ''Star Trek'' universe, they were the first extraterrestrial species to make
contact with humans.
The most notable Vulcan character is
Spock
Spock is a fictional Character (arts), character in the ''Star Trek'' media franchise. He first appeared in the Star Trek: The Original Series, original ''Star Trek'' series serving aboard the starship USS Enterprise (NCC-1701), USS ''Enterpri ...
, first played by actor
Leonard Nimoy
Leonard Simon Nimoy ( ; March 26, 1931 – February 27, 2015) was an American actor and director, famous for playing Spock in the ''Star Trek'' franchise for almost 50 years. This includes Development of Spock, originating Spock in Star Trek: T ...
in ''
Star Trek: The Original Series'' (1966–1969). Some aspects of this fictional alien race that have entered popular culture are their pointy ears, the
Vulcan salute
The Vulcan salute is a hand gesture popularized by the 1960s television series Star Trek: The Original Series, ''Star Trek''. It consists of a raised hand with the palm forward and the thumb extended, while the fingers are parted between the mid ...
, the
Vulcan nerve pinch
In the fictional ''Star Trek'' universe, the Vulcan nerve pinch is a fictional technique used mainly by Vulcan (Star Trek), Vulcans to render unconsciousness by pinching a pressure point at the base of the victim's neck.
Origin
The script for " ...
, and their adherence to logical thinking and disdain for emotion.
A 2019 journal article, ''Science Fiction and the Abolition of Man'' argued that many science fiction characters such as Vulcans of ''Star Trek'' are based on the ideas of ''
The Abolition of Man'' by
C. S. Lewis
Clive Staples Lewis (29 November 1898 – 22 November 1963) was a British writer, literary scholar and Anglican lay theologian. He held academic positions in English literature at both Magdalen College, Oxford (1925–1954), and Magdalen ...
.
Development
The Vulcan Mister Spock first appeared in the original 1965 ''Star Trek'' pilot, "
The Cage", shown to studio executives. Show creator
Gene Roddenberry
Eugene Wesley Roddenberry Sr. (August 19, 1921 – October 24, 1991) was an American television screenwriter and producer who created the science fiction series and fictional universe ''Star Trek.'' Born in El Paso, Texas, Roddenberry grew up ...
revealed in 1964 that he wanted an alien as part of the ship's crew, but knew that budget restraints would limit make-up choices. He chose actor
Leonard Nimoy
Leonard Simon Nimoy ( ; March 26, 1931 – February 27, 2015) was an American actor and director, famous for playing Spock in the ''Star Trek'' franchise for almost 50 years. This includes Development of Spock, originating Spock in Star Trek: T ...
because of his "high Slavic cheekbones and interesting face" and "with those cheekbones some sort of pointed ear might go well." Nimoy later commented that Roddenberry felt the presence of an alien would "establish that we were in the 23rd century and that interplanetary travel was an established fact."
Vulcan salute
The Vulcan salutation is that of the Jewish priestly blessing: a hand gesture consisting of a raised hand with the palm forward and the thumb extended, while the fingers are parted between the middle and ring finger. Typically, the phrase "live long and prosper" is uttered when making the salute, adapting the priestly blessing "may the Lord bless you and keep you." An appropriate reply would be to return the gesture and utter either "live long and prosper", or "peace and long life".
Biology
Physical characteristics
Vulcans are depicted as similar in appearance to humans, as budget constraints in ''The Original Series'' did not allow for elaborate make-up. All Vulcans have arched and upswept eyebrows and
pointy ears
Pointy ears or pointed ears are a characteristic of many animals, a genetic condition in humans, as well as a cliché in popular culture, particularly in the fantasy genre. They are commonly known as elf ears for their depiction in Peter Jackso ...
.
White
White is the lightest color and is achromatic (having no chroma). It is the color of objects such as snow, chalk, and milk, and is the opposite of black. White objects fully (or almost fully) reflect and scatter all the visible wa ...
actors portraying Vulcans are given a yellowish hue to their
skin
Skin is the layer of usually soft, flexible outer tissue covering the body of a vertebrate animal, with three main functions: protection, regulation, and sensation.
Other animal coverings, such as the arthropod exoskeleton, have different ...
. A Vulcan's on-screen blood is green due to copper-based
hemocyanin
Hemocyanins (also spelled haemocyanins and abbreviated Hc) are proteins that transport oxygen throughout the bodies of some invertebrate animals. These metalloproteins contain two copper atoms that reversibly bind a single oxygen molecule (O2 ...
. Vulcans are said to possess an inner eyelid, or
nictitating membrane
The nictitating membrane (from Latin '' nictare'', to blink) is a transparent or translucent third eyelid present in some animals that can be drawn across the eye from the medial canthus to protect and moisten it while maintaining vision. Most ...
, which protects their vision from bright light, an evolutionary trait developed due to the fictional planet Vulcan being so close to its sun.
In addition, their heart is located on the right side of the torso, between the ribs and pelvis; as
Dr. McCoy once says about Spock after the Vulcan has been shot through the chest: "Lucky his heart's where his liver should be, or he'd be dead now."
Diet
Vulcans are
vegetarians by choice and were
omnivore
An omnivore () is an animal that regularly consumes significant quantities of both plant and animal matter. Obtaining energy and nutrients from plant and animal matter, omnivores digest carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber, and metabolize t ...
s in ages past. It is a Vulcan custom for guests in the home to prepare meals for their hosts.
Vulcans are said to not drink alcohol, though they are often depicted as doing so.
In an episode of ''
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'',
Quark
A quark () is a type of elementary particle and a fundamental constituent of matter. Quarks combine to form composite particles called hadrons, the most stable of which are protons and neutrons, the components of atomic nucleus, atomic nuclei ...
alludes to Vulcans becoming inebriated by ingesting
chocolate
Chocolate is a food made from roasted and ground cocoa beans that can be a liquid, solid, or paste, either by itself or to flavoring, flavor other foods.
Cocoa beans are the processed seeds of the cacao tree (''Theobroma cacao''); unprocesse ...
. This is confirmed in the novelisation of
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. Kirk buys some candy to get change for the bus. When he gives one to Spock, Spock asks if it contains sucrose. When Kirk asks why, Spock tells him that sucrose has the same effect on Vulcans as alcohol has on humans.
The first draft of an episode of ''
Star Trek: Voyager'' mentions that Vulcan coffee is poisonous to humans.
Mating drive
Every seven years, Vulcan males and females experience an overpowering
hormone
A hormone (from the Ancient Greek, Greek participle , "setting in motion") is a class of cell signaling, signaling molecules in multicellular organisms that are sent to distant organs or tissues by complex biological processes to regulate physio ...
imbalance known as pon farr. Once triggered, a Vulcan must have
sexual intercourse
Sexual intercourse (also coitus or copulation) is a sexual activity typically involving the insertion of the Erection, erect male Human penis, penis inside the female vagina and followed by Pelvic thrust, thrusting motions for sexual pleasure ...
with someone or the chemical imbalance may cause insanity, loss of self-control, and death.
Despite popular opinion, ''TOS'' writer and story editor,
D. 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 that are not seven years apart.
If a mate is not available, there are other ways to relieve the effects of the pon farr, including
meditation
Meditation is a practice in which an individual uses a technique to train attention and awareness and detach from reflexive, "discursive thinking", achieving a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state, while not judging the meditat ...
, violence, "shock", and simulation.
Other characteristics
Vulcans are typically depicted as stronger, faster, and longer-lived than humans. This is hypothesized to be due to the increased gravity on Vulcan (1.4 ''g''). However, Vulcans are less cold-tolerant than humans. There are instances of them living over 220 years.
Having evolved on a fictional
desert planet, Vulcans can survive without water for longer periods than humans.
Vulcans can also go without sleep for as long as two weeks.
Psychology
Emotion
Vulcans are known as logical beings who have removed emotions from their daily lives. The Vulcan character, Spock, struggles with this throughout the original series as he is half-human.
T'Pol
T'Pol () is a fictional character in the ''Star Trek'' franchise. Portrayed by Jolene Blalock in the series ''Star Trek: Enterprise'', she is a Vulcan (Star Trek), Vulcan who serves as the science officer aboard the starship ''Enterprise (NX-01 ...
states that
paranoia
Paranoia is an instinct or thought process that is believed to be heavily influenced by anxiety, suspicion, or fear, often to the point of delusion and irrationality. Paranoid thinking typically includes persecutory beliefs, or beliefs of co ...
and homicidal rage were common on
Vulcan before the adoption of
Surak
Surak is a fictional character in the backstory of the ''Star Trek'' television series and franchises. He is portrayed as the most important philosopher in the history of the planet Vulcan (Star Trek), Vulcan. During an Earth-like "modern age", ...
's code of emotional control.
Surak's ideas were that all Vulcans should suppress emotions, for the safety of the species. Before him, Vulcans were dangerously raging, emotional, war-like and religiously fanatical, to the point that
it could have threatened the continuation of their society and species. Then, around the 4th century BC, he created a system revolving around these ideas, intended to create a peaceful society. Some Vulcans disagreed, unfortunately, causing a war to break out. The two sides separated, causing the emotional ones to become Romulans and the logical ones to become what is referred to as modern-day Vulcans. Vulcans still possess and experience emotions, but make great efforts to keep them from being expressed or controlling their behavior. They occasionally have mental breakdowns. Only those who follow the discipline of ''kolinahr'' have completely purged all emotions from their minds. Spock, in ''
Star Trek: The Motion Picture'', attempts to achieve ''kolinahr'', but ultimately fails to do so.
Other Vulcans who did not believe in war but still wanted to embrace emotions made different choices. 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 alternative timeline who had embraced emotion and allowed her half-human son, Lorian, to do likewise.
In the 1st pilot episode, "
The Cage", Spock showed much more emotion. For the second pilot, "
Where No Man Has Gone Before
"Where no man has gone before" is a phrase made popular through its use in the title sequence of the original 1966–1969 ''Star Trek'' science fiction television series, describing the mission of the starship ''Enterprise''. The complete int ...
",
Number OneSpock's superior officer, who showed little emotionwas removed, and it was decided that Spock would take on those traits.
Vulcan emotions are seemingly more intense than those of humans. In the TNG episode ''
Sarek'', Ambassador
Sarek warns
Captain Picard that "Vulcan emotions are extremely intense; we have learned to suppress them", and that Picard would be overwhelmed by Sarek's unrestrained emotions due to the effects of Bendii syndrome while the two are linked during a Vulcan mind-meld. Picard does, in fact, have tremendous difficulty controlling himself while experiencing Sarek's emotions during the meld, including the ambassador's suppressed loves and hidden regrets.
Telepathy
Vulcans are
telepaths. Beginning in the original series, the character Spock was able to "mind meld" (see below) by touching another being and to share thoughts. Vulcans have also displayed telepathy at great distance and through walls.
Mind melds
A mind meld is a technique for sharing thoughts, experiences, memories, and knowledge with another individual, essentially a limited form of
telepathy
Telepathy () is the purported vicarious transmission of information from one person's mind to another's without using any known human sensory channels or physical interaction. The term was first coined in 1882 by the classical scholar Frederic ...
. It usually requires physical contact with a subject, though instances of mind melds without contact have been seen. When first depicted in the ''TOS'' episode "
Dagger of the Mind
"Dagger of the Mind" is the ninth episode of the first season of the American science fiction television series ''Star Trek''. Written by Shimon Wincelberg (under the pen name "S. Bar-David") and directed by Vincent McEveety, it first aired ...
", the procedure was said to require several moments of intense concentration and preparation. However, subsequent episodes show contact between minds occurring almost immediately. Although most often seen done with humanoids, mind melds can be performed with members of other species. Spock even once successfully mind melded with a machine and was able to establish telepathic contact with the space probe V'ger, with silicon-based lifeform, the Horta, and, in another instance, with a
humpback whale
The humpback whale (''Megaptera novaeangliae'') is a species of baleen whale. It is a rorqual (a member of the family Balaenopteridae) and is the monotypic taxon, only species in the genus ''Megaptera''. Adults range in length from and weigh u ...
.
Mind melds can be used both to erase and restore memories; Spock performs each of these on
Captain Kirk
James Tiberius Kirk, often known as Captain Kirk, is a fictional character in the ''Star Trek'' media franchise. Originally played by Canadian actor William Shatner, Kirk first appeared in ''Star Trek'' serving aboard the starship USS ''Enterp ...
during ''TOS''s third season. A mind meld was even used to rejoin Spock's ''
katra'' (see below) with his physical body in ''
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock''. Mind melds can also allow more than one mind to experience memories and sensations, and sometimes even interact with the memories. Some species are able to resist mind melds.
The quad-lobed brain structure of Ferengi make them unable to be telepathically read by other species, and with sufficient training and mental discipline, high-level Cardassian military personnel and/or agents of the Obsidian Order are able to resist mind melds used to extract information. For example, when Gul Dukat was captured by the Maquis, he successfully resisted a prolonged mind meld attempt from a female Vulcan Maquis member, much to the latter's frustration.
Katra
Vulcans are able to implant their "katra" into another person via a mind meld just before death.
Sarek explained to
Kirk
Kirk is a Scottish and former Northern English word meaning 'church'. The term ''the Kirk'' is often used informally to refer specifically to the Church of Scotland, the Scottish national church that developed from the 16th-century Reformation ...
that Spock's katra was "his essence, everything that was not of the body, his katra, his living spirit...everything that he was, everything that he knew". He further explained that this transference was "the Vulcan way, when the body's end is near." Dr
Julian Bashir in the ''
DS9'' episode "
The Passenger" referred to this phenomenon as "synaptic pattern displacement". The ''
ENT'' Season 4 trilogy of episodes ("
The Forge", "
Awakening", and "
Kir'Shara
"Kir'Shara" is the ninth episode of the fourth season of the American science fiction television series '' Star Trek: Enterprise''. It was writer Michael Sussman's third episode of the season, while it was director David Livingston's second ...
") reveal some of the history of mind-melding and the journey of the katra of
Surak
Surak is a fictional character in the backstory of the ''Star Trek'' television series and franchises. He is portrayed as the most important philosopher in the history of the planet Vulcan (Star Trek), Vulcan. During an Earth-like "modern age", ...
to modern times.
Katra can also be used to transfer a Vulcan's healing ability to another to aid in regeneration for serious injury.
Sarek transferred some of his katra to
Michael Burnham (
''DIS'' Season 1, Episode 6, "Lethe") in order to save her life as a child, which connected Michael to Sarek, and she refers to it as a "soul graft".
Katras can be returned to the body. Such was the case with
Spock
Spock is a fictional Character (arts), character in the ''Star Trek'' media franchise. He first appeared in the Star Trek: The Original Series, original ''Star Trek'' series serving aboard the starship USS Enterprise (NCC-1701), USS ''Enterpri ...
, who, near the end of ''
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan'', implanted his katra into the mind of
Dr. McCoy before sacrificing his life. In ''
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock'', a mind meld ritual, the "fal tor pan" ("re-fusion"), removed the katra from McCoy and implanted it into Spock's regenerated body. The ritual was successful, though it carried risks for both.
Culture
Language
Vulcans have their own language in the ''Star Trek'' universe. Several words are heard throughout the various television series starting with the ''Star Trek: The Original Series'' episode "
Amok Time". Words and dialogue are heard in the feature films ''
Star Trek: The Motion Picture'', ''
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan'', ''
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock'' and ''
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier''.
Linguist
Marc Okrand
Marc Okrand (; born July 3, 1948) is an American linguist. His professional work is in Native American languages, and he is well known as the creator of the Klingon language in the ''Star Trek'' science fiction franchise.
Career
As a linguist, ...
is credited for creating the Vulcan spoken language for ''Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan''. As in most of the films, the actors filmed their lines in English which was later dubbed with the Vulcan translation.
Names
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
The apostrophe (, ) is a punctuation mark, and sometimes a diacritical mark, in languages that use the Latin alphabet and some other alphabets. In English, the apostrophe is used for two basic purposes:
* The marking of the omission of one o ...
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
Eugene Wesley Roddenberry Sr. (August 19, 1921 – October 24, 1991) was an American television screenwriter and producer who created the science fiction series and fictional universe ''Star Trek.'' Born in El Paso, Texas, Roddenberry grew up ...
(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 "Spook", "Spilk" and "Spork".)
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 is officially described as being only Latin-alphabetical and English-phonetic approximations of the real ones. In the ''TOS'' episode "
This Side of Paradise", Spock is asked if he has another name, to which he replies "You couldn't pronounce it."
Marriage
Vulcans practice
arranged marriage
Arranged marriage is a type of Marriage, marital union where the bride and groom are primarily selected by individuals other than the couple themselves, particularly by family members such as the parents. In some cultures, a professional matchmaki ...
,
in which a male and a female are bonded as children, with consummation at a later date.
Spock
Spock is a fictional Character (arts), character in the ''Star Trek'' media franchise. He first appeared in the Star Trek: The Original Series, original ''Star Trek'' series serving aboard the starship USS Enterprise (NCC-1701), USS ''Enterpri ...
explains that this childhood pairing has no one-for-one human analogue, as it is considered less than a full "marriage", but more than simply a "betrothal". This is why Spock first described T'Pring as his "wife", before later explaining that this was an incorrect approximation. 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.
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. Alternatively, 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
Divorce (also known as dissolution of marriage) is the process of terminating a marriage or marital union. Divorce usually entails the canceling or reorganising of the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage, thus dissolving the M ...
). 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.
While most Vulcan marriages are arranged in childhood, adult Vulcans who have no mates may also declare the "koon-ut-so-lik", the ritual Vulcan marriage proposal. As with arranged marriages, the Vulcan being proposed to may accept or challenge the union.
Family
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
Tuvok is a fictional character in the ''Star Trek'' media franchise and a main character in the television series '' Star Trek: Voyager''. Tuvok is a Vulcan who serves as the ship's second officer, Chief of Security, and Chief Tactical Officer ...
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
T'Pol () is a fictional character in the ''Star Trek'' franchise. Portrayed by Jolene Blalock in the series ''Star Trek: Enterprise'', she is a Vulcan (Star Trek), Vulcan who serves as the science officer aboard the starship ''Enterprise (NX-01 ...
and her mother, T'Les. The bond between Spock and his adopted sister,
Michael Burnham, is a central theme of the ''
Star Trek: Discovery'' second season.
Fighting and self-defense
In the ''TOS'' episode "
The Savage Curtain",
Surak
Surak is a fictional character in the backstory of the ''Star Trek'' television series and franchises. He is portrayed as the most important philosopher in the history of the planet Vulcan (Star Trek), Vulcan. During an Earth-like "modern age", ...
explains to Kirk Vulcan's history of violence and the turn to peace that saved their civilization. He tells Kirk that he will not fight. Spock says that he has fought, and will fight again, but that he, too, is a "Vulcan, bred to peace."
Vulcan nerve pinch
Vulcans are capable of a technique known as the "
Vulcan nerve pinch
In the fictional ''Star Trek'' universe, the Vulcan nerve pinch is a fictional technique used mainly by Vulcan (Star Trek), Vulcans to render unconsciousness by pinching a pressure point at the base of the victim's neck.
Origin
The script for " ...
" or "neck pinch", which targets a location on the neck between the head and the shoulder that renders the victim unconscious. The pinch was first seen in the ''TOS'' episode "
The Naked Time". The mechanics of the pinch have never been explained. While practiced mainly by Vulcans, it is apparently not exclusive to their race.
Jonathan Archer
Jonathan Archer is a fictional character in the ''Star Trek'' franchise. He is one of the protagonists of the television series '' Star Trek: Enterprise'', where he was portrayed by Scott Bakula.
Archer was the commanding officer of the fir ...
and
Jean-Luc Picard both use the technique after becoming involved in Vulcan telepathic rituals (Archer holding the katra of Surak, Picard having undergone a
mind-meld
Vulcans, sometimes referred to as Vulcanians, are a fictional Extraterrestrial life, extraterrestrial humanoid species in the ''Star Trek'' media franchise. They are noted for their strict adherence to logic and reason and suppression of emot ...
with
Sarek).
Seven of Nine
Seven of Nine (born Annika Hansen) is a fictional character introduced in the American science fiction television series '' Star Trek: Voyager''. Portrayed by Jeri Ryan, she is a former Borg drone who joins the crew of the Federation starship ...
is depicted as capable of using this ability in the episode of ''Voyager'' "
The Raven
"The Raven" is a narrative poem by American writer Edgar Allan Poe. First published in January 1845, the poem is often noted for its musicality, stylized language and supernatural atmosphere. It tells of a distraught lover who is paid a visit ...
". The android
Data
Data ( , ) are a collection of discrete or continuous values that convey information, describing the quantity, quality, fact, statistics, other basic units of meaning, or simply sequences of symbols that may be further interpreted for ...
also displayed this ability in the ''TNG'' episode "
Unification, Part II," which Spock described as "not bad." In Star Trek: Discovery, Michael Burnham does the nerve pinch on Captain Philippa Georgiou and commits mutiny.
The neck pinch itself (referred to in scripts as "FSNP", or "Famous Spock Neck Pinch") was created by Leonard Nimoy, who objected to a scene in "
The Enemy Within", in which a transporter malfunction had divided Kirk between his good and evil selves, that required Spock to render the "evil" Kirk unconscious and subduing him by hitting him over the head with the butt of a phaser. Nimoy was convinced that such overt violence, in addition to being too similar to that found in many crime dramas of the time, was uncharacteristic of the strictly-logical Spock, and suggested the neck pinch as a less-emotional alternative.
IDIC
In ''Star Trek'', the IDIC (Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations) has become a symbol of Vulcan equality philosophy. It is symbolized by the "Kol-Ut-Shan", a
pendant
A pendant is a loose-hanging piece of jewellery, generally attached by a small loop to a necklace, which may be known as a "pendant necklace". A pendant earring is an earring with a piece hanging down. Its name stems from the Latin word ...
of yellow and white gold with a circle and triangle resting upon each other, and adorned with a white jewel in the center.
The Vulcan IDIC pendant was designed by
Gene Roddenberry
Eugene Wesley Roddenberry Sr. (August 19, 1921 – October 24, 1991) was an American television screenwriter and producer who created the science fiction series and fictional universe ''Star Trek.'' Born in El Paso, Texas, Roddenberry grew up ...
as a marketing premium to be sold through
mail order
Mail order is the buying of goods or services by mail delivery. The buyer places an order for the desired products with the merchant through some remote methods such as:
* Sending an order form in the mail
* Placing an order by telephone call
...
to ''Star Trek'' fans. As early as the end of the first season, fans of the show had begun writing the studio asking for copies of the scripts, film clip frames, etc., and these were soon sold through Roddenberry's mail order company,
Lincoln Enterprises
Lincoln Enterprises, formerly Star Trek Enterprises, was a mail-order company set up by Bjo Trimble and Gene Roddenberry to sell merchandise related to the American science fiction television series ''Star Trek: The Original Series, Star Trek''. I ...
. As evidenced in some of his letters and memos, Roddenberry was fond of circle-and-triangle designs and had wanted to use them as early as the first season's "
The Return of the Archons". As reported by ''Inside Star Trek'' editor Ruth Berman, "ardent
rock hound and amateur
lapidary
Lapidary () is the practice of shaping rock (geology), stone, minerals, or gemstones into decorative items such as cabochons, engraved gems (including cameo (carving), cameos), and faceted designs. A person who practices lapidary techniques of ...
" Roddenberry came up with the Vulcan philosophy after he presented Leonard Nimoy with a unique hand-crafted piece of jewelry, a pendant of a polished yellow gold circle and a 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 Lincoln Enterprises mail order firm. It was noted that less expensive materials would keep costs down.
According to
William Shatner
William Shatner (born March 22, 1931) is a Canadian actor. In a career spanning seven decades, he is best known for his portrayal of James T. Kirk in the ''Star Trek'' franchise, from his 1966 debut as the captain of the starship USS Enterpri ...
in ''Star Trek Memories'', 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.
In an issue of ''
The Humanist
''The Humanist'' is an American bi-monthly magazine published in Washington, D.C. It was founded in 1941 by American Humanist Association. It covers topics in science, religion, media, technology, politics and popular culture and provides ethica ...
'',
Majel Barrett claimed that the philosophy of "Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations" was based on the teachings of Rabbi
Maimonides
Moses ben Maimon (1138–1204), commonly known as Maimonides (, ) and also referred to by the Hebrew acronym Rambam (), was a Sephardic rabbi and Jewish philosophy, philosopher who became one of the most prolific and influential Torah schola ...
.
Although its origins are rooted in marketing and sales, the IDIC became a theme writers and set designers have used in most of the ''Star Trek'' franchise. Spock wore the symbol during important gatherings and ceremonies as part of his
dress uniform
Full dress uniform, also known as a ceremonial dress uniform or parade dress uniform, is among the most formal wear, formal type of uniform used by military, police, firefighter, fire and other public uniformed services for official parade (mili ...
. After appearing for the first time in the ''TOS'' episode, "
Is There in Truth No Beauty?", it 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 an IDIC pendant from her mother T'Les, she holds an IDIC pendant in "
Terra Prime" while she is in mourning for her dying child, and in the episode "
The Andorian Incident" the IDIC symbol appears on small playing pieces that are being used to construct a map of the P'Jem catacombs. In the ''DS9'' episode "
The Jem'Hadar
"The Jem'Hadar" is the 26th and final episode in the second season of the syndicated American science fiction television series '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'', the 46th episode overall. It introduces the Jem'Hadar and the Vorta, two specie ...
", Quark mentions selling Vulcan IDIC pins, and in the ''DS9'' episode "
Take Me Out to the Holosuite", Captain Solok and his Vulcan team, the Logicians, wear ball caps featuring the IDIC symbol.
Homeworld
The fictional Vulcan homeworld, also named ''Vulcan,'' was visited several times in the ''Star Trek'' series and feature films. The inhabitants are known as "Vulcans" or "Vulcanians". First seen in the ''TOS'' episode "
Amok Time", Vulcan, a
Class M planet
In the ''Star Trek'' universe, a Class M planet is one habitable by humans and similar life forms. Earth, Vulcan, Romulus, and Qo'noS are examples of Class M planets. The planet needs an atmosphere of oxygen and nitrogen, should be close to a sta ...
, is an arid world with a thinner atmosphere than Earth. Upon beaming down, McCoy states "'Hot as Vulcan.' Now I understand what that phrase means." In the ''TOS'' episode "
The Man Trap", while Uhura is attempting to make conversation with Spock, he informs her that Vulcan has no moon.
According to Star Trek canon, the planet orbits
40 Eridani A. The authorized ''Star Trek'' book ''Star Trek: Star Charts''
and Roddenberry himself
give this location. In addition, Commander Tucker's statement in the ''
Star Trek: Enterprise'' episode "
Home
A home, or domicile, is a space used as a permanent or semi-permanent residence for one or more human occupants, and sometimes various companion animals. Homes provide sheltered spaces, for instance rooms, where domestic activity can be p ...
" that Vulcan is "a little over" 16 light years from Earth supports this location, as 40 Eridani A is 16.39 light-years from our own
Solar System
The Solar SystemCapitalization of the name varies. The International Astronomical Union, the authoritative body regarding astronomical nomenclature, specifies capitalizing the names of all individual astronomical objects but uses mixed "Sola ...
. The planet's location is confirmed by a map shown in the ''
Star Trek: Discovery'' episode "
Magic to Make the Sanest Man Go Mad".
In several
non-canon works, Vulcan is also claimed to be located in the triple star system
40 Eridani, less than 17
light-years
A light-year, alternatively spelled light year (ly or lyr), is a unit of length used to express astronomical distances and is equal to exactly , which is approximately 9.46 trillion km or 5.88 trillion mi. As defined by the International Astro ...
from Earth.
The '' Star Trek: Discovery'' episode "Unification III" reveals that after the Vulcans reunified with their ancient cousins, the Romulans, the Vulcan homeworld was renamed Ni'Var. Ni'Var had seceded from the Federation (due to the apocalyptic event known as The Burn); in the later episode "All Is Possible", Ni'Var rejoins the Federation.
In the 2009 film ''Star Trek
''Star Trek'' is an American science fiction media franchise created by Gene Roddenberry, which began with the Star Trek: The Original Series, series of the same name and became a worldwide Popular culture, pop-culture Cultural influence of ...
'', an alternate timeline is created in which Vulcan is destroyed by Nero, a Romulan renegade. By the time of ''Star Trek Into Darkness
''Star Trek Into Darkness'' is a 2013 American science fiction film, science fiction action film directed by J. J. Abrams and written by Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, and Damon Lindelof. It is the 12th installment in the ''Star Trek'' franchise ...
'' a Vulcan colony named "New Vulcan" had been established.
History
Vulcans once practiced a form of polytheism
Polytheism is the belief in or worship of more than one god. According to Oxford Reference, it is not easy to count gods, and so not always obvious whether an apparently polytheistic religion, such as Chinese folk religions, is really so, or whet ...
; this can be seen in gods of war
War is an armed conflict between the armed forces of states, or between governmental forces and armed groups that are organized under a certain command structure and have the capacity to sustain military operations, or between such organi ...
, peace, and death
Death is the end of life; the irreversible cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism. Death eventually and inevitably occurs in all organisms. The remains of a former organism normally begin to decompose sh ...
depicted on the Stone of Gol relic in the ''TNG'' episode " Gambit". The DVD
The DVD (common abbreviation for digital video disc or digital versatile disc) is a digital optical disc data storage format. It was invented and developed in 1995 and first released on November 1, 1996, in Japan. The medium can store any ki ...
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.
Vulcan civilization is ancient. In "Amok Time", Spock says that the place of "Koon-ut-kal-if-fee" has been held by his family for 2,000 years. In the ''TOS'' episode " The Savage Curtain", the image of Surak speaks of a time when Vulcan war nearly destroyed them, before logic was embraced as a way of life.
In 1957, the launch of '' Sputnik I'', Earth's first artificial satellite
A satellite or an artificial satellite is an object, typically a spacecraft, placed into orbit around a celestial body. They have a variety of uses, including communication relay, weather forecasting, navigation ( GPS), broadcasting, scient ...
, 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
Pennsylvania, officially the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a U.S. state, state spanning the Mid-Atlantic (United States), Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern United States, Northeastern, Appalachian, and Great Lakes region, Great Lakes regions o ...
; the humans were unaware of the alien nature of their guests.
On April 5, 2063, Vulcans and humans made official first contact near the town of Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman ( ) is a city in and the county seat of Gallatin County, Montana, United States. The 2020 United States census put Bozeman's population at 53,293, making it Montana's fourth-largest city. It is the principal city of the Bozeman, Montan ...
, following the successful test of Earth scientist Zefram Cochrane's first warp-capable starship
A starship, starcraft, or interstellar spacecraft is a theoretical spacecraft designed for interstellar travel, traveling between planetary systems. The term is mostly found in science fiction. Reference to a "star-ship" appears as early as 1 ...
.
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.
By the 22nd century, the ''Vulcan High Command'' is a form of military government
A military government is any government that is administered by a military, whether or not this government is legal under the laws of the jurisdiction at issue or by an occupying power. It is usually administered by military personnel.
Types of m ...
that controls both the Vulcan space fleet and most of the planet itself. Most Vulcans, including T'Pol, from ''Star Trek: Enterprise'' obey the High Command. It is dissolved in the early fourth season of ''Star Trek: Enterprise''.
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 the time of ''Star Trek: Enterprise'', Vulcans are seen to be arrogant and cold in their behavior towards humans. Soval
This is a list of recurring characters from the live-action science fiction television series ''Star Trek: Enterprise'', which originally aired on UPN between 2001 and 2005. The television show takes place in the 22nd century of the ''Star Trek' ...
, 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":
'We don't know what to do about humans. Of all the species we've made contact with, yours is the only one we can't define. You have the arrogance of Andorian
Andorians are a fictional race of humanoid Extraterrestrial life, extraterrestrials in the American science fiction franchise ''Star Trek''. They were created by writer D. C. Fontana. Within the ''Star Trek'' narrative, they are native to the ...
s, the stubborn pride of Tellarites. One moment you're as driven by your emotions as Klingon
The Klingons ( ; Klingon language, Klingon: ''tlhIngan'' ) are a humanoid species of aliens in the science fiction franchise ''Star Trek''.
Developed by screenwriter Gene L. Coon in 1967 for the Star Trek: The Original Series, original ''Star T ...
s, and the next, you confound us by suddenly embracing logic"
Soval also explained that Earth recovered from World War III
World War III, also known as the Third World War, is a hypothetical future global conflict subsequent to World War I (1914–1918) and World War II (1939–1945). It is widely predicted that such a war would involve all of the great powers, ...
far more quickly than Vulcan did from its equivalent. (In " The Forge" and its sequel episodes, it is said that Vulcans took almost a thousand years to fully rebuild their society after their last catastrophic war.) This alarmed many Vulcans, who were confused as to how to deal with a rapidly growing and emotional society such as Earth's.
Throughout the period of ''Star Trek: Enterprise'', the High Command's actions were the themes of several episodes. Vulcan starships were sent to spy on the ''Enterprise'' and report on the ship's activities. They appeared to participate in open acts of persecution towards other Vulcans, such as isolating and quarantining victims of Pa'nar Syndrome
"Stigma" is the fortieth episode (production #214) of the television series '' Star Trek: Enterprise'', the fourteenth of the second season. The episode aired on UPN on February 5, 2003. This science fiction episode has a story about a spacecr ...
rather than treating them; prejudicial acts against any Vulcan proven to have committed a mind meld
Vulcans, sometimes referred to as Vulcanians, are a fictional extraterrestrial humanoid species in the ''Star Trek'' media franchise. They are noted for their strict adherence to logic and reason and suppression of emotion. Known for their ...
; and hunting down and capturing, sometimes killing, members of the underground dissident
A dissident is a person who actively challenges an established political or religious system, doctrine, belief, policy, or institution. In a religious context, the word has been used since the 18th century, and in the political sense since the 2 ...
group, the Syrranites.
In 2154, V'Las, the head of the High Command and undercover agent for the Romulans, bombed the United Earth embassy on Vulcan in an attempt to frame and eliminate all Syrranites while simultaneously attempting an invasion of Andoria
"Kir'Shara" is the ninth episode of the Star Trek: Enterprise season 4, fourth season of the American science fiction on television, science fiction television series ''Star Trek: Enterprise''. It was writer Mike Sussman (TV series writer/prod ...
. He was foiled by the crew of the ''Enterprise
Enterprise (or the archaic spelling Enterprize) may refer to:
Business and economics
Brands and enterprises
* Enterprise GP Holdings, an energy holding company
* Enterprise plc, a UK civil engineering and maintenance company
* Enterpris ...
''. During these events, the Kir'Shara
"Kir'Shara" is the ninth episode of the fourth season of the American science fiction television series '' Star Trek: Enterprise''. It was writer Michael Sussman's third episode of the season, while it was director David Livingston's second ...
, a device containing the original writings of Surak
Surak is a fictional character in the backstory of the ''Star Trek'' television series and franchises. He is portrayed as the most important philosopher in the history of the planet Vulcan (Star Trek), Vulcan. During an Earth-like "modern age", ...
, was discovered by Jonathan Archer
Jonathan Archer is a fictional character in the ''Star Trek'' franchise. He is one of the protagonists of the television series '' Star Trek: Enterprise'', where he was portrayed by Scott Bakula.
Archer was the commanding officer of the fir ...
. This led to the prompt dissolution of the High Command and a reevaluation of Vulcan traditional values. It also resulted in Vulcan agreeing to stop "looking over Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only astronomical object known to Planetary habitability, harbor life. This is enabled by Earth being an ocean world, the only one in the Solar System sustaining liquid surface water. Almost all ...
's shoulder" in space exploration matters.
It was revealed to viewers that the High Command's illogical and often emotionally based actions were, in reality, the result of covert Romulan influence. The Romulans had secretly made contact with V'Las and attempted to reunify their long-lost peoples. After the invasion of Andoria was foiled, the High Command was disbanded and V'Las was dismissed from his post. Subsequently, the altered political climate on Vulcan caused the undercover Romulan operative Talok to leave Vulcan, apparently ending the infiltration.
After the overthrow of the corrupt Vulcan High Command and the death of Admiral
Admiral is one of the highest ranks in many navies. In the Commonwealth nations and the United States, a "full" admiral is equivalent to a "full" general in the army or the air force. Admiral is ranked above vice admiral and below admiral of ...
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.
On August 12, 2161, Vulcan became one of the founding members of the United Federation of Planets
In the fictional universe of ''Star Trek'', the United Federation of Planets (UFP) is the interstellar government with which, as part of its space force Starfleet, most of the characters and starships of the franchise are affiliated. Commonly re ...
.
By the 32nd century, Ambassador Spock's dream of Vulcan/Romulan reunification has been achieved. Following the destruction of Romulus, the surviving Romulans have returned to their ancestral homeworld, now called Ni'Var.
''Star Trek'' (2009) alternate timeline
In the alternate timeline of the 2009 film, the planet Vulcan is destroyed in 2258 by the Romulan known as Nero, who had time-traveled from the future. Using his space mining vessel, ''Narada'', Nero created a singularity in Vulcan's planetary core as part of his quest to avenge the destruction of Romulus, which Spock failed to save. The resulting implosion destroyed Vulcan, killing most of its six billion inhabitants. Only around 10,000 managed to escape. At the end of the film, Spock Prime tells the younger Spock a suitable planet has been located to establish a colony for the surviving Vulcans; this world is named "New Vulcan".
See also
* Stoicism
Stoicism is a school of Hellenistic philosophy that flourished in ancient Greece and Rome. The Stoics believed that the universe operated according to reason, ''i.e.'' by a God which is immersed in nature itself. Of all the schools of ancient ...
* Vulcan, Alberta
Vulcan is a town in southern Alberta, Canada that is surrounded by Vulcan County. It is on Alberta Highway 23, Highway 23, midway between the cities of Calgary and Lethbridge. The population of the town was 1,769 in 2021. Now known as the "Offic ...
– a town in Canada
Canada is a country in North America. Its Provinces and territories of Canada, ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, making it the world's List of coun ...
that has incorporated ''Star Trek'' themes due to its name
* Vulcan (hypothetical planet)
Vulcan () was a proposed planet that some pre-20th century astronomers thought existed in an orbit between Mercury (planet), Mercury and the Sun. Speculation about, and even purported observations of, intermercurial bodies or planets date back t ...
References
External links
Official ''Star Trek'' website
{{Star Trek
Fictional elements introduced in 1966
Fictional humanoids
Fictional telepaths
Star Trek species