Vulcans are the classicStar Trekalien race. The show introduced many of the most iconic exterrestrial species in science fiction, but the Vulcans led the way. The early days of the franchise saw a passionate human match wits with a logical Vulcan. Their unique perspective allowed them to add something interesting to the show’s philosophical characteristics. Spock is the most famous Vulcan, but he didn’t invent his iconic traits. The most important Vulcan in the franchise is an ancient philosopher named Surak, and his story is a bit less clear.
There are so manyminor characters inStar Trekwith massive implications for the larger galaxy. A character can conduct war crimes on a universal scale and buy themselves less than fifteen minutes of screentime. This leaves so much room to explore the endless minor figures and their impact on the galaxy. Surak is a great example of a legendary figure who doesn’t have as much time as he needs.
When did Surak live?
Surak lived during the period of time that would comprise the 4th century on Earth. Vulcans were a technologically advanced species that led brutal lives. Vulcans allowed their emotions to dominate them, leading to a never-ending war on the planet. These Vulcans worshiped gods of war and death. They succumbed frequently to paranoia and deadly rage.This didn’t stop Vulcansfrom developing new technology, consistently pushing weaponry further into new worlds of danger. They were, in this era, much like humans would be in the 20th century. Two inventions threatened the Vulcans' continued existence. From the moment they manufactured their first atomic bomb, the Vulcans possessed the ability to end life on their planet. Perhaps more concerning, the Vulcans also developed a device called the Stone of Gol. This bizarre item was a psychic resonator that turned a victim’s violent thoughts upon themselves, endangering the lives of every violent Vulcan. Surak discovered the existential threats to his species and pitched a solution that would live long beyond him.
What did Surak accomplish?
Surak created the Time of Awakening, a period of mass social upheaval among Vulcans. He preached a new philosophy that he believed would save his people. Surak surmised that untamed emotions were thecause of all Vulcan strife. He encouraged all who would listen to him to repress their emotions and embrace logic. With a rational worldview and no fear or rage, Surak could lead his people into a peaceful future. He was a devoted pacifist who would seek a new era of peace. In time, he would have his goal. Unfortunately, the immediate reaction to his teachings was less than inspirational.
Surak was a gifted scientist who some would compare to Einstein and Newton in later generations. Whatever his early life looked like, Surak gave up everything to begin an impressive pilgrimage. Surak marched across countless miles of barren desert, spreading hismessage across Vulcan’s Forge. He spoke to his people, defusing conflicts wherever he could. He founded a mighty sanctuary at the end of his march, providing a home for his many followers. In time, the overwhelming majority of Vulcans learned to follow Surak’s teachings. Those who didn’t agree formed a new faction, known only as “those who marched beneath the raptor’s wings.”
The raptors waged a bloody war against Surak’s emissaries. Surak spent most of his later life trying to establish peace on his home planet. Tensions escalated until the warlike factionunleashed their greatest weapons. Surak’s followers found themselves immune to the Stone of Gol. Their pacifism left no violent thoughts to amplify. Instead, those who marched beneath the raptor’s wings launched nuclear bombs. These indiscriminate attacks killed thousands. Surak died in the final battle, suffering a miserable end as radiation sickness claimed his life. In time, the warlike Vulcans left their home planet to form new societies, including the Romulan Empire. Surak gave his life to build a peace he’d never see.
What was Surak’s legacy?
Most of Vulcan societyowes its structure to Surak. The overwhelming majority of the species followed his teachings, repressed their emotions, and became the beings fans know and love. Some fringe groups believed that Surak intended for the species to experience their emotions rather than suppress them. As for Surak himself, his followers contained his immortal spirit for future use. One devotee agreed to serve as a vessel for Surak, but he later passed it on toStarfleet Captain Johnathan Archer. He used it as guidance on an important quest, where he discovered many surviving followers in Surak’s sanctuary. Archer gave Surak back to his most committed students. Spock described Surak as:
The greatest of all who ever lived on our planet, Captain. The father of all we became.
Surak is a figure of legend who died thousands of years before the plot ofStar Trekbegan. His influence is critical to every element of Vulcan culture. When the world met Spock in the firstepisode ofStar Trek, they could never have known that his devotion to cold, calm, and collected logic was a philosophy handed down from the wise elder, Surak.
