Stargateopens a portal to the mysterious realm of the Tollan, a tenacious human race that emerged from the barren clutches of the planet bearing the same name, located in the Milky Way galaxy. Filled with unwavering determination, they sought solace in Tollana, a beacon of hope amidst the unforgiving cosmos. Yet, fate, in its whimsical cruelty, denied them respite. Destruction ravaged their newfound sanctuary, casting the Tollan once again into heart-wrenching exile.
Forged in the crucible of adversity, the Tollan possessed an innate brilliance thatset them apart from other species. Their intellectual prowess, sharpened through eons of introspection, resulted in technological marvels. They wielded knowledge as a weapon, integrating their inventions into the fabric of their society. From the depths of their collective consciousness, they conjured wonders that defied the limitations of their mortal existence, pushing the boundaries of human potential.
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Background & Origin
The Tollan emerged as an advanced civilization in theStargatefranchise, surpassing even the pinnacle of human achievement. They possessed mind-boggling technology capable of manipulating reality itself. However, their brilliance came at a price. These beings were characterized by their intelligence and inventiveness. Yet, beneath their facade of ingenuity, a peculiar trait was embedded in their DNA: the Tollan were plagued by arrogance. They deemed themselves masters of the universe, looking down upon lesser beings with a condescending sneer.
Beneath this grandeur, however, lay a complex society governed by the Curia, a group of self-righteous Tollan officials perched atop their ivory towers. They professed peace as their mantra, preaching harmony and tranquility. Yet, their actions spoke louder than their lofty words. A deep-seated xenophobic streak fueled their aversion to trade and interaction with other species. They clung to their precious technology, hoarding it like the spoils of greed. Jealously guarding their secrets, they denied the possibility of progress through shared knowledge.
Relationship With Earth
Even the most stubborn hearts can be softened by unforeseen circumstances, as was the case with the Tollan. In an unexpected turn of events, they found themselves compelled to reconsider their stance on isolation and forge an unlikely treaty with Earth.
In desperation, the Tollan encountered a formidable enemy that rendered their once invincible technological prowess impotent:the Goa’uld System Lords. The critical moment where their very existence hung in the balance occurred in theStargate SG-1episode “Pretense.” Realizing that their advanced technology, which had once set them apart from the rest of the galaxy, was insufficient to save them, they reached out to Earth for help. The toll their arrogance had taken on their civilization was shown in the episode “Between Two Fires,” leading to their realization that they could no longer stand alone.
United by a shared understanding of vulnerability and a common struggle against a mutual enemy, a treaty was formed between Earth and the Tollan. The episode “Enigma” depicted the negotiations that unfolded as both parties navigated the treacherous waters of diplomacy and trust.
Destruction Of Tollana
After the cataclysms on Tollan forced their exodus,the Tollan settled on a new planetcalled Tollana. Initially lacking a Stargate, they received assistance from the Nox and managed to construct one. Swiftly building cities and fortifying them with advanced defenses, they sought to establish their new home. However, in August 2001, a Goa’uld named Tanith, serving Anubis, modified his ship’s shields to withstand the Tollans' ion cannons, forcing them into servitude under his master. SG-1 intervened and thwarted Tanith’s scheme, but he retaliated by obliterating Tollana and killing the majority of its inhabitants.
The episodes"Pretense" and “Between Two Fires"depict the Tollans' harrowing ordeal, from being manipulated as pawns to finding themselves trapped in a deadly conflict. It is a tale of tragedy and resilience, forever etched into their collective memory.
The destruction of Tollana stands as a tragic testament to the destructive power of unchecked ambition, and the price one pays for turning a blind eye to the world around them. The toll on the Tollan people serves as a reminder that no civilization, no matter how advanced, can thrive without empathy, cooperation, and a willingness to learn from others.
Stargate’s Legacy
The filmStargate,the brainchild of Roland Emmerich, emerged on the silver screen in 1994, only to be met with lackluster results at the box office. A measly $71 million in worldwide earnings struggled to cover the hefty $55 million production budget, not to mention the marketing costs. The dream ofrebooting a new sci-fi franchisewas swiftly laid to rest…at least on the grand stage of cinema. But MGM refused to surrender the interstellar battleground that was theStargateintellectual property. Instead, they birthedStargate SG-1, a television series that burst forth in the summer of 1997. Across three different networks, this audacious offspring ofStargatewent on to unleash a monstrous 10 seasons of mind-bending escapades.
The sheer triumph of the show, its resounding success, and its ability to expand theever-expandingStargateuniverse, birthed yet another creation. In 2004,Stargate Atlantisemerged from the cosmic depths, riding the coattails of SG-1’s seventh-season finale and eighth-season premiere. Even as SG-1 bid its final farewell in 2007,Atlantissoldiered on, keeping the torch burning until 2009. And then, in a twist of fate,Stargate Universegraced the airwaves in the same fateful year, embarking on a tragically short-lived journey of a mere two seasons.
