Curzon Dax Explained: The Legacy of the Trill Character in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Despite the fact that Curzon Dax, a prominent Trill character in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, passed away in 2367—two years prior to the series’ first season—his influence remains significant throughout all seven seasons and beyond. The introduction of the Trill symbionts in Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “The Host”marked a pivotal moment, which Star Trek: Deep Space Nine expanded upon with the compelling character of Lt. Commander Jadzia Dax (played by Terry Farrell). Curzon Dax, who hosted the Dax symbiont before Jadzia, contributed his extensive memories and experiences to her, thereby shaping aspects of her personality.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine portrays Jadzia Dax as a distinct yet intrinsically linked successor to Curzon Dax. This contrast is particularly evident in DS9’s season 1, episode 7, titled “Dax,”where Jadzia’s actions during a murder trial reflect her respect for Curzon’s legacy rather than a direct accountability for his choices. In season 2, episode 18, “Blood Oath,”she altruistically honors Curzon’s commitments to the Klingon trio—Kor, Kang, and Koloth—despite being under no obligation to do so.

Who Was Curzon Dax On Star Trek: Deep Space Nine?

Curzon Hosted The Dax Symbiont Before Jadzia On DS9

A close-up of Odo with Trill spots inhabited by Curzon Dax

Curzon Dax is noteworthy as the seventh and longest-serving host of the Dax symbiont on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Living over a century, Curzon hosted the symbiont from 2286 to 2367, a period of 81 years. As a Federation ambassador, he played a crucial role in diplomatic negotiations with the Klingon Empire, including representation at the Khitomer Conference. Benjamin Sisko (portrayed by Avery Brooks) first encountered Curzon in 2355, where the two formed a significant bond, with Curzon mentoring Sisko and teaching him valuable life lessons. This friendship led to Sisko affectionately referring to Curzon as “Old Man,”a nickname that continued with Jadzia.

During a flashback sequence in the series premiere, “Emissary,”Curzon is portrayed by actor Frank Owen Smith. As a member of the Trill Symbiosis Commission, Curzon evaluated candidates for joining the Dax symbiont, famously being stringent in his assessments. He rejected Jadzia during her first application, but upon re-application, she was accepted, thus continuing Curzon’s legacy. In season 3, episode 25, “Facets,”Curzon’s past love for Jadzia is revealed when Odo (Rene Auberjonois) experiences Curzon’s memories during the Trill zhian’tara ritual.

Jadzia & Ezri Hosted The Dax Symbiont After Curzon

Jadzia & Ezri Are Star Trek: DS9’s Most Well-Known Trill

Following Curzon’s death—which either occurred on Risa during a ritualistic jamaharon with his lover, Arandis (played by Vanessa Williams), or in the company of friends and family—the Dax symbiont transitioned to Jadzia Dax. Initially, Jadzia presented as composed and restrained, but Curzon’s traits, marked by vivacity and impulsiveness, became more pronounced as the series progressed. Notably, Jadzia only hosted the Dax symbiont for seven years, between 2367 and 2374, despite becoming the most recognized incarnation among fans.

Host Name	Years Joined	Time Joined	Profession
Lela	2168–2226	58 years	Politician
Tobin	2226–??	Unknown	Engineer
Emony	Unknown	Unknown	Gymnast
Audris	??–2284	Unknown	Head of Symbiosis Commission
Tories	2284–2285	1 year	Pilot
Joran	2285	6 months	Musician
Curzon	2286–2367	81 years	Federation Ambassador
Jadzia	2367–2374	7 years	Starfleet Science Officer
Ezra	2374–??	Unknown	Starfleet Counselor

Upon Jadzia Dax’s tragic murder at the hands of Gul Dukat (Marc Alaimo) towards the conclusion of DS9’s sixth season, there were no other Trill present at DS9. As a result, the Dax symbiont was rapidly transported back to Trill. Complications during this period of the Dominion War led to Dax being joined with Starfleet Ensign Ezri Tigan (Nicole de Boer), who, having not undergone proper training, struggled to manage the weight of the shared history. Although audiences experienced only one season with Ezri Dax, the possibility remains that this narrative could evolve in future Star Trek installments.

Curzon Dax’s Star Trek: Lower Decks Comeback Explained

Alternate Curzon Dax Serves On An Interdimensional Starship Crew

Curzon Dax makes a notable return in the Star Trek: Lower Decks episode titled “Fissure Quest,”from season 5, episode 9, portrayed by Fred Tatasciore. This iteration of Curzon exists within an alternate reality, where he has yet to pass on the Dax symbiont to Jadzia. This episode marks Curzon’s first active on-screen portrayal in the Star Trek franchise. Characterized as a lively and battle-ready elder, Curzon embodies the passion and loyalty to life that was recounted by allies including Jadzia, Ezri, and Sisko.

Interestingly, in the Mirror Universe episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Jadzia retains her identity as Jadzia Dax, implying that her Mirror counterpart is similarly joined with the Dax symbiont. The Trill people place immense significance on the continuity of their symbionts; these organisms are living chronicles of Trill experiences and histories. Curzon’s fulfillment of life experiences uniquely completes the Dax narrative, adding invaluable perspective to the symbiont’s legacy. Ultimately, the alternate version of Curzon Dax in Lower Decks passes honorably, likely integrating with his Klingon allies in sto-vo-kor. In the Prime Timeline, however, Curzon’s vivacious spirit continues to resonate through both Jadzia and Ezri Dax.

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