Star Trek Uncovers Klingon Traits Similar to Humans

The Klingons from Star Trek might share more similarities with humans than we typically assume, as demonstrated in a pivotal scene from the season 5 finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks, titled “The New Next Generation”. In this episode, the USS Cerritos finds itself entangled with a fleet of Klingon Birds of Prey in a Schrödinger Field, a phenomenon that shifts objects into alternate versions of themselves from various timelines within the expansive Star Trek multiverse. Captain Carol Freeman (played by Dawnn Lewis) attempts to share schematics to shield the ship from these shifts, but her efforts are rejected by the malicious Klingon Captain Relga (Roxana Ortega), who unceremoniously disposes of Freeman’s assistance into space.

As a result, the hull of the USS Cerritos faces potential alterations, leading to transformations into different classes of Federation vessels, including the revered Sovereign class. While the design of Klingon starships has remained relatively unchanged through the ages, the impact of the Schrödinger Field is highlighted when the Birds of Prey undergo a shocking transformation into a Klingon sailing barge, resulting in a tragic demise for an entire crew of warriors who find themselves doomed as they are cast adrift.

Klingon Naval Traditions Paralleled Human Exploration

Connections to Star Trek: Voyager’s Barge Of The Dead

B'Elanna Torres on the Barge of the Dead

The transformation of the Klingon Bird of Prey into a sailing barge in Star Trek: Lower Decks indicates a rich maritime tradition among Klingons, mirroring that of humanity. The design of the Klingon barge closely resembles that of human vessels, suggesting that Klingons may have navigated the waters of Q’onoS centuries before embarking on their interstellar journeys, predating the human Age of Sail by several hundred years. This shared maritime heritage could also shed light on Worf’s (Michael Dorn) preference for the HMS Enterprise holodeck program during his promotion to Lieutenant Commander in Star Trek Generations.

Further support for this concept is found in Lieutenant B’Elanna Torres’s (Roxann Dawson) near-death experience in Star Trek: Voyager, specifically in the season 6 episode “Barge of the Dead”. The resemblance between the transformed Bird of Prey and the mythical Klingon Barge of the Dead, which transports dishonored souls to Gre’thor, underscores a significant cultural connection. The Schrödinger Field’s alteration even evokes the same ominous red skies that Voyager’s Barge traverses, albeit unintentionally. The prominence of the sailing barge in Klingon mythology likely reflects tangible elements of their seafaring legacy.

Klingons: More Than Just Warriors

A Broader Exploration of Klingon Identity Since DS9

A Klingon Points A Phaser In Star Trek Prodigy

The existence of the Klingon sailing barge suggests that these ancient warriors were also motivated by a spirit of exploration, akin to human adventurers. For the early Klingons, the thirst for discovery likely coexisted with the innate desire for conquest, prompting them to set sail for uncharted territories in search of new adversaries. The evolution of shipbuilding and innovations in maritime design would have played a crucial role in the rise of the Klingon Empire, enabling the powerful expansion of their naval capabilities.

Despite the reputation of Klingon warriors for their valor, figures like Kurak (Tricia O’Neil) in Star Trek: The Next Generation emphasize the lower status of scientists in Klingon society. However, it is important to note that contributions from scientists, explorers, and even agriculturists can bring honor to their culture. The transformation of General Martok (J.G. Hertzler) from ordinary beginnings to Chancellor exemplifies this shift. This legacy continues in Star Trek: Prodigy with Klingon geneticist Dr. K’Ruvang (Jorge Gutierrez), who seeks redemption through genetic experimentation on tribbles. Meanwhile, the bloodwine artisans Captain Ma’ah (Jon Curry) and Malor (Sam Witwer) in Star Trek: Lower Decks evoke this tradition, possibly tracing back to the era of Klingon sailing vessels.

Source & Images