MostStar Trekaliens are created to serve a specific purpose in an episode or story arc and are gradually fleshed out over the years. Some don’t get the benefit of future adaptations. The rare exceptions often involve a fan-favorite newcomer from an unnamed species. Guinan was introduced without any suggestion of her species, but the series gradually unveiled the El-Aurians she came from.
Guinan is one of the most beloved supporting characters of theStar Trekfranchise. Those who haven’t seen much of the series might not know her name, but they’ve seenWhoopi Goldberg in hercollection of hats. She was a considerable draw, regularly bringing in more viewers when she appeared. Her role in the show was small, but her story was revealed slowly.
RELATED:Star Trek: Who Are The Devidians?
Who are the El-Aurians?
Of all the alien species onStar Trek, few look as human as the El-Aurians. There are no visible biological differences between El-Aurians and humans. They easilyblend into groups of humans. Long before humans knew about the existence of aliens, El-Aurians visited Earth and mingled. El-Aurians even possess multiple genetic phenotypes with distinct eye, skin, and hair colors. This is somewhat rare amongStar Trekaliens, as most share almost identical traits. Though El-Aurians look exactly like humans, they possess unique abilities that set them apart.
El-Aurians are known for their perceptive abilities. El-Aurians can hear and see beyond the bounds of time and space. They can detect fluctuations in the timeline and disruptions in history. El-Aurians are frequently negatively affected by temporal disturbances. They experience “time sickness,” the waymany feel motion sickness. Their listening skills don’t end at the boundaries of time and space. They can find the specific sonic resonance of any action or word. El-Aurians can manipulate reality through sound. They can also experience limited telepathy and project themselves into the minds of others. Their lives tend to be hundreds of years long. A lot of El-Aurians used their power to act as advisers or confidants, while others became con artists.
Who is Guinan?
Guinan is best known as the bartender of Ten Forward, the finest lounge on the USS Enterprise-D. She dispenses sage advice to the crew, often helping people when they need it most. Her identity was unclear in her early appearances, but many argued that she was more complicated than she seemed. Guinan was born sometime around the 1800s. She first met Data, Picard, and their friends in 1893, whenthe Enterprise crew wentback in time. She and Mark Twain helped everyone get back to their correct timeline. In 2024, she opened up a bar at 10 Forward Avenue in Los Angeles, California. She met Picard there again in a snafu with an alien-obsessed FBI agent. Jean-Luc’s ancestor Dr. Renée Picard frequented her establishment. Guinan’s unique relationship with Jean-Luc Picard defined her time with Starfleet.
Guinan and Picard shared a decades-long relationship that appeared hard to pin down. It was described as more than friendship and beyond the bonds of family. The show occasionally teased a romantic element to their partnership, but it’s usually framed as a platonic partnership. Picard recommended Guinan for the Enterprise after years of quiet friendship. She picked up fencing and chess, befriended most of the crew, and gave excellent advice to whoever would listen. She stayed part of the captain’s lifewell intoStar Trek: Picard.
What happened to the El-Aurian?
Around 2265, while Guinan lived far from the El-Aurian homeworld,the Borg Collective attacked. Many El-Aurians were assimilated, but many more died fighting. The unknown population of El-Aurians in the universe was reduced to hundreds. Over 400 refugees tried to escape to Earth in 2293. They were exposed to the Nexus, which corrupted most of their minds. The 47 who could be convinced to leave were saved in a mission thatalmost killed Captain Kirk. The few remaining El-Aurians were scattered across the universe. Though their population was decimated, El-Aurian’s long lives allowed them to change that. Guinan, for one, had at least 23 husbands over her long life. She never revealed how many children she had, nor were they depicted in any media, but she admitted to mothering many kids. The El-Aurian suffered much, but long lives allowed them to bounce back more easily than most.
Guinan is an unexpected icon of theStar Trekfranchise. Her species offers many unique and interesting elements to the universe. Writers couldfind many fascinating storiesin the lives of El-Aurians. Their powers remain partially unexplored, and any series could use a character like Guinan in a supporting role.Star Trekhas an impressive ability to turn characters that could feel one note into beloved icons and expand their stories into something that affects the entire universe. The El-Aurians may have been absent from most of the series, but they had a tremendous impact on the main cast.
