Battlestar Wiki - User contributions [en]

Hera, Lord of Kobol

2008-04-12T23:50:49Z

Mudflap:

:''For the daughter of [[Karl Agathon|Karl]] and [[Sharon Agathon]], see [[Hera Agathon]]. For general information on the Lords of Kobol and Colonial religion in the [[Re-imagined Series]], see [[Religion in the Twelve Colonies]].''

[[Image:Hera statue.jpg|thumb|[[Earth (RDM)|Earth]]'s artistic depiction Hera in statue form]]

'''Hera, Lord of Kobol''', watched [[Athena, Lord of Kobol|Athena]] commit suicide by throwing herself from a mountain, in despair over the exodus of the Thirteen Tribes of Man. The point Athena fell from is now referred to as the [[Gates of Hera]]. The Gates mark the entrance to the [[Tomb of Athena]] on [[Kobol (RDM)|Kobol]].

The [[oracle]] [[Dodona Selloi]] tells a [[Number Three]] that the child named after the "wife" of Zeus ([[Hera Agathon]]) is still alive ([[Exodus, Part I]]).

[[Gaius Baltar]] discerns a cryptic notation of Hera's role as wife of Zeus to determine vital information about the [[Eye of Jupiter]] ([[The Passage]]).

== See also ==
*[[Religion in the Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Lords of Kobol|Lords of Kobol]]
*[[Gates of Hera]]

== External links ==
{{ext-wikipedia|article=Hera|Hera}}

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial]]
[[Category:Colonial History]]
[[Category:Colonial History (RDM)]]
[[Category:Colonial Religion]]
[[Category:Colonial Religion (RDM)]]
[[Category:Lords of Kobol]]
[[Category:RDM]]

[[de:Hera, Gott von Kobol]]

Religion in the Twelve Colonies (RDM)

2007-05-22T05:45:51Z

Mudflap:

:''This article discusses the religion of the Colonies as seen in the [[Re-imagined Series]]. For summary information on the Kobollian religion from the [[Original Series]], see [[Religion in the Twelve Colonies (TOS)]].''
:''For information on the various mythologies used in ''Battlestar Galactica'', see [[Mythological references]].''

{{RDM twelve colonies series}}

The '''religion of the Twelve Colonies''', which the various characters of ''Battlestar Galactica'' practice to greater or lesser extent, is a polytheistic faith. Their deities have an interesting parallelism to the [[Wikipedia:Greek mythology|Olympic gods]], with a strong emphasis on the philosophy of [[Wikipedia:Eternal return|eternal return]].

==Origin==
[[Image:Pythia.jpg|right|thumb|A portion of the Sacred Scrolls, specifically, a portion of the Book of [[Pythia]].]]
The eternal return aspect between the peoples of Kobol and Earth suggest a parallel or reverse-origin with humanity as a whole or the [[Thirteenth Tribe]] that presumably populated it. See [[History of the Twelve Colonies]] for more analysis.

In the burial scene of the [[Miniseries]], [[William Adama]] states, "Life here began out there,<ref>This phrase is a homage to the [[Original Series]], where each episode began with this phrase in a voice-over introduction.</ref>" reminding the assembly that this was the first line of the [[Sacred Scrolls]], the principle religious tome of the Colonial faith, told to them by the Lords Of Kobol many centuries ago.

==Belief==

===The Lords of Kobol===

Colonial religion is centered on the Lords of Kobol. In the Re-imagined Series, eight Lords of Kobol have been positively identified:

* [[Zeus]] - The leader of the gods. [[Tom Zarek]] has twice referred to [[William Adama|Commander Adama]] as "Zeus" ("[[Bastille Day]]", "[[The Farm]]", as a play on Capt. Apollo's callsign).
* [[Apollo, Lord of Kobol|Apollo]] - Zeus' son, said to be the god of the hunt and of healing ([[Bastille Day]]).
* [[Ares]] - The god of war. The [[Nicholas Tyrol|infant son]] of [[Cally]] and [[Galen Tyrol]] is [[dedication ceremony|dedicated]] to this Lord of Kobol ([[Battlestar Galactica: The Resistance|The Resistance, Episode 10]]).
* [[Artemis]] - Twin sister of Apollo, goddess of the hunt. [[Kara Thrace]] prays often to this lord ([[Flesh and Bone]]).
* [[Aphrodite]] - The goddess of love and sexuality. Kara Thrace prays often to this lord ([[Flesh and Bone]]).
* [[Athena, Lord of Kobol|Athena]] - This lord committed suicide "out of despair over the exodus of the thirteen tribes" ([[Home, Part II]]). Her [[Tomb of Athena|tomb]] holds a map to [[Earth (RDM)|Earth]] ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]).
* [[Aurora, Goddess of the Dawn]] ([[Maelstrom]])<ref>Aurora is the Roman counterpart of the Greek [[w:Eos|Eos]]. Eos is one of the [[w:Titans (mythology)|Titans]]. Since the Lords of Kobol are modeled after the [[w:Twelve Olympians|Twelve Olympians]] however, this could indicate that she is not one of the Lords, but belongs to another group of deities.</ref>
* [[Hera, Lord of Kobol|Hera]] - Wife of Zeus. A [[Gates of Hera|mountain ridge]] on Kobol is named after her ([[Home, Part II]]), and the [[Hera|first Cylon/human hybrid child]] is named for this lord ([[Downloaded]]).

The Colonials appear to use multiple names for their gods, interchanging "Mars" for "Ares," "Jupiter" for "Zeus," and so on.<ref>Curiously, [[Laura Roslin]] mentions that the 134th day of the Cylon occupation of [[New Caprica]] is Mars Day ([[Occupation]]), suggesting that Ares may also be called by his alternate Roman pantheon's name. The same happens again in "[[The Passage]]" when Zeus is referred to by the name of his Roman counterpart Jupiter.</ref>

==== Paradise Lost ====

According to the [[Sacred Scrolls]], the gods once shared a paradise-like existence with the people of [[Kobol (RDM)|Kobol]]. Later circumstances forced the exodus of the human population of Kobol to [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)|the Twelve Colonies]] and [[Earth (RDM)|Earth]], and lead to Athena's suicide.

The existence of the Lords of Kobol is attested to by the survival of numerous artifacts, including the [[Arrow of Apollo]], the [[Tomb of Athena]] and the [[Gates of Hera]]. However, although she accepts their historicity, [[Sharon Agathon|Caprica-Valerii]], a [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylon]], questions their actual divinity.<ref>There is a notion in fan circles that there are twelve lords of Kobol, by analogy to the twelve Cylon models, twelve Colonies, and perhaps the [[Wikipedia:Twelve Olympians|Twelve Olympians]] of Greek mythology. A post from [[Ron D. Moore]]'s blog [http://blog.scifi.com/battlestar/archives/2005/03/index.html#a000023 on March 12, 2005] loosely alludes on this coincidence, but further official sourcing has not been revealed.</ref>

====The Jealous God====

[[Elosha]] states that the exodus from Kobol was precipitated when "one jealous god began to desire that he be elevated above all the other gods, and the war on Kobol began."<ref>From a [http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/episodes/season01/112/mov/bsg_del_112_regret.mov deleted scene] cut from the episode "[[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]."</ref>

====The Path of Olympus====

[[Tom Zarek]] conveys to [[Laura Roslin]] and members of her command staff of [[Laura Roslin faction|factioners]] the news that Commander [[William Adama]] had resumed command of ''[[Galactica]]'' after the attempt on his life by saying: "Zeus has returned to '''Olympus'''" ([[The Farm]]).<ref>In Greek mythology, the home of the gods on Earth resided high atop Greece's highest mountain, Mount Olympus, at a time where access to the mountain summit would be almost impossible with the inhabitants' technology of that age.</ref> By Zarek's comment we can infer that Colonial religion appears to acknowledge the existence of a place called Olympus. It cannot yet be determined, however, if Olympus was thought of as the residence of the gods at a specific physical or ''metaphysical'' location of Kobol, as there has been no mention of Olympus elsewhere in the series. If Olympus is a metaphysical locale, this may contradict [[Elosha]]'s comment that the gods and man lived on Kobol together in harmony.

===Other Mythological Names in Colonial Culture===

Various items have been identified which are apparently named after other gods and legendary figures of their faith, although these have not been explicitly identified as Lords of Kobol.

:''See main article: [[Mythological references]]''

===The Cycle of Time===

''"All this has happened before, and all this will happen again."''

According to [[Gaius Baltar]], this line from the [[Pythia]]n prophecy is very well known ([[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]). [[Laura Roslin]] later expands on it, reminding [[Kara Thrace]],

<blockquote>"If you believe in the gods, then you believe in the cycle of time that we are all playing our parts in a story that is told again, and again, and again throughout eternity" ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]).</blockquote>

Various events throughout the series have led some characters to believe that they are playing out another turn of this cycle<ref>The notion of a circular progression of time (also known as [[Wikipedia:eternal return|eternal return]] or eternal recurrence) is a common theme in other faiths, particularly [[Wikipedia:Maya#Religion|Mayan]] mythology and is a cornerstone of the Hindu and Buddhist faiths. Moreover, [[Wikipedia:Stoic|Stoic]] philosophy did believe in the concept of ''ekpyrosis'', the fire which consumes the old world and signals the birth of a new world, identical to the old, for a recurring cycle of birth, death and rebirth.</ref>. (See [[Sacred Scrolls]] for more detailed analysis.)

===Sanctity of Life===

According to the Sacred Scrolls, abortion is "an abomination in the eyes of the Gods". The more fundamentalist [[The_Twelve_Colonies_%28RDM%29#Gemenon|Gemenese]] strictly adhere to this commandment, however the more secular Colonies such as Caprica apparently do not follow this as strictly: officially, Colonies-wide Federal law guaranteed a woman the right to an abortion, at least at the time of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]] ([[The Captain's Hand]]).

==Individual Practice==

The Colonials display a wide spectrum of religious practice, ranging from [[Billy Keikeya]]'s atheism ([[Home, Part II]], [http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/episodes/season02/207/deleted4.html cut scene]) to Corporal [[Venner]]'s literalistic readings of the Sacred Scrolls.

While not fully explained in the Re-imagined Series, it appears, based on the information from a [[dedication ceremony]] for [[Nicholas Tyrol]] and the prayers of [[Kara Thrace]], that each Colonial is paired, or "placed in the service" with one or more of the Lords. Based on the dedication ceremony blessing, Zeus is a considered "almighty" or foremost of the gods, while other Lords are prayed to by Colonials as a proxy to Zeus.<ref>This practice is similar to a Catholic practice of prayer to Mary, mother of Jesus. While Mary is a human, followers believe that, by praying to Mary, she can intercede to aid the acceptance of the prayer by the [[w:Trinity|Trinity]], the godhead of the Catholic faith.</ref>

===Artifacts===
<div style="float:left; margin-right:1em;">[[Image:Bsg-arrow-apollo.jpg|75px]]</div>
Despite Gemenon's fundamentalist climate, the city of [[Delphi]] on [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Caprica|Caprica]] was apparently of a mind to store an important religious artifact, the [[Arrow of Apollo]], in a [[Delphi Museum of the Colonies|museum]], rather than a devotional institution ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]).

Ancient temples may be also be the repository of special artifacts such as the [[Eye of Jupiter]], believed to be stored inside the legendary [[Temple of Five]] ("[[Rapture]]", "[[The Eye of Jupiter]]").
<br clear="all">

===Dress===
[[Image:Season 3 - Promo - Epi 1 - 2 - Oracle Selloi.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The robes of [[Dodona Selloi]] ([[Exodus, Part I]])]]
As seen by the various [[Laura Roslin faction|separatists]] orbiting [[Kobol (RDM)|Kobol]] in "[[Home, Part I]]," it appears that many Colonials have clothing that suggests a religious deference. In the scene, one older, white-bearded gentleman is dressed in simple colored robes and a round, flat head covering<ref>These robes may remind viewers of the tradition dress of Hasidic Jews, Islamic clerics, or Eastern Orthodox clerics of the real-world Earth.</ref> Other distinctive dress styles of other characters in the scene increase the sense of the dedication of religion in the Gemenese people (which appeared to comprise the majority of Roslin's separatists).

The [[oracle]] [[Dodona Selloi]] dresses in a turban and robes, suggesting a special role in Colonial society or its religious hierarchy ([[Exodus, Part I]]).
<br clear="all">

===Idols===
<div style="float:right; margin-right:1em;">[[Image:Idols.jpg|100px]]</div>
At the end of the episode "[[Flesh and Bone]]," Kara Thrace, a devotee of Artemis and Aphrodite (as stated by [[Leoben Conoy]] in the same episode), prays to them on Conoy's behalf using figurines that bear a similarity to classic representations of Artemis and Athena. Artemis is depicted with her bow and arrow, and Athena with her helmet of war.

When visting the oracle [[Yolanda Brenn]], Thrace receives a figurine of the goddess [[Aurora, Goddess of the Dawn|Aurora]] as a gift ([[Maelstrom]]).
<br clear="all">

===Prayer===
<div style="float:left; margin-right:1em;">[[Image:The_Farm-Group_Worship.jpg|100px]]</div>
Some prisoners on the ''[[Astral Queen]]'' seeking rehabilitation have turned to group prayer.
They greet Laura Roslin as a prophet and she provides them with a blessing ([[The Farm]]).

Priestess [[Elosha]] sings a group prayer in the service for the dead after the Fleet escapes from the initial Cylon attack ([[Miniseries]]).<ref>The language she sings is [[w:Sanskrit|Sanskrit]], a classical language of real-world Earth's Hindu/Indian peoples. More about the verses that she sings and their meaning can be found in the [[Language in the Twelve Colonies#Liturgy|Language in the Twelve Colonies]] article.</ref> The priest also gives a prayer after ''[[Colonial One]]'' is boarded by Commander Adama's troops to remove Roslin from power ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]).

A chaplain delivered a simple prayer at the funeral of [[Zak Adama]], two years prior to the fall of the Colonies ([[Act of Contrition]]):
<blockquote>"The burdens of this life are with us but a short time. For Lieutenant Zak Adama, son of [[William Adama|William]] and [[Carolanne Adama]], brother of [[Lee Adama|Lee]], the time was too short, but we take comfort in knowing his life was willingly given in service to all of us. We honor them for that. And thus, it falls upon us to repent our sins and with the help of the Lords of Kobol, make our own lives worthy of that gift. And now, we commit his body to the ground from which we were all made."<ref>The prayer's mention of committing a "body to the ground from which we were all made" reflects the real-world Christian funeral prayer that commonly uses the phrase, "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust."</ref></blockquote>

Corporal [[Venner]] asks [[Laura Roslin]] to join him in a simple prayer while ''Galactica'' is attacked as it desperately tries to find its Fleet ([[Scattered]]):
<blockquote>''(To Roslin:)'' Will you pray with me? ''(He begins:)'' Help us, Lords of Kobol. Help your prophet Laura guide us to the path of righteousness. That we might-- that we might destroy our enemies. Let us walk the path of righteousness and lift our faces unto your goodness. Help us turn away from the calls of the wicked and show us the knowledge of your certain salvation. We offer this prayer.</blockquote>

Prayer is also seen in the [[Battlestar Galactica: The Resistance|season 3 webisode series]] in a temple, and by [[Kara Thrace]] ([[Miniseries]], "[[Flesh and Bone]]").<br clear="all">

===Rosaries===
<div style="float:left; margin-right:1em;">[[Image:Rosary.jpg|100px]]</div>
As [[Laura Roslin]] begins to suffer from [[chamalla]] withdrawal in ''Galactica's'' brig, Corporal [[Venner]], a [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Gemenon|Gemenon]], anxiously clutches a set of white prayer beads ([[Fragged]]).
<br clear="all">

===[[Temple]]===
While not seen in season 1, the worship sites known as temples have appeared on [[New Caprica]]. Temples may have been more elaborate places on the Twelve Colonies, but the spaceborne remnants of humanity presumably use any space they can find on their ships to form a basic temple. As seen on [[New Caprica]], a basic temple may consist of a simple altar with candles, idols of the Lords of Kobol, and what meager offerings the Colonials can give as a [[w:tithe|tithe]]. Some prayers are written and paper and burned ([[Battlestar Galactica: The Resistance]]).

The temple on New Caprica was known as the Temple of Artemis ([[Collaborators]]), suggesting that temples are named after a Lord or Lords, and may be related to the pairing of Colonials to a specific set of Lords at their dedication ceremony.

A similar arrangement to temple is found in an [[Yolanda Brenn|oracle camp]] ([[Maelstrom]]).
<br clear="all">

===Sagittaron beliefs ===
Orthodox [[Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Sagittaron|Sagittaron]] beliefs are more anachronistic than the Gemenese's, believing that the mind and body are myths, and that medicine is "an abomination, a sin against the Gods". Sagittarons also blame physicians for the spread of disease due to their ignorance of the aforementioned "myth" of the body and mind. They traditionally do not believe in violence, even to the point of not aiding the [[New Caprica Resistance]] in their fight against the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylon]] occupation of [[New Caprica]] ([[The Woman King]]).

==The Clergy==
The religious and government bodies of the Twelve Colonies work together. This association is likely based on the religious homogeneity of the Colonies.<ref>This differs from the United States, whose government is based on religious tolerance through the separation of religious practice and legislature. While the real-world Earth has many, many religions, the Twelve Colonies, as yet, appear to have only one religion and as such does not suffer greatly from schisms or other religious factions, although colonists such as the Gemenese show a different emphasis on how they interpret the religious writings.</ref>

===Priests===
[[Image:Season 3 - Promo - Collaborators - Priest.jpg|right|thumb|A male priest. ([[Collaborators]]).]]
[[Image:Elosha1.jpg|thumb|left|Elosha, priest and friend of President Roslin. ([[Home, Part I]])]]
[[Laura Roslin]] [[Case Orange|is sworn into the presidency]] by a ''priest'', [[Elosha]], who continues on in an advisory capacity within Roslin's administration.
Priests also preside over military funerals, without regard for the beliefs of the deceased.

Priests in the Twelve Colonies are apparently not required to practice celibacy, and can be male or female. Chief [[Galen Tyrol]] states that his father was a priest and his mother an oracle ([[Resistance (episode)|Resistance]]).<ref>Galen Tyrol's information may be skewed by the revelation that he himself is a Cylon ([[Crossroads, Part II]]).</ref>

According to [[Billy Keikeya]], some priests use [[chamalla]] for its hallucinogenic properties. The prescient dreams it imparted to Laura Roslin may imply the use of something similar by [[Pythia]], an ancient prophet. [[Oracle]]s also use the drug.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>

===Brothers===
[[Image:Cyca2.jpg|left|thumb|The false Brother [[Cavil]] ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II]]).]]
The term ''Brother'' is used as a title for male members of the clergy, although it is not fully apparent whether this role is similar to that of a [[w:Monk|monk]] or [[w:Deacon|deacon]].

As with priests, a brother offers consultation and leads prayer.

The only instance of this clergy is Brother [[Cavil]], who offers guidance to Chief Tyrol.

Cavil, however, is revealed as a [[Humanoid Cylon]] some time later. Because of Cavil's nature, there may be doubt as to whether Cavil is a useful example of the work of a Brother in Colonial religion.

It is probable that Brothers are lay clergy (unlike priests and oracles, who appear to have political status as well as their religious status).

<div style="clear: both;"></div>

===Sisters===
[[Image:Tivenan.jpg|right|thumb|Sister Tivenan (right) at a [[dedication ceremony]] ([[Battlestar Galactica: The Resistance|The Resistance: Episode 10]])]]
As with Brothers in the clergy, there are ''Sisters'' as well.

Sister [[Tivenan]] is briefly seen tending to business in the temple on [[New Caprica]], guiding prayer and officiating a [[dedication ceremony]] for the [[Nicholas Tyrol|newborn son]] of [[Galen Tyrol|Galen]] and [[Cally Tyrol]] ([[Battlestar Galactica: The Resistance]]).

It is probable that Sisters, like Brothers, are lay clergy.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>

===Oracles===
[[Image:Season 3 - Promo - Epi 1 - 2 - Oracle Selloi.jpg|left|thumb|The oracle [[Dodona Selloi]] ([[Exodus, Part I]]).]]
[[Image:S3 oraclebrenn low.jpg|right|thumb|The oracle [[Yolanda Brenn]] ([[Maelstrom]]).]]
There is little information as to the religious functions of ''[[oracle]]s''. [[Dodona Selloi]] is one of two oracles seen in the Re-imagined Series. She confirms the dreams of a copy of [[Number Three]] and the existence of [[Hera Agathon|Hera]]. It is not clear if Selloi was sitting in a tent designated as a temple, but there were numerous ornate or curious inscriptions surrounding and inside her tent that suggest the significance of the oracle's tent or her presence. A second oracle, [[Yolanda Brenn]], gives counsel to [[Kara Thrace]] on her strange dreams aboard ''Galactica'' ([[Maelstrom]]).

Priests and oracles may assume their roles due to an personal, possibly inherited affinity to sense spiritual changes or conditions. [[Galen Tyrol]], the son of a priest and oracle, detects the presence of and finds the [[Temple of Five]] alone, based only on his senses, apparently detecting the hidden temple on the otherwise-unremarkable (and undocumented) [[algae planet]] ([[The Eye of Jupiter]]).<br clear="all">

== Cylon Interpretations ==

Many Humanoid Cylons show a strict, firm belief in a monotheistic [[God]]. When agents such as Leoben Conoy, Cavil, and [[Sharon Agathon|Caprica-Valerii]] begin talking of Cylon beliefs, they are ridiculed and threatened with death. They refer to the Lords of Kobol as "false idols." They also claim to have more insight into Colonial religion than the Colonials themselves, as shown by [[Sharon Agathon|Caprica-Valerii]] in "[[Home, Part II]]."

However, a connection between the Cylon God and the Lords of Kobol may exist. In "[[Exodus, Part I]]," an [[Selloi|oracle]] tells [[Number Three]] (a [[Humanoid Cylon]] who has a ''dream'' of the oracle's tent and of holding the believed-dead hybrid child [[Hera]]) that she has a message from the one that Number Three worships. How would an oracle of the Lords of Kobol be able to hear the messages of the Cylon god?

A Kobollian god(s) was separated from the others (per [[Religion in the Twelve Colonies#The Jealous God|the deleted scene about a jealous god]]). Could a fallen deity have influenced the Cylons later, compelling them to deny the existence of the other Lords?<ref>The Olympian gods had many enemies, including the ones they deposed, the [[Wikipedia: Titan (mythology)|titans]].</ref>

In several season 3 episodes, a [[Number Three]] Cylon pursues knowledge that is (for unknown reasons) forbidden to discuss or explore: the missing [[final five]] human models. A Three manages to use a Colonial device inside the [[Temple of Five]] to get a persistent image of five white-robed figures, as well as recognizing one specific face she had persecuted in the past (suggesting that the face is that of a Colonial member). Before she can share her revelations, however, the other Cylons [[boxing|box her entire line]] ([[Rapture]]).

The Temple of Five, however, was not built for the Cylon (who were not created until 4,000 years later) but for humans. The Temple, according to the Sacred Scrolls, was built for five priests who worshiped a god "whose name could not be spoken." What connection there is, if any other than their number, between the final five Cylons and the five priests of this presumably-exiled or spurned Lord of Kobol is unknown.

While the notion of a fallen Lord is speculative in the Re-imagined Series, there is already a parallel series of characters from the [[Original Series]]: The [[Beings of Light]] and their fallen member, [[Iblis]].<ref>[[Ron D. Moore]] has stated in several interviews that he was not planning to use this Original Series concept in his Re-imagined version.</ref>

==References==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>

{{featured article}}

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial]]
[[Category:Colonial History]]
[[Category:Colonial History (RDM)]]
[[Category:Colonial Religion]]
[[Category:Colonial Religion (RDM)]]
[[Category:Colonial Society]]
[[Category:Colonial Society (RDM)]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Religion in the Twelve Colonies (RDM)

2007-05-20T02:10:35Z

Mudflap:

:''This article discusses the religion of the Colonies as seen in the [[Re-imagined Series]]. For summary information on the Kobollian religion from the [[Original Series]], see [[Religion in the Twelve Colonies (TOS)]].''

{{RDM twelve colonies series}}

The '''religion of the Twelve Colonies''', which the various characters of ''Battlestar Galactica'' practice to greater or lesser extent, is a polytheistic faith. Their deities have an interesting parallelism to the [[Wikipedia:Greek mythology|Olympic gods]], with a strong emphasis on the philosophy of [[Wikipedia:Eternal return|eternal return]].

==Origin==
[[Image:Pythia.jpg|right|thumb|A portion of the Sacred Scrolls, specifically, a portion of the Book of [[Pythia]].]]
The eternal return aspect between the peoples of Kobol and Earth suggest a parallel or reverse-origin with humanity as a whole or the [[Thirteenth Tribe]] that presumably populated it. See [[History of the Twelve Colonies]] for more analysis.

In the burial scene of the [[Miniseries]], [[William Adama]] states, "Life here began out there,<ref>This phrase is a homage to the [[Original Series]], where each episode began with this phrase in a voice-over introduction.</ref>" reminding the assembly that this was the first line of the [[Sacred Scrolls]], the principle religious tome of the Colonial faith, told to them by the Lords Of Kobol many centuries ago.

==Belief==

===The Lords of Kobol===

Colonial religion is centered on the Lords of Kobol. In the Re-imagined Series, eight Lords of Kobol have been positively identified:

* [[Zeus]] - The leader of the gods. [[Tom Zarek]] has twice referred to [[William Adama|Commander Adama]] as "Zeus" ("[[Bastille Day]]", "[[The Farm]]", as a play on Capt. Apollo's callsign).
* [[Apollo, Lord of Kobol|Apollo]] - Zeus' son, said to be the god of the hunt and of healing ([[Bastille Day]]).
* [[Ares]] - The god of war. The [[Nicholas Tyrol|infant son]] of [[Cally]] and [[Galen Tyrol]] is [[dedication ceremony|dedicated]] to this Lord of Kobol ([[Battlestar Galactica: The Resistance|The Resistance, Episode 10]]).
* [[Artemis]] - Twin sister of Apollo, goddess of the hunt. [[Kara Thrace]] prays often to this lord ([[Flesh and Bone]]).
* [[Aphrodite]] - The goddess of love and sexuality. Kara Thrace prays often to this lord ([[Flesh and Bone]]).
* [[Athena, Lord of Kobol|Athena]] - This lord committed suicide "out of despair over the exodus of the thirteen tribes" ([[Home, Part II]]). Her [[Tomb of Athena|tomb]] holds a map to [[Earth (RDM)|Earth]] ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]).
* [[Aurora, Goddess of the Dawn]] ([[Maelstrom]])<ref>Aurora is the Roman counterpart of the Greek [[w:Eos|Eos]]. Eos is one of the [[w:Titans (mythology)|Titans]]. Since the Lords of Kobol are modeled after the [[w:Twelve Olympians|Twelve Olympians]] however, this could indicate that she is not one of the Lords, but belongs to another group of deities.</ref>
* [[Hera, Lord of Kobol|Hera]] - Wife and step sister of Zeus. A [[Gates of Hera|mountain ridge]] on Kobol is named after her ([[Home, Part II]]), and the [[Hera|first Cylon/human hybrid child]] is named for this lord ([[Downloaded]]).

The Colonials appear to use multiple names for their gods, interchanging "Mars" for "Ares," "Jupiter" for "Zeus," and so on.<ref>Curiously, [[Laura Roslin]] mentions that the 134th day of the Cylon occupation of [[New Caprica]] is Mars Day ([[Occupation]]), suggesting that Ares may also be called by his alternate Roman pantheon's name. The same happens again in "[[The Passage]]" when Zeus is referred to by the name of his Roman counterpart Jupiter.</ref>

==== Paradise Lost ====

According to the [[Sacred Scrolls]], the gods once shared a paradise-like existence with the people of [[Kobol (RDM)|Kobol]]. Later circumstances forced the exodus of the human population of Kobol to [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)|the Twelve Colonies]] and [[Earth (RDM)|Earth]], and lead to Athena's suicide.

The existence of the Lords of Kobol is attested to by the survival of numerous artifacts, including the [[Arrow of Apollo]], the [[Tomb of Athena]] and the [[Gates of Hera]]. However, although she accepts their historicity, [[Sharon Agathon|Caprica-Valerii]], a [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylon]], questions their actual divinity.<ref>There is a notion in fan circles that there are twelve lords of Kobol, by analogy to the twelve Cylon models, twelve Colonies, and perhaps the [[Wikipedia:Twelve Olympians|Twelve Olympians]] of Greek mythology. A post from [[Ron D. Moore]]'s blog [http://blog.scifi.com/battlestar/archives/2005/03/index.html#a000023 on March 12, 2005] loosely alludes on this coincidence, but further official sourcing has not been revealed.</ref>

====The Jealous God====

[[Elosha]] states that the exodus from Kobol was precipitated when "one jealous god began to desire that he be elevated above all the other gods, and the war on Kobol began."<ref>From a [http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/episodes/season01/112/mov/bsg_del_112_regret.mov deleted scene] cut from the episode "[[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]."</ref>

====The Path of Olympus====

[[Tom Zarek]] conveys to [[Laura Roslin]] and members of her command staff of [[Laura Roslin faction|factioners]] the news that Commander [[William Adama]] had resumed command of ''[[Galactica]]'' after the attempt on his life by saying: "Zeus has returned to '''Olympus''' " ([[The Farm]]).<ref>In Greek mythology, the home of the gods on Earth resided high atop Greece's highest mountain, Mount Olympus, at a time where access to the mountain summit would be almost impossible with the inhabitants' technology of that age.</ref> By Zarek's comment we can infer that Colonial religion appears to acknowledge the existence of a place called Olympus. It cannot yet be determined, however, if Olympus was thought of as the residence of the gods at a specific physical or ''metaphysical'' location of Kobol, as there has been no mention of Olympus elsewhere in the series. If Olympus is a metaphysical locale, this may contradict [[Elosha]]'s comment that the gods and man lived on Kobol together in harmony.

===Other Mythological Names in Colonial Culture===

Various items have been identified which are apparently named after other gods and legendary figures of their faith, although these have not been explicitly identified as Lords of Kobol.

:''See main article: [[Mythological references]]''

===The Cycle of Time===

''"All this has happened before, and all this will happen again."''

According to [[Gaius Baltar]], this line from the [[Pythia]]n prophecy is very well known ([[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]). [[Laura Roslin]] later expands on it, reminding [[Kara Thrace]],

<blockquote>"If you believe in the gods, then you believe in the cycle of time that we are all playing our parts in a story that is told again, and again, and again throughout eternity" ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]).</blockquote>

Various events throughout the series have led some characters to believe that they are playing out another turn of this cycle<ref>The notion of a circular progression of time (also known as [[Wikipedia:eternal return|eternal return]] or eternal recurrence) is a common theme in other faiths, particularly [[Wikipedia:Maya#Religion|Mayan]] mythology and is a cornerstone of the Hindu and Buddhist faiths. Moreover, [[Wikipedia:Stoic|Stoic]] philosophy did believe in the concept of ''ekpyrosis'', the fire which consumes the old world and signals the birth of a new world, identical to the old, for a recurring cycle of birth, death and rebirth.</ref>. (See [[Sacred Scrolls]] for more detailed analysis.)

===Sanctity of Life===

According to the Sacred Scrolls, abortion is "an abomination in the eyes of the Gods". The more fundamentalist [[The_Twelve_Colonies_%28RDM%29#Gemenon|Gemenese]] strictly adhere to this commandment, however the more secular Colonies such as Caprica apparently do not follow this as strictly: officially, Colonies-wide Federal law guaranteed a woman the right to an abortion, at least at the time of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]] ([[The Captain's Hand]]).

==Individual Practice==

The Colonials display a wide spectrum of religious practice, ranging from [[Billy Keikeya]]'s atheism ([[Home, Part II]], [http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/episodes/season02/207/deleted4.html cut scene]) to Corporal [[Venner]]'s literalistic readings of the Sacred Scrolls.

While not fully explained in the Re-imagined Series, it appears, based on the information from a [[dedication ceremony]] for [[Nicholas Tyrol]] and the prayers of [[Kara Thrace]], that each Colonial is paired, or "placed in the service" with one or more of the Lords. Based on the dedication ceremony blessing, Zeus is a considered "almighty" or foremost of the gods, while other Lords are prayed to by Colonials as a proxy to Zeus.<ref>This practice is similar to a Catholic practice of prayer to Mary, mother of Jesus. While Mary is a human, followers believe that, by praying to Mary, she can intercede to aid the acceptance of the prayer by the [[w:Trinity|Trinity]], the godhead of the Catholic faith.</ref>

===Artifacts===
<div style="float:left; margin-right:1em;">[[Image:Bsg-arrow-apollo.jpg|75px]]</div>
Despite Gemenon's fundamentalist climate, the city of [[Delphi]] on [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Caprica|Caprica]] was apparently of a mind to store an important religious artifact, the [[Arrow of Apollo]], in a [[Delphi Museum of the Colonies|museum]], rather than a devotional institution ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]).

Ancient temples may be also be the repository of special artifacts such as the [[Eye of Jupiter]], believed to be stored inside the legendary [[Temple of Five]] ("[[Rapture]]", "[[The Eye of Jupiter]]").
<br clear="all">

===Dress===
[[Image:Season 3 - Promo - Epi 1 - 2 - Oracle Selloi.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The robes of [[Dodona Selloi]] ([[Exodus, Part I]])]]
As seen by the various [[Laura Roslin faction|separatists]] orbiting [[Kobol (RDM)|Kobol]] in "[[Home, Part I]]," it appears that many Colonials have clothing that suggests a religious deference. In the scene, one older, white-bearded gentleman is dressed in simple colored robes and a round, flat head covering<ref>These robes may remind viewers of the tradition dress of Hasidic Jews, Islamic clerics, or Eastern Orthodox clerics of the real-world Earth.</ref> Other distinctive dress styles of other characters in the scene increase the sense of the dedication of religion in the Gemenese people (which appeared to comprise the majority of Roslin's separatists).

The [[oracle]] [[Dodona Selloi]] dresses in a turban and robes, suggesting a special role in Colonial society or its religious hierarchy ([[Exodus, Part I]]).
<br clear="all">

===Idols===
<div style="float:right; margin-right:1em;">[[Image:Idols.jpg|100px]]</div>
At the end of the episode "[[Flesh and Bone]]," Kara Thrace, a devotee of Artemis and Aphrodite (as stated by [[Leoben Conoy]] in the same episode), prays to them on Conoy's behalf using figurines that bear a similarity to classic representations of Artemis and Athena. Artemis is depicted with her bow and arrow, and Athena with her helmet of war.

When visting the oracle [[Yolanda Brenn]], Thrace receives a figurine of the goddess [[Aurora, Goddess of the Dawn|Aurora]] as a gift ([[Maelstrom]]).
<br clear="all">

===Prayer===
<div style="float:left; margin-right:1em;">[[Image:The_Farm-Group_Worship.jpg|100px]]</div>
Some prisoners on the ''[[Astral Queen]]'' seeking rehabilitation have turned to group prayer.
They greet Laura Roslin as a prophet and she provides them with a blessing ([[The Farm]]).

Priestess [[Elosha]] sings a group prayer in the service for the dead after the Fleet escapes from the initial Cylon attack ([[Miniseries]]).<ref>The language she sings is [[w:Sanskrit|Sanskrit]], a classical language of real-world Earth's Hindu/Indian peoples. More about the verses that she sings and their meaning can be found in the [[Language in the Twelve Colonies#Liturgy|Language in the Twelve Colonies]] article.</ref> The priest also gives a prayer after ''[[Colonial One]]'' is boarded by Commander Adama's troops to remove Roslin from power ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]).

A chaplain delivered a simple prayer at the funeral of [[Zak Adama]], two years prior to the fall of the Colonies ([[Act of Contrition]]):
<blockquote>"The burdens of this life are with us but a short time. For Lieutenant Zak Adama, son of [[William Adama|William]] and [[Carolanne Adama]], brother of [[Lee Adama|Lee]], the time was too short, but we take comfort in knowing his life was willingly given in service to all of us. We honor them for that. And thus, it falls upon us to repent our sins and with the help of the Lords of Kobol, make our own lives worthy of that gift. And now, we commit his body to the ground from which we were all made."<ref>The prayer's mention of committing a "body to the ground from which we were all made" reflects the real-world Christian funeral prayer that commonly uses the phrase, "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust."</ref></blockquote>

Corporal [[Venner]] asks [[Laura Roslin]] to join him in a simple prayer while ''Galactica'' is attacked as it desperately tries to find its Fleet ([[Scattered]]):
<blockquote>''(To Roslin:)'' Will you pray with me? ''(He begins:)'' Help us, Lords of Kobol. Help your prophet Laura guide us to the path of righteousness. That we might-- that we might destroy our enemies. Let us walk the path of righteousness and lift our faces unto your goodness. Help us turn away from the calls of the wicked and show us the knowledge of your certain salvation. We offer this prayer.</blockquote>

Prayer is also seen in the [[Battlestar Galactica: The Resistance|season 3 webisode series]] in a temple, and by [[Kara Thrace]] ([[Miniseries]], "[[Flesh and Bone]]").<br clear="all">

===Rosaries===
<div style="float:left; margin-right:1em;">[[Image:Rosary.jpg|100px]]</div>
As [[Laura Roslin]] begins to suffer from [[chamalla]] withdrawal in ''Galactica's'' brig, Corporal [[Venner]], a [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Gemenon|Gemenon]], anxiously clutches a set of white prayer beads ([[Fragged]]).
<br clear="all">

===[[Temple]]===
While not seen in season 1, the worship sites known as temples have appeared on [[New Caprica]]. Temples may have been more elaborate places on the Twelve Colonies, but the spaceborne remnants of humanity presumably use any space they can find on their ships to form a basic temple. As seen on [[New Caprica]], a basic temple may consist of a simple altar with candles, idols of the Lords of Kobol, and what meager offerings the Colonials can give as a [[w:tithe|tithe]]. Some prayers are written and paper and burned ([[Battlestar Galactica: The Resistance]]).

The temple on New Caprica was known as the Temple of Artemis ([[Collaborators]]), suggesting that temples are named after a Lord or Lords, and may be related to the pairing of Colonials to a specific set of Lords at their dedication ceremony.

A similar arrangement to temple is found in an [[Yolanda Brenn|oracle camp]] ([[Maelstrom]]).
<br clear="all">

===Sagittaron beliefs ===
Orthodox [[Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Sagittaron|Sagittaron]] beliefs are more anachronistic than the Gemenese's, believing that the mind and body are myths, and that medicine is "an abomination, a sin against the Gods". Sagittarons also blame physicians for the spread of disease due to their ignorance of the aforementioned "myth" of the body and mind. They traditionally do not believe in violence, even to the point of not aiding the [[New Caprica Resistance]] in their fight against the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylon]] occupation of [[New Caprica]] ([[The Woman King]]).

==The Clergy==
The religious and government bodies of the Twelve Colonies work together. This association is likely based on the religious homogeneity of the Colonies.<ref>This differs from the United States, whose government is based on religious tolerance through the separation of religious practice and legislature. While the real-world Earth has many, many religions, the Twelve Colonies, as yet, appear to have only one religion and as such does not suffer greatly from schisms or other religious factions, although colonists such as the Gemenese show a different emphasis on how they interpret the religious writings.</ref>

===Priests===
[[Image:Season 3 - Promo - Collaborators - Priest.jpg|right|thumb|A male priest. ([[Collaborators]]).]]
[[Image:Elosha1.jpg|thumb|left|Elosha, priest and friend of President Roslin. ([[Home, Part I]])]]
[[Laura Roslin]] [[Case Orange|is sworn into the presidency]] by a ''priest'', [[Elosha]], who continues on in an advisory capacity within Roslin's administration.
Priests also preside over military funerals, without regard for the beliefs of the deceased.

Priests in the Twelve Colonies are apparently not required to practice celibacy, and can be male or female. Chief [[Galen Tyrol]] states that his father was a priest and his mother an oracle ([[Resistance (episode)|Resistance]]).<ref>Galen Tyrol's information may be skewed by the revelation that he, himself, is a version of [[Final five|Cylon]] as noted in "[[Crossroads, Part II]]".</ref>

According to [[Billy Keikeya]], some priests use [[chamalla]] for its hallucinogenic properties. The prescient dreams it imparted to Laura Roslin may imply the use of something similar by [[Pythia]], an ancient prophet. [[Oracle]]s also use the drug.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>

===Brothers===
[[Image:Cyca2.jpg|left|thumb|The false Brother [[Cavil]] ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II]]).]]
The term ''Brother'' is used as a title for male members of the clergy, although it is not fully apparent whether this role is similar to that of a [[w:Monk|monk]] or [[w:Deacon|deacon]].

As with priests, a brother offers consultation and leads prayer.

The only instance of this clergy is Brother [[Cavil]], who offers guidance to Chief Tyrol.

Cavil, however, is revealed as a [[Humanoid Cylon]] some time later. Because of Cavil's nature, there may be doubt as to whether Cavil is a useful example of the work of a Brother in Colonial religion.

It is probable that Brothers are lay clergy (unlike priests and oracles, who appear to have political status as well as their religious status).

<div style="clear: both;"></div>

===Sisters===
[[Image:Tivenan.jpg|right|thumb|Sister Tivenan (right) at a [[dedication ceremony]] ([[Battlestar Galactica: The Resistance|The Resistance: Episode 10]])]]
As with Brothers in the clergy, there are ''Sisters'' as well.

Sister [[Tivenan]] is briefly seen tending to business in the temple on [[New Caprica]], guiding prayer and officiating a [[dedication ceremony]] for the [[Nicholas Tyrol|newborn son]] of [[Galen Tyrol|Galen]] and [[Cally Tyrol]] ([[Battlestar Galactica: The Resistance]]).

It is probable that Sisters, like Brothers, are lay clergy.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>

===Oracles===
[[Image:Season 3 - Promo - Epi 1 - 2 - Oracle Selloi.jpg|left|thumb|The oracle [[Dodona Selloi]] ([[Exodus, Part I]]).]]
[[Image:S3 oraclebrenn low.jpg|right|thumb|The oracle [[Yolanda Brenn]] ([[Maelstrom]]).]]
There is little information as to the religious functions of ''[[oracle]]s''. [[Dodona Selloi]] is one of two oracles seen in the Re-imagined Series. She confirms the dreams of a copy of [[Number Three]] and the existence of [[Hera Agathon|Hera]]. It is not clear if Selloi was sitting in a tent designated as a temple, but there were numerous ornate or curious inscriptions surrounding and inside her tent that suggest the significance of the oracle's tent or her presence. A second oracle, [[Yolanda Brenn]], gives counsel to [[Kara Thrace]] on her strange dreams aboard ''Galactica'' ([[Maelstrom]]).

Priests and oracles may assume their roles due to an personal, possibly inherited affinity to sense spiritual changes or conditions. [[Galen Tyrol]], the son of a priest and oracle, detects the presence of and finds the [[Temple of Five]] alone, based only on his senses, apparently detecting the hidden temple on the otherwise-unremarkable (and undocumented) [[algae planet]] ([[The Eye of Jupiter]]).<br clear="all">

== Cylon Interpretations ==

Many Humanoid Cylons show a strict, firm belief in a monotheistic [[God]]. When agents such as Leoben Conoy, Cavil, and [[Sharon Agathon|Caprica-Valerii]] begin talking of Cylon beliefs, they are ridiculed and threatened with death. They refer to the Lords of Kobol as "false idols." They also claim to have more insight into Colonial religion than the Colonials themselves, as shown by [[Sharon Agathon|Caprica-Valerii]] in "[[Home, Part II]]."

However, a connection between the Cylon God and the Lords of Kobol may exist. In "[[Exodus, Part I]]," an [[Selloi|oracle]] tells [[Number Three]] (a [[Humanoid Cylon]] who has a ''dream'' of the oracle's tent and of holding the believed-dead hybrid child [[Hera]]) that she has a message from the one that Number Three worships. How would an oracle of the Lords of Kobol be able to hear the messages of the Cylon god?

A Kobollian god(s) was separated from the others (per [[Religion in the Twelve Colonies#The Jealous God|the deleted scene about a jealous god]]). Could a fallen deity have influenced the Cylons later, compelling them to deny the existence of the other Lords?<ref>The Olympian gods had many enemies, including the ones they deposed, the [[Wikipedia: Titan (mythology)|titans]].</ref>

In several season 3 episodes, a [[Number Three]] Cylon pursues knowledge that is (for unknown reasons) forbidden to discuss or explore: the missing [[final five]] human models. A Three manages to use a Colonial device inside the [[Temple of Five]] to get a persistent image of five white-robed figures, as well as recognizing one specific face she had persecuted in the past (suggesting that the face is that of a Colonial member). Before she can share her revelations, however, the other Cylons [[boxing|box her entire line]] ([[Rapture]]).

The Temple of Five, however, was not built for the Cylon (who were not created until 4,000 years later) but for humans. The Temple, according to the Sacred Scrolls, was built for five priests who worshiped a god "whose name could not be spoken." What connection there is, if any other than their number, between the final five Cylons and the five priests of this presumably-exiled or spurned Lord of Kobol is unknown.

While the notion of a fallen Lord is speculative in the Re-imagined Series, there is already a parallel series of characters from the [[Original Series]]: The [[Beings of Light]] and their fallen member, [[Iblis]].<ref>[[Ron D. Moore]] has stated in several interviews that he was not planning to use this Original Series concept in his Re-imagined version.</ref>

==References==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>

{{featured article}}

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial]]
[[Category:Colonial History]]
[[Category:Colonial History (RDM)]]
[[Category:Colonial Religion]]
[[Category:Colonial Religion (RDM)]]
[[Category:Colonial Society]]
[[Category:Colonial Society (RDM)]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Computers in the Re-imagined Series

2007-05-09T23:10:08Z

Mudflap:

{{RDM science series}}

Technologies such as '''computers''' have been mostly bane and less of a blessing to the Colonials of the [[Twelve Colonies]], despite the obvious conveniences that technology brings. It was computer technology that led to the creation of the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]] for household to warfare use. These intelligent machines rebelled. To counter their creation's ability to hack into computers, the Colonial defenses, particularly the [[Galactica type battlestar|first battlestars]], used computers but did not network them to all but eliminate Cylon infiltration.

Over 40 years after that first [[Cylon War]] and with the Cylons apparently long gone, the Colonials slowly returned to technological conveniences. When the Cylons began planning a second war against the Colonials, they chose to infiltrate the Colonial military through yet another program installed throughout fighters and battlestars that was designed to add more convenience: the [[Command Navigation Program]]. This program, thanks to [[Humanoid Cylon|Cylon agents disguised as humans]] who infiltrated Colonial life and sought out people who had [[Gaius Baltar|access to Colonial computer defense technologies]], contained a "[[backdoor]]" that allowed the Cylon forces to damage or disable any Colonial vessel with this program. Only non-networked ships (such as most civilian ships or ''Galactica'' herself) or those with comparatively primitive computers (such as [[Viper (RDM)|the Viper Mark II]]) were all-but-immune to the new Cylon menace.

[[Image:Seshalaptop 216 1080i.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A laptop computer ([[Sacrifice]]).]]
==Colonial Civilian and Government Computers==

====[[Colonial Defense Mainframe]]====

:Not much is known of this system other than its existence and the roles they played in the destruction of the Twelve Colonies. This central computer housed key Colonial Fleet logistical information, such as fleet deployment, and was the central system used by [[Gaius Baltar]] to create and distribute the [[Command Navigation Program]] to all advanced ships and fighters in the Colonial Fleet ([[Miniseries]]). It was located within the Ministry of Defense on Caprica ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]), since [[Shelly Godfrey|Number Six]] produced credible-looking footage showing Baltar attaching a bomb to it.

====[[War College|War College Simulator]]====

:[[Lee Adama]] performed simulations of Cylon attacks in War College to test Colonial defense tactics. One such defense involves the use of [[EMP]] devices to fool Cylon forces into believing a nuclear device detonated where no explosion took place. Adama successfully used the electric pulse generators that were offloaded onto ''[[Colonial Heavy 798]]'' from ''Galactica'' to successfully fool two Cylon Raiders into concluding that their nuclear missile attack on ''Colonial Heavy 798'' was successful, while also disabling the warheads of the missiles aimed at the [[Intersun|starliner]]. Adama was amused that this trick actually worked in reality, for in the War College simulations the Cylons were not fooled and destroyed the Colonial targets anyway ([[Miniseries]]).

====Viper Flight Simulators====

:Battlestar ''Galactica'' loses many pilots to Cylon attack or accident in the first weeks of exodus from the Colonies. Lieutenant [[Kara Thrace]] is ordered to become flight instructor to train [[nuggets]] as new pilots. Normally, pilots are trained on simulators, presumably on one of the Colonies or a more advanced battlestar, which used complex computers to immerse a trainee into the feel of Viper combat. Unfortunately, ''Galactica'' did not have simulators onboard, so Thrace teaches the new pilots using actual Vipers ([[Act of Contrition]]). Months later, the [[Mercury class battlestar|advanced battlestar]] ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' joins the Fleet. The modern resources of this battlestar include flight simulators onboard. Rookie pilots [[Brent Baxton|BB]] and [[Joseph Clark|Jo-Jo]] arrive on ''Galactica'' to begin their tour after training with these simulators on ''Pegasus'' ([[Scar]]).

====Personal Computers====

:In preparation for converting ''Galactica'' into a museum and education center, then-Secretary of Education [[Laura Roslin]] pleads unsuccessfully to then-Commander [[William Adama]] to allow installation of a network for personal computers to be used for teaching and information by students and visitors ([[Miniseries]]).

:Terrorist [[Sesha Abinell]] uses a personal laptop computer<ref>In an amusing props gaffe, fans of the show may notice that the mouse she used is an actual product manufactured by the Microsoft Corporation, which may mistakenly suggest to fans that Microsoft's sales model truly ''is'' universal.</ref> in her quarters as she compiles and gathers information on Cylon and Colonial conspiracy theories ([[Sacrifice]]).

====Data discs====
[[Image:Hexdisk1.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Shelly Godfrey]]'s data disc. ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]).]]
[[Image:Hexdisk2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A disc held by [[D'anna Biers]] in her editing studio ([[Final Cut]]).]]
Data discs<ref>{{bsgwiki term}}</ref> are used to make large amounts of data portable between computer networks.

Strangely, only individuals [[Occupation|later revealed to the Colonials]] as [[Humanoid Cylon]]s have been shown in the series to have such discs in their initial possession. The video products resulting on both discs are used by the Humanoid Cylons are elements used for information gathering or discreditation.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>

====[[Portable library reader|Portable library readers]]====
[[Image:portable library reader.jpg|thumb|A portable library reader ([[Epiphanies]]).]]
Portable library readers are more like an hand-held electronic dictionary or encyclopedia. They likely can synchronize data from a personal computer.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>

==Basestar Computers==

The Cylon are a cybernetic race. As such, ''everything'' is computer-based by nature. To avoid confusion between differentiation of the cybernetic physiology of the [[Humanoid Cylon]], only the non-sentient or quasi-sentient computer systems of the basestar are noted here.

===The Hybrid===

The [[Hybrid]] is a humanoid Cylon that rests in a pool of water near or in a basestar's command and control center. The connectivity that she has to many of the basestar's systems make her, in effect, ''the'' basestar. Functions such as [[Cylon Centurion]] and Cylon Raider access and deployment appear controlled from the Hybrid, as well as navigation control.

===The Datastream===

The [[datastream]] is the central network within a basestar. It appears to use water as a data transmission medium, a storage medium, or both. The datastream is capable of damage from [[Lymphocytic encephalitis|certain organic pathogens]] that can also infect the sentient Humanoid Cylons. The datastreams appear to utilize other falling water pools within a basestar's command and control center, which may serve as data storage or access nodes<ref>[[Sharon Agathon]] instructs a member of her boarding team to place a Colonial data gathering device in one of these pools in "[[A Measure of Salvation]]."</ref>.

===Data port interfaces===

While not computers in themselves, Humanoid Cylons, which are more biological than cybernetic, have devised a remarkable manner to interface with computer systems with an optical interface. On a basestar, Cylons can access their datastream by placing their arm on an illuminated panel that's covered by a thin layer of water. This activates the [[Cylon data port|data port]], an optical interface incorporated within their arms that's otherwise disguised as ordinary human tissues. These interfaces are transceivers that can also be configured for visual data such as photography.

==Battlestar Computers==

An original battlestar such as ''[[Galactica]]'' has several computers dedicated to many critical ship functions. Several specific computers have been mentioned in the [[Miniseries]] and [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]]. This list is not inclusive; an [[Galactica type battlestar|original battlestar]] like ''Galactica'' is still a very complex spacecraft. Advanced battlestars such as ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'', with its networked computers, may have more or fewer computers or distributed functionality. It is likely that ''Pegasus'' is not as strongly networked as before the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]] to create similar defenses against Cylon intrusion.

Although the battlestar normally does not have a central computer network in place, ''Galactica'' does possess a [[Wikipedia:Default gateway|gateway]], which, in ''Galactica's'' case, is likely managed within the Mainframe itself and not as a larger network topology. The Mainframe's normally-isolated gateway can be linked to the other computers (as Gaeta does in "[[Scattered]]").

{|
|
===Navigation Computer===
Also known as the "Nav" computer, it tracks the battlestar<nowiki>'s</nowiki> position and handles [[Sublight Propulsion|sublight]] travel and [[RCS]] translations. It is very likely that [[DRADIS]] sensor information is obtained and managed by the Navigation Computer then passed on to the [[Tactical Officer]] and the Command & Control Center in the [[CIC]].
|[[Image:navcomp_002_720p.jpg|thumb|Nav Computer Display of ''Galactica'' ([[Miniseries]])]]
|}

{|
|
===FTL Computer===

The FTL computer manages the complex calculations necessary for an [[FTL]] jump. Information for these jumps on a more [[Mercury class battlestar|advanced battlestar]] such as ''Pegasus'' are probably transmitted from the Navigation Computer by the battlestar's network.

On ''Galactica'', however, the FTL computer receives the spatial coordinates manually from the [[Tactical Officer]] or its Communications Officer. The FTL computer also manages the star fixes of the jump coordinates to compensate for inertial drift that naturally occurs over time. The Tactical Officer generates a series of emergency jump coordinates for the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]] with the FTL computer. This information is relayed to other ships regularly. It is likely that the [[flight pod]]s are also controlled through the FTL computer as they must be retracted prior to a jump.<ref name="scattered">One of Gaeta's responsibilities is to monitor DRADIS contacts. To navigate, a battlestar must use some way to determine its location relative to other objects, so the Navigation and DRADIS connection must exist.</ref>
|[[Image:ftlcomp_217_1080i.jpg|thumb|FTL Systems Display of ''Pegasus'' ([[The Captain's Hand]])]]
|}

{|
|

===Damage Control Computer===

The Damage Control computer relays information to the CIC on malfunctioning or damaged areas of the battlestar, presumably from various sensors throughout the ship. It also has access to radiation sensors in the event of nuclear attack to warn against dangerous radiation levels that could harm the crew.<ref name="miniseries2">While Colonel Tigh was on a handset ordering the retraction of the pods as the battlestar began its escape from Ragnar Anchorage, many events within the ship must be coordinated (bulkheads closing, motors for the pod movement activated, etc.) While there was likely a person in CIC or elsewhere that flips a switch or types in a computer command, there must still be a computer used to coordinate these events as they are too many to manage in a limited amount of time ([[Miniseries]]).</ref> The DC computer's function can be compromised by a hostile force through places such as [[Aft Damage Control]], as was threatened in "[[Valley of Darkness]]." If these locations are compromised, the computer's safeties can be overridden and various life-support controls, such as bulkheads and atmospheric controls, could be altered, venting the ship's air (and crew) into space.
|[[Image:PegasusDamageDisplay2.jpg|thumb|Damage Control display of ''Pegasus'' ([[The Captain's Hand]])]]
|}

{|
|
===Fire Control Computer===

The Fire Control computer manages a battlestar's primary offensive weapons, the central flak turret and smaller port and starboard turrets along the length of each side of the ship. It is presumed that the Fire Control computers report to crewmembers responsible for the upkeep of ammunition on the guns when to reload an particular turret. The Fire Control computer can target individual bogeys with the flak turret guns, which, in tandem with the smaller turrets, make even ''Galactica'', an old original battlestar from the first [[Cylon War]], a formidable foe to encounter. Like the DC computer, there are control rooms on ''Galactica'' where the ship's computerized gun control can be overriden.<ref name="miniseries">''Galactica's'' flak turret guns are seen directly targeting specific missiles during the [[Battle of Ragnar Anchorage]] ([[Miniseries]]).</ref>
|[[Image:Maingunredlight_101_1080i.jpg|thumb|Fire Control Display Panel ([[33]])]]
|}

===Mainframe Computer===

This computer likely manages secondary functions of the ship, such as communications. The mainframe likely provides extra calculating power for other ship tasks when required, and may also serve as the ship's library for tactical information.<ref name="phe">[[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Sharon Valerii]]: "Mr. Gaeta, can you set me up with a fiber-optic com link? I need broadcast to all frequencies and direct link to the mainframe." ([[Flight of the Phoenix]])</ref> Of all the computers on ''Galactica'', this computer is likely very resistant by design to infiltration since it controls communication traffic (and thus is accessible to Cylon external intrusion by [[wireless]]). The mainframe likely possesses a basic gateway, but, per ''Galactica's'' no-networks edict, it is typically unused.

===Environmental Computer===

This computer is mentioned briefly by Lt. Gaeta after an incident where the effects of a Cylon logic bomb confused the environmental computer into venting the firing range room of its pressure, almost killing [[Kara Thrace]], [[Lee Adama]] and [[Brendan Costanza]] ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]).

The environmental computer is likely connected to the nearly one-dozen carbon dioxide air scrubbers throughout ''Galactica'', which remove the excess levels of the gas before it reaches toxic levels ([[Final Cut]]).

==Avionics==

:''The computer systems found on fighters and support aircraft of a capital ship are generally described by the term ''[[Wikipedia:Avionics|avionics]]'' (AVIation electrONICS). In the world of ''Battlestar Galactica'', aircraft terminology is intermixed with spacecraft terminology--note the use of "[[CAG]]" and Commander Adama's use of the word "planes" to Chief [[Galen Tyrol]] to describe the Viper space fighter ([[Litmus]]). As the term "avionics" was used in the episode "[[Flesh and Bone]]" to describe the flight electronics on the captured [[Raider]], despite its aeronautical connotation, it will be used here.''

===Colonial Avionics===

The [[Colonial Fleet (RDM)|Colonial Fleet]] relied initially on primitive, hard-wired avionics in its early fighters, but later reverted to more "[[Wikipedia:Fly by wire|fly-by-wire]]" technologies, one of which sealed the doom of billions of citizens.

====Vipers and Raptors====
[[Image:Vipermk2interior 104 1080i.jpg|left|thumb|200px|A view of the manual "8-ball" landing software on a Viper Mk. II.]]
[[Image:Vipermk2interior3 104 1080i.jpg|right|thumb|200px|A view of a Mk. II secondary display below the primary display, currently using [[DRADIS]].]]

The '''avionics''' found on [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]]s and [[Raptor]]s likely include these components, which vary in availability or degrees of complexity depending on the craft's age or purpose:

* A non-directional medium-range [[wireless]] communications for ship-to-ship and ship-to-planet contact
* [[DRADIS]] hardware for enemy targeting, squadron formation flight maneuvers, etc.
* A Colonial transponder for [[IFF]] "friend or foe" identification
* Stellar positioning system for proper [[Sublight Propulsion|sublight]] or [[FTL]] navigation
** Larger craft such as Raptors can manage FTL jumps and so come equipped with more advanced avionics to handle jump computations
* Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), an automatic ("hands-off") landing system guidance package

<div style="clear: both;"></div>

====Vulnerabilities====

[[Image:ViperMk7Avionics.jpg|thumb|200px|Viper Mk. VII cockpit avionics, vulnerable if the [[CNP]] is installed.]]
In the case of modern (pre-[[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|holocaust]]) spacecraft, many of these systems were likely tied into (either as a software or firmware component) of the tainted [[Command Navigation Program]]. Evidence for this is strong as [[Jackson Spencer]]'s Mark VII Viper loses power, communications, flight control, DRADIS, and apparently ejection control after Cylon fighters "rooted", or counter-commanded his Viper to shut down, thanks to the backdoors installed in these modern avionics packages ([[Miniseries]]).

<div style="clear: both;"></div>

[[Image:ViperMk2Avionics.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Viper Mk. II cockpit avionics, resistant to Cylon infiltration.]]
Older Vipers, like the Mark II, used more primitive avionics with far less dependence on computer programming. Designed for the First Cylon War to engage an enemy that commonly used computer infiltration as an attack, older Colonial spacecraft likely did not possess conveniences that modern Vipers and their pilots took for granted, such as auto-landing systems.

''Galactica'' prohibits computerized landings, so all pilots perform [[Hands-on Approach|manual approach and landings]] in [[Combat landing|non-combat situations]]. No information has been given in the series if Mark II Vipers are capable of auto-landings in the manner that Mark VIIs demonstrate ([[Miniseries]]).

<div style="clear: both;"></div>

===Cylon Avionics===

Cylon avionics contain biological elements, some of which include or are interfaced with quasi-sentient elements.

====Raiders====

[[Cylon Raiders]] contain some level of avionics that co-exist amidst the biological components that form the "pilot" within the fuselage of the fighter. Kara Thrace identifies the mechanical linkage within a captured fighter, and [[Galen Tyrol]]'s team identifies the fire control, navigation, and FTL drive components in addition to an actual avionics package ([[Flesh and Bone]]). ''Galactica'' flight crews later rigged a flight control console that mated with the Raider's avionics for human readability.

The Cylons moved to biomechanical pilots rather than using Centurions or other robotic pilot for three probable reasons:

# The Cylon's monothesistic belief in [[God]] and their belief in procreation (machines cannot procreate, but living organisms can) suggest that they believe a biological pilot would be more effective. A Raider pilot is programmed with a basic personality akin to a predatory animal. Unlike the logic of a Centurion, a Raider pilot is capable of improvements in its programming--it can learn and anticipate changes in battle ([[Six Degrees of Separation]], [[Scar]]).
# In battle, Colonial forces may attempt electronic countermeasures that could affect the performance or operation of a fully-mechanical Cylon Raider or a craft piloted by autonomous [[Cylon Centurion]]s. As the Colonials moved to simplier technologies to combat Cylon ECM, so did the Cylons--like a human Viper pilot, the modern Raider with its biologics cannot be easily disabled by ECM.
# A Raider's personality, like a [[Humanoid Cylon]], is downloadable and transferable should the fighter be destroyed. This provides the Cylons a dramatic tactical advantage over the Colonials since the knowledge of a Raider isn't lost on death, allowing it to improve its fighting as well as allowing risker tactics (such as ramming) without permanent loss of self, provided a [[Resurrection Ship]] or the [[Cylon homeworld]] is sufficiently close to retrieve a signal ([[Scar]]).

====Heavy Raider====

The interior of a [[Heavy Raider]], or its cockpit, have not been shown in a series episode, so no information is available as to the nature of their avionics and piloting requirements, although the events from the episodes "[[Fragged]]," "[[The Farm]]" and "[[Home, Part I]]" suggest that the Heavy Raider is not an autonomous or quasi-autonomous vehicle.

====Vulnerabilities====

Cylon spacecraft avionics can be affected by infiltration with the right methods. The cooperative Cylon infiltrator copy of [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Sharon Valerii]] used herself as a [[backdoor]] to send a version of a Cylon virus to shut down power to a massive Cylon fleet en route to attack ''Galactica'' ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]). It was not shown whether the biologics of the Cylon Raiders are themselves affected by this unexpected infiltration from Valerii.

The organic nature of most Cylon cybernetics is also susceptible to [[Lymphocytic encephalitis|classic human pathogens]], which can cause massive and catastrophic system failure. The infection that caused a basestar to succumb in "[[Torn]]," according to other Cylons investigating the incident, has a bioelectric nature that could cause it to behave more like programming, allowing the [[Resurrection (RDM)|downloaded personalities]] of infected agents to infect the entire Cylon race via the [[Resurrection Ship]].

==Silica pathways==

[[Silica pathways]]

==Computer History==

:''For more information on the use of Colonial computers in the series, see the main article, [[Colonial Computer History]].''

==References==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:RDM]]
[[Category: Cylons (RDM)]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Technology (RDM)]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Terminology (RDM)]]

{{featured article candidate previous}}
{{featured article}}

Silica pathways

2007-05-08T20:43:03Z

Mudflap:

Little has been revealed about '''silica pathways''', which apparently was a technology in the construction of [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylon]] "brains." [[William Adama|Commander Adama]] compares silica pathways to a brain of sorts. He quickly mentions the technology as he challenges [[Leoben Conoy]] of being a [[Humanoid Cylon|new form of Cylon]] while the two are walking deep inside [[Ragnar Anchorage]] ([[Miniseries]]).

Apparently, Cylons are affected by the radiation generated by [[Ragnar]]'s planetary storm. The radiation effects are not immediate on even Humanoid Cylons, occurring within the space of hours after initial exposure. Humans appear to experience no symptoms to exposure.

During or after the [[Cylon War]], it is probable that the [[Colonial Fleet (RDM)|Colonial Fleet]] picked this location for the Anchorage as a last refuge "pit stop" for Colonial ships who fought off the [[Cylon Centurion Model 0005|mechanical Cylons]] in the war. It is unknown how quickly (or slowly) mechanical Cylons are affected by the Ragnar radiation.

Based on observations of the two Humanoid Cylons in the Miniseries after their extended stays within the station, symptoms seem to include elements of headache, nausea, and some level of fever or other heat-producing symptom. A Humanoid Cylon sweats with extended exposure ([[Miniseries]]).

Whatever silica pathways may be, medical scanning technology cannot distinguish between them and human brain tissue. Otherwise, a brain scan would visually show the differences between Cylon and human brains, foregoing the need for [[Gaius Baltar]]'s [[Cylon detector]]. It is posdsible that Silica pathways are a type of nanotechnology.

==Notes==

* Since humans are based on carbon compounds, viewers may think that synthetic Cylons would be easily detectable since human bodies should have far fewer silicate compounds than that of a Humanoid Cylon. But, given Gaius Baltar's duplicity in serving himself versus the good of the surviving Colonials, it is possible that this detection option is one he has chosen to ignore. Or, the use of silicates may still be key to Cylon "brain" design, but could use the same proportions of silicate traces found in the human body, with neglible differences.

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Cylons]]
[[Category:Cylons (RDM)]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Technology (RDM)]]
[[Category:RDM]]