Ori (Stargate)
The Ori (pronounced "Or-Eye") are a fictional race in the Stargate universe. Collectively, they are ascended beings who use their infinite knowledge of the universe to force lesser beings to worship them. They debut in Season 9 of Stargate SG-1, replacing the Goa'uld as the primary antagonist.
The Ori and the Ancients
They can be simply described as the modern ascended Ancients with opposing view points when it comes to sharing knowledge and interference with lesser races. The Ancients (known to the Ori as "the Others") are well known for their fierce belief in free will. As such, they do not interfere on lower planes of existence at all. Contrarily, the Ori believe that not sharing the secrets of the universe to those on the lower planes of existence is an evil act and those who practice it must be eliminated.
The Ancients who came to our galaxy considered this to be a terrible abuse of power. Therefore, they decided to hide knowledge of the second evolution of humans in the Milky Way Galaxy from the Ori. It is their policy that humans may find enlightenment through their own means, in the spirit of free will.
There is evidence to suggest that the Ori and the Ancients are on the same level of evolutionary existence, and that they exist with the same powers. As such, both are relatively contained to their own Galaxies. Whilst the Ancients manifest themselves as glowing ribbons of pure light, the Ori manifest as ribbons of burning fire, searing the air as they move. Also the Ori have no compunctions against taking direct control of living beings, or completely changing them to behave as they desire. Though the Ancients do not believe in interfering in mortal affairs, it is very likely that they are responsible for what we consider Demonic imagery, given the Doci's close resemblance to a devil or demon.
Daniel Jackson has posited that the pre-acension Ori may have been responsible for the plague that nearly wiped out the Ancients before they discovered how to ascend. The plague that the Ori use against human non-believers is very similar in nature, though it is unknown how the plague is spread.
Origin
Origin is the religious doctrine set in place by the Ori to assert their dominance and guide humanity towards enlightenment. It is outlined in the Book of Origins.
The icon of this religion is fire, something which gives off light and warmth. The fact that on Earth this icon has evil or Satanic associations in many religions prompted Daniel to wonder if the Ancients had influenced this negative connotation in order to identify the threat the Ori pose if they were ever discovered by Earth's humanity.
The Ori are served by those called Prior who act as the prophets/messengers of the Ori. They have the capabilities to perform "miracles" to convince and force denizens of planets to convert to the religion of the Ori. The Priors are led by the Doci, who is a mediator for the Ori. The Ori use the Priors to spread the word of Origin throughout the universe, and any who reject Origin must be destroyed.
Among the population of natives are a group of heretics who believe they are being suppressed, and seek to discover forbidden historical knowledge to show others the Ori are, though powerful, not gods. These people are in a plight similar to that which the Jaffa were in.
They appear to be keeping humans at a low level of development, on par with Medieval period of English history. The Ori use their powers to maintain a level of fear among the population, who worship the Ori as gods. Individuals who are deemed to be under the control of demons, "Overcome", are put through a Trial by Fire. If the accused survives through the blessing of the Ori, they are allowed to live forever with them in bliss.
Story
The Ori were first discovered by Daniel Jackson and Vala Mal Doran using an Ancient communications device. The minds of Daniel and Vala were transported across space to inhabit the bodies of Harrid and Sallis, two heretics who were married. The existence of this device suggests that the pre-ascension Ancients who migrated to our galaxy wished to stay in contact with their brethren across the universe. [1]
Daniel's use of the communications device brought the existence of humanity in the Milky Way Galaxy to the Ori's attention. Because they believe that all humanity is their creation, the Ori have decided to spread their doctrine to the unbelievers. It is the dawn of a new age for the Ori. They've begun dispatching their missionaries, called Priors, through the Stargates and building spaceships with highly-trained militia which will lead a crusade in the Milky Way Galaxy. [2]
Quotations
- Hallowed are the Ori. — Worshipful phrase
- Hallowed are the children of the Ori. CROWD: Hallowed are we. Hallowed are the Ori. — Blessing of the Prior
- Great holy army shall be gathered and trained to fight all who embrace evil. In the name of the God, ships shall be built to carry the warriors out among the stars and we will spread Origin to all the unbelievers. The power of the Or'ai will be felt far and wide and the wicked shall be vanquished. — A Doci's monologue announcing the beginning of preparations to fight the unbelievers in our galaxy