Bajoran Orb
Sacred objects created by the Prophets that induce visions.
The Orbs, also called the Tears of the Prophets, are alien objects believed by Bajorans to have been sent by the Prophets. Each Orb has a unique ability, such as the Orb of Time, which allows those viewing it to revisit past events. Nine Orbs have been discovered over the centuries, plus the Orb of the Emissary, which was found during the final season episode "Shadows and Symbols." Eight were seized by the Cardassians during the Occupation. In the series there are ten Orbs, although only five are named: the Orb of Prophecy and Change, which was kept on Bajor; the Orbs of Contemplation and of Time, which the Cardassians returned to Bajor; the Orb of Wisdom, which the Ferengi sold to Bajor; and the Orb of the Emissary, which Sisko found.
Quick Facts
- Creator
- Prophets
- Also known as
- Tears of the Prophets
- Effect
- Induces visions (Orb Experiences)
Facts from the source article.
Prophets
The Prophets, also called the wormhole aliens by non-Bajorans, exist within the wormhole connecting the Alpha and Gamma Quadrants, which Bajorans call the Celestial Temple. They experience time differently, as shown during their first encounter with Benjamin Sisko. Though they often claim disinterest in the physical world, they have repeatedly intervened on behalf of Bajor. The Prophets created the Orbs, or Tears of the Prophets, which induce Orb Experiences in people.
Practices
Religious practices of the Bajoran faith are not fully detailed. Regular services aim to teach the Will of the Prophets. Meditation and prayer, whether in groups or privately, are common but not strictly required. A small orthodox minority disapproves of scientific interpretations of the wormhole and other species' beliefs, but this view has limited support. Traditional Bajoran funeral rites can last over three hours, with women crying out their grief in a manner similar to Irish keening. Prior to the Cardassian occupation, Bajoran society was stratified by a caste system called d'jara, which was abandoned during the occupation so all could fight in the Resistance. An attempt to reinstate the d'jara system in 2372 jeopardized Bajor's Federation membership application, as caste-based discrimination violates the Federation Charter. Non-canon sources mention a form of excommunication called being "attainted," which bars a person from attending services, entering a temple, or studying from an Orb or sacred texts.
Hierarchy
The Bajoran religious hierarchy includes several titles: Prylar (similar to a Christian monk), Ranjen (a rank between Prylar and Mylar, handling various tasks), Mylar (priest or minister), Vedek (cardinal or bishop), and Kai (equivalent to a pope or patriarch). All ranks are open to both men and women, and clerics may marry and have children. Vedeks form the Vedek Assembly, which handles spiritual issues for Bajor. A new Kai is elected by the Vedek Assembly from among its members. The Kai holds great influence over the Bajoran government despite having no official power. After Kai Opaka departed in 2369, Kai Winn was elected and served until her demise in 2375. The central figure of the faith is the Emissary, believed to be sent by the Prophets to aid Bajor. Benjamin Sisko, a human Starfleet officer, became the Emissary after making first contact with the Prophets. Though his role was never entirely clear and he was initially uncomfortable with it, Bajorans respected him, and he carried Bajor through several hardships. The Emissary nominally holds more religious and secular power than the Kai or First Minister; for instance, Kai Winn sought guidance from the Emissary, and Akorem Laan briefly reinstated the d'jara caste system in 2372 when he claimed the title of Emissary.
Pagh Wraiths
The Pagh Wraiths, also spelled Pah Wraiths, are the enemies of the Bajoran Prophets. Bajoran texts state they once lived in the Celestial Temple alongside the Prophets as non-corporeal beings but were expelled and banished to the Fire Caves on Bajor. They are considered false Prophets, analogous to demons, while the Prophets are like angels or gods. Kosst Amojan, meaning "The Evil One," was a Prophet forced out after a failed attempt to seize control, with other Pagh Wraiths similar to fallen angels. The Pagh Wraiths have tried to leave the Fire Caves and retake the Celestial Temple, but none succeeded. A minority on Bajor worships them as true Prophets, though they are shunned as heretics. The cult gained popularity after the wormhole closed, as many Bajorans felt abandoned by the Prophets. Dukat formed his own Pagh Wraith cult on Empok Nor. Like the Prophets, the Pagh Wraiths can induce visions, appearing as familiar figures. They seek revenge against the Prophets and have possessed corporeal beings, such as Keiko O'Brien, who was briefly possessed in an attempt to destroy the Prophets; Miles O'Brien directed an energy charge at her, destroying the spirit. In another incident, the Emissary released a Pagh Wraith and a Prophet from an ancient artifact; they fought on Deep Space Nine, with a Prophet possessing Kira Nerys willingly and a Pagh Wraith possessing Jake Sisko unwillingly.
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