The Others
Mysterious inhabitants who guard the Island's secrets and protect its balance from outsiders.
As the narrative unfolds, they are revealed to be a community that formed around specific individuals selected by the enigmatic Jacob, such as Richard Alpert, rather than being directly appointed as a whole. Tasked with protecting the Island's unique properties and maintaining the balance between light and darkness, their methods often involve deception and manipulation, but their ultimate allegiance lies with the Island. They operate from hidden locations such as the Barracks and later the Temple, and after the Purge, they took over the Dharma Initiative's resources, actively opposing and wiping out that group.
Lore & Background
The history of this group is deeply intertwined with the Island's past, but they did not exist as an organized group called 'The Others' until after the Dharma Initiative's arrival. The community coalesced around individuals chosen by Jacob, like Richard Alpert, drawing members from the Black Rock shipwreck, the Dharma Initiative, and other arrivals. Contrary to earlier beliefs, they actively opposed and wiped out the Dharma Initiative in the Purge, then took over their resources.
Central to their lore is the relationship with Jacob, though most Others were unaware of his candidate system—a revelation that came much later. Their duty to defend the Island against Jacob's brother's influence requires absolute loyalty, often enforced through fear or manipulation by their leaders. The group's morality is fluid; they will kill if necessary to protect the Island but also save lives when it serves the greater design of destiny.
Reader's Guide
The Others represent a complex faction within the Island’s ecosystem, initially perceived as hostile kidnappers before their true purpose emerges. Originally remnants of the Dharma Initiative, they transitioned into guardians under the guidance of the mysterious Jacob. Their primary goal is to protect the Island from those who would exploit its power, often manipulating events to bring specific candidates to shore. Leadership shifted over time, most notably with Benjamin Linus assuming control after serving as an apprentice to Richard Alpert.
Members include former Dharma scientists and individuals raised on the land, bound by strict rules regarding departure and loyalty. Their role in the central conflict is pivotal; they act as both antagonists and reluctant allies depending on the timeline. They maintain hidden bases like the Temple and the Barracks, operating outside standard Dharma protocols. Ultimately, their existence highlights the Island’s need for stewards to maintain balance between opposing forces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are The Others?
They are a secretive community of survivors living on the Island who originally descended from Dharma Initiative members and previous inhabitants. While initially appearing as hostile kidnappers, they eventually serve as Jacob’s guardians charged with protecting the Island's special properties.
Who led The Others?
Benjamin Linus served as their primary leader for most of the series, manipulating events to maintain control over the group and the survivors. After his death, Richard Alpert assumed leadership until the organization was ultimately dissolved following the final conflict.
What is the true purpose of The Others?
Their ultimate mission is to protect the Island from those who would misuse its power or bring harm to its unique electromagnetic properties. They operate under Jacob’s guidance to ensure a balance between light and darkness remains intact against those who seek to harm it.
Where do The Others live?
They primarily reside in a hidden village equipped with barracks, but later relocate their operations to the Temple after internal conflicts arise. These locations allow them to remain concealed from outsiders while monitoring the Island's perimeter and key sites.
What happens to The Others at the end?
Following the final conflict between Jacob’s protectors and the Man in Black, most members are killed or forced to flee during the Temple explosion. By the series conclusion, the group effectively ceases to exist as a cohesive faction after the Island is abandoned by its inhabitants.
More in Factions & Groups
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