Garth of Izar

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Garth
Garth
Species:	Humanoid
Gender:	Male
Home planet:	Izar
Affiliation:	Starfleet
Rank:	Fleet Captain
Portrayed by:	Steve Ihnat and Leonard Nimoy

Garth of Izar is a fictional character in the universe of Star Trek who was a starship captain who achieved great fame in the mid 23rd century. Garth was regarded as the "prototype" officer to which all others would aspire. In the 2250s, he was raised to the status of a living legend after his victory at the Battle of Axanar.

The only live production appearance of Garth was in the Star Trek episode "Whom Gods Destroy" where he was portrayed by actor Steve Ihnat.

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

A native of the Izar system, Garth was a Fleet Captain in Starfleet before being relieved of his command after suffering from a severe mental illness resulting from a terrible physical injury. The Antosians then gave him the ability to re-arrange his body's structure, saving his life, and giving him the ability to mimic anyone's appearance. When he tried to take over, the Antosians rejected him. After ordering his starship crew to destroy their home planet, known as Antos IV, Garth was confined to a mental hospital on Elba II, but managed to escape in 2268. Garth declared himself Lord Garth, Master of the Universe and attempted to capture the Starship Enterprise in an attempt to take revenge on those who had imprisoned him and also to spread through the galaxy drawing followers who would "flock to his cause".

Garth was eventually halted in his plans by Captain James T. Kirk and returned to the custody of the mental hospital from which he had escaped. He was then treated with a new drug which healed him of his illness.

A 2003 Pocket Books novel, Garth of Izar, dealt with Garth's history as well as what became of him after recovering from his mental illness.

Garth's full name was not revealed on the show; it is unknown whether Garth was his first or last name.