Spanning ten years and several films, Stargate SG-1 developed an extensive and detailed backdrop of diverse characters. Many of the characters are members of alien species discovered while exploring the galaxy through the Stargate, although there are an equal number of characters from offworld human civilizations. While Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis are separate shows, they take part in the same fictional universe, so no character is internally show-specific.
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Except for the commanders of the top-secret Stargate Command military base (SGC), all main characters of Stargate SG-1 are members of the SG-1 team, the primary unit of the SGC in the show. SG-1's duties include first contact, reconnaissance and combat, diplomacy, initial archaeological surveying, and technological assessment. The composition of SG-1 changes several times during the series run and varies in several alternative universes.[1]
Jack O'Neill is a USAF Colonel (later Brigadier General, Major General and then Lt. General) who led the original mission through the Stargate in Stargate. He is played by Kurt Russell in the film and by former MacGyver actor Richard Dean Anderson in a regular role in seasons 1–8 and in a recurring role in seasons 9–10. He also appears in Stargate: Continuum and in seasons 1 and 3 of Stargate Atlantis. Colonel O'Neill is the leader of the SG-1 team in the first seven seasons, and takes charge of Stargate Command after his promotion to Brigadier General at the beginning of season 8. He is promoted to Major General at the beginning of season 9 and is reassigned to Washington, D.C. and makes sporadic appearances in the final episodes of season one of Stargate Universe.
Dr. Daniel Jackson is a brilliant archaeologist and linguist, specializing in Egyptology, whose unusual theories concerning the origin of the Egyptian Pyramids led to his participation in the original mission through the stargate in Stargate. He is played by James Spader in the film and by Michael Shanks in a regular role in seasons 1–5 and 7–10, with a recurring role in season 6. He also appears in both direct-to-DVD films and in seasons 1 and 5 of Stargate Atlantis. Daniel joins the SG-1 team in search of his kidnapped wife, until she dies in season 3. However, he decides to remain a part of SG-1, and does so until his ascension at the end of season 5. Following his decision to retake human form, he rejoins SG-1 at the beginning of season 7.
As of the season 2 episode "1969", Daniel speaks 23 languages, including Russian, German, Spanish, and Egyptian. Throughout the run of the series, he becomes Earth's foremost expert on the Ancients, and also learns many alien languages, such as Goa'uld, Ancient, and Unas.
Samantha "Sam" Carter is an astrophysicist and USAF officer. She is played by Amanda Tapping in a regular role in seasons 1–10, in both direct-to-DVD films and makes an appearance in all seasons of Stargate Atlantis. Captain Carter joins SG-1 under the command of Col. O'Neill in season 1. Following her promotion to Major in season 3, she is promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in early season 8 and assumes command of SG-1. She assists Lt. Col. Cameron Mitchell in seasons 9 and 10. After her appearance in Stargate: The Ark of Truth, she is promoted to a "full bird" Colonel and becomes the new commander of the Atlantis expedition in season 4 of Stargate Atlantis before joining SG-1 again for Stargate: Continuum. She is later made the commander of the USS George Hammond, a Daedalus-class Earth ship named after former SGC commander General Hammond, who died in correlation with the actor who played him, Don S. Davis.
Teal'c /ˈtiːəlk/ is a Jaffa from the planet Chulak. He is played by Christopher Judge in a regular role in seasons 1–10, in both direct-to-DVD films and in season 5 of Stargate Atlantis. Teal'c states that he is 101 years old in season 4's "The Light", and ages an additional 50 years in season 10's "Unending". His catchphrase is "Indeed". Teal'c's most notable feature is a golden tattoo on his forehead, a sign that he once served the Goa'uld Apophis as First Prime, the highest Jaffa rank. His interaction with Bra'tac (Apophis' former First Prime) and his own personal experiences led him to doubt the divinity of the Goa'uld.[2]
Teal'c defects from Apophis in the pilot episode and joins the SG-1 team, believing this to be an opportunity to eventually defeat the Goa'uld and bring freedom to all Jaffa.[3] He leaves his wife Drey'auc and his son Rya'c behind on Chulak. After succeeding in killing Apophis in season 5's "Enemies", Teal'c and Bra'tac make first progress in uniting a sizable group of Jaffa resistance warriors in season 5's "The Warrior". Teal'c and Bra'tac lose their symbiotes after a sabotaged rebel Jaffa summit in season 6's "The Changeling", but the Tok'ra drug Tretonin can sustain them and eventually becomes instrumental in liberating Jaffa from physiological reliance on Goa'uld symbiotes,. Teal'c and Bra'tac eventually lead the Jaffa to victory over the Goa'uld in season 8's "Reckoning"/"Threads". Teal'c is chosen as a member of the new Jaffa High Council and supports Bra'tac as an interim leader in season 9's "The Fourth Horseman" before a type of government is solidified.
George S. Hammond is a USAF Major General (later Lieutenant General) who commands Stargate Command in the first seven seasons. He is played by Don S. Davis in a regular role in seasons 1–7 and in a recurring role afterwards. He also appears in Stargate: Continuum and season 1 of Stargate Atlantis. Hammond took over from Major General West, commander of the Stargate Project in the original Stargate film, and originally intended the Stargate Program to be his last assignment before retirement.[3] General Hammond worked at the Cheyenne Mountain complex (the present-day location of Stargate Command) in 1969.[4] Hammond originates from Texas[5] and became a widower when his wife died of cancer. He has two grandchildren, Kayla and Tessa.[6]
Hammond briefly retires under duress in season 4's "Chain Reaction"[6] and is promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General at the beginning of season 8, being placed in command of the new Homeworld Security command, a department in control of Stargate Command, the Prometheus project, and the Atlantian Antarctica outpost. Hammond recurs in the season 1 of Stargate Atlantis and seasons 8 through 10 of Stargate SG-1. Hammond appears in a civilian suit instead of a military uniform in season 9's "The Fourth Horseman", and Carter confirms his retired status in season 10's "The Road Not Taken". In his last appearance in the alternate timeline film Stargate: Continuum, Hammond acts as a military advisor to President Henry Hayes.
Don S. Davis knew Richard Dean Anderson (O'Neill) from Anderson's starring role in MacGyver, in which Davis was a stand-in for Dana Elcar (playing Pete Thornton, MacGyver's boss) before making several guest appearances. Davis died from a heart attack at the age of 65 on June 29, 2008, shortly before the release of Continuum, making this his final on-screen appearance as General Hammond.[7] For his portrayal of Hammond, Don S. Davis was nominated for a 2004 Leo Award in the category "Dramatic Series: Best Supporting Performance by a Male" for the season 7 episode "Heroes, Part 2".[8]
Jonas Quinn is an alien from the planet Langara. He is played by former Parker Lewis Can't Lose actor Corin Nemec in a regular role in season 6, and in a recurring capacity in seasons 5 and 7. Jonas leaves his homeplanet Langara the penultimate season 5 episode "Meridian" after witnessing Daniel Jackson's lethal sacrifice and the following gleeful reaction of his planet's leaders. He is a fast learner and fills Daniel's empty spot on SG-1 in season 6. Following Daniel's return at the beginning of season 7, Jonas returns to his planet and last appears in the mid-season 7 episode "Fallout".
Corin Nemec replaced Michael Shanks (Daniel Jackson) during season 6 after Shanks had left the show amid controversy after season 5.[9] The producers based Jonas's motivation to join SG-1 on his momentary reluctance to actively prevent Daniel's death and his feelings of responsibility afterwards.[10] Jonas was slowly integrated into the story in a prolonged transition stage over the first half of season 6.[11][12] Nemec was open to continue playing Jonas Quinn after season 6, but a new contract was reached with Michael Shanks for Daniel to return in season 7.[11] The role of Jonas was reduced to recurring status in season 7.
Cameron "Cam" Mitchell is a USAF Lieutenant Colonel. He is played by former Farscape actor Ben Browder in a regular role in seasons 9–10 and in both direct-to-DVD films. Mitchell is introduced in "Avalon" as the leader of a squadron of F-302s against the forces of the arch villain Anubis in season 7's "Lost City". Assigned as the new commanding officer of SG-1 at the beginning of season 9, Mitchell struggles to reunite the team's former members under his command. Assisted by Carter (who is of equal rank), he remains in command of SG-1 throughout the series run and both films. He is promoted to the rank of full-bird Colonel in Stargate: Continuum.
Ben Browder joined the cast after Richard Dean Anderson's departure from Stargate SG-1 in 2005. From the beginning, producer Robert C. Cooper wanted Mitchell to be a "super fan" of SG-1 who is openly enthusiastic about exploring the galaxy.[13][14] Mitchell is often at the center of the action and fight sequences.[15] The producers did not realize the physical resemblance between Browder and Michael Shanks when Browder was cast, and employed make-up and costuming techniques to make the transition easier for the audience.[16] The writers' decision to put Mitchell in command of SG-1 instead of Carter was met with resistance by some critics and audience members.[17][18] For his portrayal of Cameron Mitchell, Ben Browder was nominated for a Saturn Award in the category "Best Supporting Actor on Television" in 2006.[19]
Henry[20] "Hank" Landry is a United States Air Force Major General and the commander of Stargate Command from season 9 onwards. He is played by Beau Bridges in a regular role in seasons 9–10, in both direct-to-DVD films, and in the Stargate Atlantis episodes "The Intruder", "Critical Mass", "No Man's Land", and the two-part episode "The Return" of seasons 2 and 3. General Landry is introduced in SG-1's season 9 premiere, "Avalon", having been hand-picked by Jack O'Neill to succeed him.[21] Landry once served as a pilot in the Vietnam War[22] and met a Vietnamese woman named Kim Lam.[23] They had a child, Carolyn Lam, but Landry became estranged to them and left them due to his involvement in military intelligence.[24] Carolyn Lam grew up to be a doctor and was assigned to Stargate Command as chief medical officer in seasons 9 and 10. Bridges said that "Landry truly loves his work [but] respects and appreciates his daughter. He wants a real relationship with her and hopes that will happen some day. At the start of [season 9], you're not sure what their relationship is."[24] The late season 10 episode "Family Ties" brings some conclusion to the Landry-Lam enstrangement, showing a reunification between Landry, Carolyn and Kim Lam in a restaurant.
TV Zone's Steven Eramo described Landry as "fair, intelligent, even-tempered and having a good sense of humour".[25] Bridges thought that "[Landry] likes to empower his team. He realizes how challenged they are. It's a huge burden to protect their country from the entire galaxy, but he also recognizes that, like himself, they are human beings. [...] Sometimes he does that with a bark, and sometimes with a bite, but he also has a sense of humor, this man. And he likes to fool with people."[26] According to Bridges, Landry appreciates Carter's knowledge, and needed some patience with the fast-speaking Daniel Jackson to realize "how important a piece of puzzle" he is. He respects Teal'c as a warrior, and is willing to foster the potential he sees in Vala.[25]
The Stargate producers approached Beau Bridges, a self-claimed fan of science fiction,[26] directly to play the role of Hank Landry.[24] Although the producers had some ideas for the characters, they collaborated with Bridges to develop the character's backstory before the writing of season 9 began.[26] Bridges wanted the character to be three-dimensional by revealing a layered backstory over the course of the show.[27] Bridges researched famous US generals from George Washington to John P. Jumper to get a feeling for the role.[24] He accumulated quotes by generals that Landry would respect, and gave the list to producer Robert C. Cooper, who in turn used it as free research.[27] Bridges made no deliberate effort to distinguish his character from General O'Neill, believing that the character could stand on his own.[26]
Vala Mal Doran is a sexy con artist from an unnamed planet and a former human host to the Goa'uld Qetesh. She is played by former Farscape actress Claudia Black in a regular role in season 10 after having recurred in seasons 8 and 9 of SG-1. Her first appearance in season 8's "Prometheus Unbound" is followed by a recurring role in season 9, where she and Daniel unintentionally set off the new Ori threat. She joins SG-1 after giving birth to the new leader of the Ori at the beginning of season 10, and appears in both direct-to-DVD films.
Vala was created by Damian Kindler and Robert C. Cooper as a one-time character, but because of the on-screen chemistry between Black's Vala and Shanks' character Daniel Jackson, and the character's popularity with the producers and the audience, Claudia Black became a recurring guest star in season 9 and joined the main cast in season 10. For her portrayal of Vala, Claudia Black was nominated for a 2006 Saturn Award in the category "Best Supporting Actress on Television",[19] and won a Constellation Award in the category "Best Female Performance in a 2006 Science Fiction Television" in 2007.[28]
The SGC (Stargate Command) is a fictional military base at the (real) Cheyenne Mountain complex near Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is the main setting in Stargate SG-1 and occasionally features on Stargate Atlantis. The base extends many levels beneath the ground and is protected from most forms of attack including indirect nuclear detonations, also serving to contain biological, chemical or alien hazards to the outside world by means of a 'lockdown' status, as seen in the SG-1 episode (Foothold) Stargate Command is typically commanded by a General and is staffed by subject matter experts and military support personnel, several elite special operations teams, and several SG teams, including SG-1. The majority of the teams are U.S. Air Force with some U.S. Marine Corps, civilians and U.S. Army, but other nations have SG teams operating from the SGC as well after the events of season 5.
| Character | Played by | Appearances | Description/role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vern Alberts | Bill Nikolai | Seasons 3–4, 7 (7 episodes) | SGC technician. |
| Elliot | Courtenay J. Stevens | Season 5 (3 episodes) | Lieutenant, see Martouf. |
| Louis Ferretti | French Stewart, Brent Stait | Stargate; season 1 (3 episodes) | USAF officer who participated in the first expedition through the Stargate. |
| Janet Fraiser | Teryl Rothery | Seasons 1–7, 9 (75 episodes) | Chief Medical Officer of the SGC. |
| Griff | Russell Ferrier | Season 4 (3 episodes) | Captain, later promoted to Major, leader of SG-2. |
| Walter Harriman (Norman Davis) | Gary Jones | Seasons 1–10 (108 episodes); Atlantis | SGC technician usually operating the Stargate. |
| Charles Kawalsky | John Diehl, Jay Acovone | Stargate; seasons 1–3, 8 (6 episodes) | USAF officer who participated in the first expedition through the Stargate, and later leader of SG-2. |
| Carolyn Lam | Lexa Doig | Seasons 9–10 (11 episodes) | Chief medical officer of the SGC and daughter of Hank Landry. |
| Bill Lee | Bill Dow | Seasons 4, 6–10 (20 episodes); Atlantis | A civilian scientist and engineer at the SGC. |
| Robert Makepeace | Steve Makaj | Seasons 1–3 (5 episodes) | Leader of SG-3. |
| McKenzie | Eric Schneider | Seasons 1, 3, 5 (4 episodes) | Doctor at the SGC. |
| Pierce | Rob Lee | Seasons 4–6, 8 (6 episodes) | Captain, later promoted to Major, leader of SG-15. |
| Reynolds | Eric Breker | Seasons 2, 5, 7–10 (16 episodes) | Major, later promoted to Colonel, leader of SG-16 and SG-3. |
| Robert Rothman | Jason Schombing | Seasons 3–4 (3 episodes) | SGC scientist. |
| Siler | Dan Shea | Seasons 1–10 (42 episodes) | Sergeant, technician at the SGC. |
| Graham Simmons | Tobias Mehler | Seasons 2, 6 (5 episodes) | USAF Lieutenant. |
| Technician | Laara Sadiq | Seasons 1–4 (14 episodes) | SGC technician usually operating the Stargate. |
| Warner | Kevin McNulty | Seasons 1–3 (4 episodes) | Doctor at the SGC. |
| Elizabeth Weir | Jessica Steen, Torri Higginson, Michelle Morgan | Seasons 7, 8, 10 (5 episodes); Atlantis (main) | Civilian SGC commander. |
| # | Member history | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG-1 | Jack O'Neill, Samantha Carter, Daniel Jackson, Teal'c, Robert Makepeace, Jonas Quinn, Cameron Mitchell and Vala Mal Doran. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-2 | Charles Kawalsky, Major/Sgt (series changed his rank) Coburn, Sgt. Warren, Casey, Vernon and Louis Ferretti. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-3 | Colonel Robert Makepeace, Lieutenant Johnson, Major Castleman, Major Warren, Teal'c, Major Waite, Lieutenant Morrison Major Lawrence, Colonel Reynolds and Jake Bosworth. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-4 | Lieutenant Colonel Sergei Ivanov, Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard, Babbis and Walker | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-5 | Lieutenant Barber, Major / Lieutenant Colonel Harper and Major Altman | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-6 | Colonel Barnes, Lieutenant Fisher, Brooks and Ryan. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-7 | John Smith | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-8 | No team members ever named. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-9 | Captain Jonas Hanson, Lieutenant Frakes, Lieutenant Baker, Lieutenant Connor, Major Benton, Major Stan Kovacek and Lieutenant Grogan. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-10 | Major Henry "Hank" Boyd. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-11 | Captain Connor, Major Hawkins, Dr. Robert Rothman, Lieutenant Loeder, Sanchez, Colonel Edwards, Major Evan Lorne, Lieutenant Ritter and Lieutenant Menard. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-12 | Lieutenant Woeste, Major Hadden, Lieutenant McKenzie, Conway and Stevens. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-13 | Colonel Dave Dixon, Dr. Cameron Balinsky, Jake Bosworth and Simon Wells | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-14 | Major Graham, Captain Blasdale, Lieutenant Astor and Sergeant Lewis | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-15 | Major Pierce | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-16 | Lieutenant Colonel Reynolds | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-17 | Major Mansfield and Lieutenant Elliot | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-18 | No team members ever named. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-19 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-20 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-21 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-22 | Colonel Raimi and Dr. Cameron Balinsky | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-23 | No team members ever named. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-24 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG-25 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| "Note" — Unnamed members are not included. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The NID is a shadowy intelligence agency that appears throughout the run of Stargate SG-1 and occasionally on Stargate Atlantis. The official mandate of the NID is to provide vital civilian oversight of top secret military operations, but one of their unofficial primary goals is to procure alien technologies. A set of well-resourced illegal cells named the Rogue NID uses unscrupulous methods to achieve the goals of the official NID and is later replaced by the Trust, a shady interplanetary terrorist group. The IOA (International Oversight Advisory) is a civilian oversight committee created after the United States and Russia revealed the existence of the Stargate Program to the other permanent members of the UN Security Council in season 6.
| Character | Played by | Appearances | Description/role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malcolm Barrett | Peter Flemming | Seasons 5–7, 9-10; Atlantis | NID agent. |
| Chekov | Gary Chalk | Seasons 5–6, 8–9 (9 episodes) | Russia's liaison to Stargate Command, Russian representative of the IOA. |
| Robert Kinsey | Ronny Cox | Seasons 1, 4–8 (11 episodes) | US senator and later Vice President. |
| Harry Maybourne | Tom McBeath | Seasons 1–6, 8 (11 episodes) | USAF Colonel and member of the NID. |
| Frank Simmons | John de Lancie | Seasons 5–6 (5 episodes) | NID liaison to Stargate Command. |
| Richard Woolsey | Robert Picardo | Seasons 7, 9–10 (7 episodes); Atlantis (main) | Member of the NID and later of the IOA. |
| Brooks | Benita Ha | Season 8 (2 episodes) | Trust agent and computer expert. |
| Character | Played by | Appearances | Description/role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catherine Ambrose | Chelah Horsdal | Seasons 8–9 (5 episodes) | USAF officer and helmsman of the Prometheus. |
| Paul Emerson | Matthew Glave | Seasons 9–10 (6 episodes) | Commander of the Odyssey. |
| Erin Gant | Ingrid Kavelaars | Seasons 6–7 (3 episodes) | USAF Major and helmsman of the Prometheus. |
| Kevin Marks | Martin Christopher | Seasons 9–10 (12 episodes) | USAF officer aboard the Prometheus, Odyssey and Daedalus. |
| Lionel Pendergast | Barclay Hope | Seasons 8–9 (6 episodes) | Commander of the Prometheus. |
| William Ronson | John Novak | Seasons 6–7 (2 episodes) | USAF Colonel and commander of the Prometheus. |
| Character | Played by | Appearances | Description/role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian Conrad | Bill Marchant | Seasons 5–6 (3 episodes) | Wealthy business man suffering from an incurable terminal illness. |
| Paul Davis | Colin Cunningham | Seasons 2–6, 8 (15 episodes); Continuum; Atlantis | USAF Major stationed at the Pentagon. |
| Julia Donovan | Kendall Cross | Seasons 6, 8–10 (4 episodes) | TV reporter. |
| Henry Hayes | William Devane | Season 7 (3 episodes); Continuum | President of the United States. |
| Catherine Langford | Viveca Lindfors, Elizabeth Hoffman, various | Stargate; seasons 1–2 (4 episodes) | A woman who acquired an amulet depicting the Eye of Ra during the excavation of the Stargate in Giza in 1928. |
| Rodney McKay | David Hewlett | Seasons 5–6, 8–10 (7 episodes); Atlantis (main) | SGC scientist who specializes in alien technologies. |
| Robert Samuels | Robert Wisden | Seasons 1, 8 (4 episodes) | USAF Lieutenant Colonel. |
| Pete Shanahan | David DeLuise | Seasons 7–8 (4 episodes) | Police detective who develops a romantic relationship with Carter. |
| Vidrine | Steven Williams | Seasons 4, 7 (3 episodes) | USAF General. |
Several characters who may be better known for their role in Stargate Atlantis have made appearances in SG-1. They are:
The Abydonians are the people whom Colonel O'Neill's team encounter on another planet in the Stargate film. They are the slaves of the alien Ra and are descendents from ancient Egyptians brought through the Stargate to mine the fictional mineral naqahdah. The film gives the location of their homeworld (named Abydos in SG-1's pilot episode "Children of the Gods") as the Kaliem galaxy "on the far side of the known universe" in the film, and as the closest planets to Earth in the Stargate network in "Children of the Gods". In the film, O'Neill and Daniel Jackson inspire the Abydonians and their leader, Kasuf, to rise up against Ra. The military personnel return to Earth, while Daniel falls in love with Kasuf's daughter Sha're and remains behind. In "Children of the Gods", set a year after the film, the Goa'uld Apophis attacks Abydos, abducting Sha're and her brother Skaara to serve as hosts for his queen Amaunet and son Klorel. In season 6's "Full Circle", Abydos is destroyed by the Goa'uld Anubis, but Oma Desala helps its entire population Ascend.
| Character | Played by | Appearances | Description/role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kasuf | Erick Avari | Stargate; seasons 2–4 (3 episodes) | The leader of the Abydonians |
| Sha're (Sha'uri) | Mili Avital, Vaitiare Bandera | Stargate; seasons 1–3 (4 episodes) | Kasuf's daughter and Daniel's wife |
| Skaara | Alexis Cruz | Stargate; seasons 1–3, 6 (6 episodes) | Kasuf's son |
The Ancients are the original builders of the Stargate network, who by the time of Stargate SG-1 have Ascended beyond corporeal form into a higher plane of existence. The humans of Earth are the "second evolution" of the Ancients. The Ancients (originally known as the Alterans) colonized the Milky Way galaxy millions of years ago and built a great empire. They also colonized the Pegasus galaxy and seeded human life there, before being driven out by the Wraith. The civilization of the Ancients in the Milky Way was decimated thousands of years ago by a plague, and those who did not learn to Ascend died out. With few exceptions, the Ascended Ancients respect free will and refuse to interfere in the affairs of the material galaxy. However, their legacy is felt profoundly throughout Stargate universe, from their technologies such as Stargates and Atlantis, to the Ancient Technology Activation gene, that they introduced into the human genome through interbreeding.
| Character | Played by | Appearances | Description/role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ganos Lal (Morgan le Fay) | Sarah Strange | Season 10 (1 episode); The Ark of Truth | An ascended Ancient who would give rise to the Arthurian legend of Morgan le Fay. |
| Moros (Myrddin, Merlin) | Matthew Walker | Seasons 9–10 (4 episodes); The Ark of Truth | The former High Councilor of Atlantis, named after Moros from Greek legend and the wizard Merlin of Arthurian legend. |
| Oma Desala | Carla Boudreau, Mel Harris | Seasons 3, 5, 8 (4 episodes) | "Mother Nature", an Ascended being who goes against the ways of the Ancients. |
| Orlin | Sean Patrick Flanery, Cameron Bright | Seasons 5, 9 (3 episodes) | An outcast Ancient |
The Asgard are a benevolent race that, according to the mythology of Stargate, gave rise to Norse mythology on Earth and inspired accounts of the Roswell Greys. The Asgard can no longer reproduce and perpetuate themselves by transferring their minds into new clone bodies as necessary. Extremely advanced technologically, the threat of their intervention shields many planets in the Milky Way from Goa'uld attack, including Earth.[29] They also provide much assistance to Earth in the way of technology, equipment, and expertise. Their main adversary in Stargate SG-1 are the mechanical Replicators, against which they enlist the aid of SG-1 on several occasions. The entire Asgard civilization chooses to self-destruct in "Unending" due to the degenerative effects of repeated cloning. A small colony of Asgard still exist in the Pegasus galaxy that were able to stop cloning diminishing returns. Stargate SG-1 had several Asgard puppets, and six puppeteers are necessary to make the different parts of the Asgard puppet work.[30]
| Character | Played by | Appearances | Description/role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freyr | Brian Jensen (voice) | Season 5 (3 episodes) | A member of the Asgard High Council, named after the Norse god Freyr. |
| Kvasir | Trevor Devall (voice), Morris Chapdelaine (voice) | Seasons 9–10 (3 episodes) | An Asgard scientist and expert in time-dilation technology, named after the Norse god Kvasir. |
| Thor | Mark Gibbon (actor), Michael Shanks (voice) | Seasons 1–8, 10 (13 episodes) | The Supreme Commander of the Asgard Fleet. |
The Goa'uld are the dominant race in the Milky Way and the primary adversaries from seasons 1 to 8 of Stargate SG-1. They are a parasitic species that resemble finned snakes, which can burrow themselves into a humanoid's neck and wrap around the spinal column. The Goa'uld symbiote then takes control of its host's body and mind, while providing longevity and perfect health. Thousands of years ago, the Goa'uld ruled over Earth, masquerading as gods from ancient mythologies. They transplanted humans throughout the galaxy to serve as slaves and hosts, and they created the Jaffa to serve as incubators for their larvae. The most powerful Goa'uld in the galaxy are collectively known as the System Lords.
| Character | Played by | Appearances | Description/role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amonet (Sha're) | Vaitiare Bandera | Seasons 1–3 (3 episodes) | Goa'uld symbiote of Sha're. |
| Anubis | David Palffy, various | Seasons 5–8 (15 episodes) | A half-ascended System Lord, based on the god Anubis of Egyptian mythology. |
| Apophis | Peter Williams | Seasons 1–6, 8 (21 episodes); Continuum | System Lord, based on the god Apep of Egyptian mythology. |
| Ba'al | Cliff Simon | Seasons 5–10 (15 episodes); Continuum | System Lord, based on Baal of Canaanite religion. |
| Camulus | Steve Bacic | Season 8 (3 episodes); Continuum | System Lord, based on Camulus in Celtic mythology. |
| Cronos | Ron Halder | Seasons 3–4 (3 episodes); Continuum | System Lord, based on Cronus in Greek mythology. |
| Hathor | Suanne Braun | Seasons 1–3 (3 episodes) | The Queen of Ra and mother of Heru-ur, based on Hathor in Egyptian mythology. |
| Heru-ur | Douglas H. Arthurs | Seasons 2, 4 (4 episodes) | System Lord, based on Horus in Egyptian mythology. |
| Klorel (Skaara) | Alexis Cruz | Seasons 1–3 (5 episodes) | Goa'uld symbiote of Skaara. |
| Nirrti | Jacqueline Samuda | Seasons 3, 5–6 (3 episodes); Continuum | System Lord, based on Nirrti in Hindu mythology. |
| Osiris (Sarah Gardner) | Anna-Louise Plowman | Seasons 4–5, 7 (5 episodes) | Minor Goa'uld, based on Osiris of Egyptian mythology. |
| Ra | Jaye Davidson, Jay Williams | Stargate; season 8 (1 episode); Continuum | System Lord based on the god Ra of Egyptian mythology. |
| Sokar | David Palffy | Seasons 2–3 (3 episodes) | System Lord, based on Seker of Egyptian mythology. |
| Tanith (Hebron) | Peter Wingfield | Seasons 4–5 (3 episodes) | Minor Goa'uld |
| Yu | Vince Crestejo | Seasons 3, 5–8 (9 episodes); Continuum | System Lord, based on Yu the Great and the Jade Emperor (Yu Huang Shang Ti), two separate figures in Chinese mythology. |
| Zipacna | Kevin Durand | Seasons 3, 5 (3 episodes) | Minor Goa'uld, based on Zipacna of Maya mythology. |
The Jaffa are an offshoot of humanity, genetically engineered by the Goa'uld. They have an abdominal pouch which serves to incubate larval Goa'uld. The infant Goa'uld provides strength, longevity, and good health, at the cost of supplanting the Jaffa's natural immune system, making them dependent on the Goa'uld for more symbiotes. The Jaffa have a warrior culture and form the armies of the Goa'uld. In season 8 of Stargate SG-1, the Jaffa Resistance wins their race's freedom from Goa'uld oppression, resulting in the Free Jaffa Nation.
| Character | Played by | Appearances | Description/role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bra'tac | Tony Amendola | Seasons 1–3, 5–10 (26 episodes) | A Jaffa warrior, former First Prime of Apophis, and Teal'c's former teacher and closest friend. |
| Drey'auc | Salli Richardson, Brook Parker | Seasons 1, 2, 5 (3 episodes) | The wife of Teal'c and mother of Rya'c. |
| Gerak | Louis Gossett, Jr. | Season 9 (5 episodes) | The former First Prime of Montu and the first leader of the Free Jaffa Nation and the Jaffa High Council. |
| Haikon | Tony Todd | Season 9 (3 episodes) | Leader of the Sodan people. |
| Herak | Michael Adamthwaite | Seasons 6–7 (5 episodes) | The First Prime of Khonsu and later Anubis. |
| Ishta | Jolene Blalock | Seasons 7–8 (2 episodes) | Leader of the Hak'tyl and love interest of Teal'c. |
| Ka'lel | Simone Bailly | Seasons 7–9 (6 episodes) | A female Jaffa warrior formerly under the service of Moloc and later a representative for the Hak'tyl in the newly-formed Jaffa High Council. |
| Rak'nor | Obi Ndefo | Seasons 4–7, 9 (6 episodes) | A Jaffa warrior. |
| Rya'c | Neil Denis | Seasons 1–2, 6–8 (6 episodes) | Son of Teal'c and Drey'auc. |
| Oshu | Kevan Ohtsji | Seasons 7–8 (5 episodes) | First Prime of Yu. |
| Yat'Yir | Gardiner Millar | Season 9 (4 episodes) | A Free Jaffa formerly in the service of Montu and now a member of the Jaffa High Council. |
The Lucian Alliance is a interstellar group of smugglers and mercenaries that have joined together to fill the power vacuum created by the demise of the Goa'uld. When their trade partner Vala Mal Doran does not keep an agreement in their first appearance in season 8's "Prometheus Unbound", she and Daniel are placed on a Lucian Alliance wanted list. The Lucian Alliance is first referred to by name in season 9's "The Ties That Bind" and reappears as a recurring foe in seasons 9 and 10. The Lucian Alliance has obtained Goa'uld technology for their own use, and has also modified some of it, such as making plasma weapons using staff weapon technology. The Lucian Alliance story arc is left unfinished.
| Character | Played by | Appearances | Description/role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jup | Geoff Redknap | Seasons 8–10 (3 episodes) | Oranian minor member of the Lucian Alliance. |
| Netan | Eric Steinberg | Seasons 9–10 (5 episodes) | Leader of the Lucian Alliance. |
| Tenat | Morris Chapdelaine | Seasons 8–10 (3 episodes) | Oranian minor member of the Lucian Alliance. |
The Ori are Ascended beings who use their infinite knowledge of the universe to force lesser beings to worship them. In essence, they used to be Ancients, however they split into separate groups due to different views of life. The Ori are religious while the Ancients prefer science. The Ori sway lesser-developed planets into worshipping them by promising Ascension through an invented and empty religion called "Origin". This religion states that they created humanity and as such are to be worshipped by their creations. It also promises its followers that, on death, they will Ascend. However, Origin was designed to channel energy from the human worshippers to the Ori. As such, the Ori never help anyone else Ascend because then they would have to share the power that they sap from their worshippers. Their ultimate goal is to completely destroy the Ascended Ancients, who they know as "the Others". All of their efforts, including their technology, are for the purpose of garnering worshippers. As Ascended beings, the Ori do not interfere directly in the mortal plane. They use instead humans called Priors, which they artificially evolve so that they are one step from Ascension, giving the Priors godly powers. Because the Ori have worshippers across the entire home galaxy of the Ancients, and using their knowledge to spread, they are nearly unstoppable.
| Character | Played by | Appearances | Description/role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adria | Morena Baccarin, various | Season 10 (6 episodes); The Ark of Truth | Vala's daughter and the Orici, a genetically advanced human infused with Ori knowledge. |
| Doci | Julian Sands | Season 9 (2 episodes); The Ark of Truth | Leader of the Priors. |
| Prior | Greg Anderson | Seasons 9–10 (5 episodes); The Ark of Truth | The governor of the village of Ver Eger. |
| Prior | Doug Abrahams | Seasons 9–10 (4 episodes); The Ark of Truth | A one-eyed Prior. |
| Prior (Damaris) | William B. Davis | Season 9 (2 episodes) | A prior who visits the long-lost village of the legendary Sodan warriors. |
| Tomin | Tim Guinee | Seasons 9–10 (3 episodes); The Ark of Truth | A devout Ori follower and husband of Vala. |
The Replicators are a potent mechanical life-form using a quiron-based technology composed of building blocks using nanotechnology. They strive to increase their numbers and spread across the universe by assimilating advanced technologies. They are hostile to all other life-forms in the universe, but are opposed primarily by the Asgard. In the episode "Unnatural Selection", the Replicators had developed human-form Replicators, based on the technology they extracted from their Android creator, that appear just like humans and are able to change their form. Standard Replicators are resistant to energy weapons, and can only be destroyed by projectile weapons. Human-form Replicators, on the other hand, are resistant to projectile weapons as well due to the change in their nature from large blocks to smaller units the size of organic cells (cell blocks). In the episode "New Order (Part 2)", an Ancient weapon called the Replicator Disruptor was developed by O'Neill while he still had the knowledge of the Ancients in his mind. It works by blocking the cohesion between the blocks that make up the Replicators. The Replicators in the Milky Way galaxy were wiped out by the Dakara Superweapon in the two-part episode "Reckoning" at the climax of Season 8. It has been indicated that the Asgard used the same technology to defeat the Replicators in their own home galaxy as well.
| Character | Played by | Appearances | Description/role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fifth | Patrick Currie | Seasons 6, 8 (4 episodes) | A human-form Replicator and creator of Replicator Carter. |
| Replicator Carter (RepliCarter) | Amanda Tapping | Season 8 (4 episodes) | A human-form Replicator created by Fifth in the image of Samantha Carter. |
The Tok'ra (literally "against Ra", the Supreme System Lord) are a faction of Goa'uld symbiotes who are opposed to the Goa'uld culturally and militarily. Spawned by the queen Egeria, they live in true symbiosis with their hosts, both beings sharing the body equally and benefitting from each other. The Tok'ra have fought the Goa'uld for thousands of years, favoring covert tactics and balancing the various System Lords against one another. Since season 2 of Stargate SG-1, the Tok'ra have become valuable allies of Earth.
| Character | Played by | Appearances | Description/role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aldwin | William deVry | Seasons 3–5 (4 episodes) | A Tok'ra joining SG-1 on several missions. |
| Anise (Freya) | Vanessa Angel | Season 4 (3 episodes) | A gifted scientist and historian. |
| Jolinar (Roosha, Samantha Carter) | Amanda Tapping, Tanya Reid | Seasons 2, 3 (3 episodes) | Tok'ra symbiote of Rosha and later Samantha Carter. |
| Lantash (Martouf) | J. R. Bourne, Courtenay J. Stevens | Seasons 2–4, 9 (7 episodes) | A leader in the ranks of the Tok'ra. |
| Ren'al | Jennifer Calvert | Season 5 (3 episodes) | A member of the Tok'ra High Council. |
| Selmak (Saroosh, Jacob Carter) | Joy Coghill, Carmen Argenziano | Seasons 2–8 (24 episodes) | Tok'ra symbiote of Saroosh and Jacob Carter. |
The Tollan are an advanced human civilization who are introduced in season 1's "Enigma" when the SGC helps a group of them relocate from the original Tollan homeworld that had undergone catastrophic volcanic activity. The Nox take the Tollan in while they continue to search for a new home, later revealed to be named Tollana. The Tollan have a strict policy against sharing technology with more "primitive" races, instituted after such a transfer caused the civilization of their neighboring planet Serita to destroy itself in a single day.[31] Teal'c notes in season 3's "Pretense" that despite the Tollans' technological superiority, they "do not think strategically". The Tollan are wiped out by the forces of the Goa'uld Tanith in season 5's "Between Two Fires" after the Goa'uld Anubis developed technologies that neutralize Tollan weaponry.
| Character | Played by | Appearances | Description/role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narim | Garwin Sanford | Seasons 1, 3, 5 (3 episodes) | An influential Tollan. |
| Travell | Marie Stillin | Seasons 3, 5 (3 episodes) | High Chancellor and a member of the Curia. |
| Character | Played by | Appearances | Description/role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cassandra | Katie Stuart, Colleen Rennison, various | Seasons 1–2, 5 (4 episodes) | A young girl from the planet Hanka, adoptive daughter of Janet Fraiser. |
| Chaka | Dion Johnstone, Patrick Currie | Seasons 4–5, 7 (3 episodes) | A young Unas whom Daniel befriends. |
| Dreylock | Gillian Barber | Seasons 6–7 (3 episodes) | A high ranking Kelownan official and ambassador from Langara. |
| Martin Lloyd | Willie Garson | Seasons 4–5, 10 (3 episodes) | A human from another planet who crashed on Earth. |
| Lya | Frida Betrani | Seasons 1, 3 (3 episodes) | A Nox girl. |
| Shifu | Lane Gates, various | Seasons 2–4 (3 episodes) | The son of Sha're and of the host of the Goa'uld Amoneth. The Harcesis. |
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