Despite initial scepticism among Trek fans about the unimpressive nature
of their alien make-up - a cursory ridge on the nose - the Bajorans have
proved to be anything but superficial. Their key role in Deep Space Nine
has undoubtedly helped make it the most distinctive of Star Trek's
shows.
A deeply spiritual, ancient race, the Bajorans' religion and culture
depends on mysterious orbs which display images of the future to a
chosen few. Bajorans defer to their spiritual leader, the Kai, for
guidance. They believe that all ships can achieve safe passage through
the wormhole situated close to their home planet of Bajor, because of
the influence of the Prophets and the Celestial Temple within the
gateway.
During the 24th Century the Cardassians invaded Bajor (a planet rich in
natural resources), drove out most of the indigenous population and
brutally suppressed Bajoran culture. But the Bajorans eventually
reclaimed Bajor in the midst of a bitter war with the Cardassians. A
recent peace treaty with their sworn enemies has produced new Bajoran
factions in the quadrant, although Deep Space Nine's Major Kira Nerys
still insists on the truth of an old Bajoran saying: 'the land and the
people are one'.
Most Bajorans wear large decorative earrings on their right ear - an
indication of the Next Generation production team's original vision of
them as 'elegant punks'.
Key Bajoran episodes: Ensign Ro (TNG), Emissary (DS9), Explorers (DS9),
Life Support (DS9).
