Ori (Stargate)

The Ori were a race of ascended beings in the Stargate franchise, specifically featured prominently in Stargate SG-1 seasons 9 and 10. Unlike the Ancients, who generally adhered to a policy of non-interference after ascending, the Ori actively sought to impose their religious dogma, Origin, upon the Milky Way galaxy and beyond. They craved worship and drew power from their followers' faith, strengthening their ascended state.

The Ori resided in a distant galaxy reachable through a Supergate constructed by the Ori Prior Damaris and Vala Mal Doran (inhabited by Qetesh). They presented themselves as gods to the humans of their galaxy, providing advanced technology through their Priors – human emissaries imbued with powers granted by the Ori. These Priors preached Origin, demanding absolute faith and promising ascension to those who followed their teachings. Those who refused to convert were considered heretics and often faced brutal punishments, including being burned alive.

The Ori's ultimate goal was to convert all humans in the Milky Way galaxy to Origin, thereby consolidating their power and potentially eclipsing the Ancients. Their efforts to achieve this involved sending waves of warships through the Supergate, led by Ori warriors.

Key characteristics of the Ori and their followers include:

• Worship and Power: The Ori's power was directly tied to the faith of their followers.
• Origin: Their religion, based on the book of Origin, emphasized absolute obedience and worship.
• Priors: Genetically altered humans who served as missionaries and enforcers of Ori dogma. They possessed unique abilities such as healing, telekinesis, and the ability to wield a staff weapon.
• Warships: Powerful vessels used to conquer and convert planets. They were equipped with advanced weaponry and shielding technology.
• Ascension (False Promise): While the Ori promised ascension to their followers, it was implied that they rarely, if ever, delivered on this promise, instead hoarding the energy of their worshippers to sustain their own power.

The Ori threat was ultimately neutralized through a combination of factors, including the creation of the Sangraal, a weapon developed by Merlin (an ascended Ancient) designed to eliminate ascended beings, and the actions of Adria, the Orici (a genetically engineered human designed to embody the Ori's power), whose rise and eventual defeat played a crucial role in undermining the Ori's influence. Ultimately, the Ori were defeated, allowing the Milky Way galaxy to be free from their imposed religious rule.