A Human achieves transcendence.
Transcendence is a step in the evolution of sapient species in which members of a species abandon physical bodies to become beings of pure energy.[1] The term comes from the concept of "transcending" existence as physical matter and is sometimes referred to as "becoming". As stated by Captain Elizabeth Lochley, it is "the pinnacle in the evolution of any race".[2]
With this achievement, members of the species gain vast knowledge of the universe and are able to freely travel in space without life support. They also become semi-immortal, potentially living for billions of years but are still capable of being harmed or even killed by certain methods.
Transcendence is usually achieved through natural evolution, but at least one individual has achieved it through genetic and telepathic manipulation. There is also the case of the First Born, wherein a member of that species manages to achieve transcendence through an exceedingly-long lifespan.
Known transcendent races and individuals[]
- First Born (billions of years ago)
- Ralgan (circa 7800 B.C.)[2]
- Ralgan (Franklin)
- Shanalla
- Nataleena
- Durfal
- Human (sometime before 1002262)[4]
- Minbari (sometime before 1002262)
- Vorlon (billions of years ago)
Gallery[]
Notes[]
- Whilst it is confirmed in the 1998 movie River of Souls that the Vorlons achieved Transcendence, JMS previously stated in 1996 that they were physical life-forms, this had led to speculation that transcended beings have the ability to shift between corporeal and incorporeal forms at will, however this is most likely just a retcon done by the studios in order to keep the evidence seen on screen of the Vorlons transcended state of existence canonical.