The Medusans were an ancient, non-corporeal species. Their homeworld, known to outsiders as Medusa, was in the Xi Hydrae system in the Beta Quadrant. Highly telepathic and empathic, Medusans were considered to have the "most sublime" thoughts in the galaxy, though their physical appearance was so hideous to humanoid eyes that it would drive other species mad to the point of death. (TOS: "Is There in Truth No Beauty?"; Star Trek: Star Charts)
Though they once had corporeal form, the Medusans evolved past their physical bodies at least 600,000 years before the 23rd century. From then on, they existed as beings of consciousness and electromagnetic energy. They explored the galaxy for many millennia, until they found contact with later era humanoid species drove the younger races insane. Since that time, they tended to remain isolated on their homeworld, only traveling among other races within special containment units, often employing humanoid telepaths as aides and interpreters. (FASA: The Federation; LUG: All Our Yesterdays: The Time Travel Sourcebook)
Despite maintaining limited contact with other species, they nonetheless joined the United Federation of Planets by the mid-23rd century, having the shared goal of peaceful cooperation and exploration. They were considered one of the oldest species among Federation members. Ambassador Kollos was one of a number of Medusans who engaged with the Federation, before returning to his homeworld in 2268. (FASA: The Federation; TOS: "Is There in Truth No Beauty?")
Renowned navigators, the Medusans shared their knowledge with the Federation, and by the 24th century, some even served in Starfleet as navigational specialists aboard vessels like the Galaxy-class starships. Medusan navigational techniques were eventually programmed into Federation systems, such as Emergency Navigational Holograms. (FASA: Star Trek: The Next Generation Officer's Manual; PIC: "Broken Pieces")
Background[]
- Given the similarities between the two species, it is possible that the Medusans are an offshoot of the Vorlons. Both are ancient noncorporeal telepathic entities that use human telepaths as aides, hide their true appearance within containment units or encounter suits, and restrict offworlders from visiting their homeworld. Whereas the Vorlons have an interest in maintaining order, and are seen as angelic beings by other species, the Medusans are lovers of art and beauty, despite their own "ugly" appearance.
External links[]
- Medusan article at Memory Alpha, the canon Star Trek wiki.
- Medusan article at Memory Beta, the non-canon Star Trek wiki.