The Mysterious Wraith: Unveiling the Secrets of Stargate's Most Formidable Foe

The Wraith, as the primary antagonistic alien species in Stargate Atlantis, immediately captured the attention of viewers with their debut in the show's pilot episode, "Rising." Throughout the early seasons, their dominance in the Pegasus Galaxy was evident, fueled by an insatiable hunger and an unwavering hold over the region. They left civilizations in ruins, mercilessly consuming the life force of their victims. This epic struggle added an irresistible intrigue to Stargate Atlantis, turning the story into a thrilling odyssey. Who were these mysterious villains and what were their sinister intentions?

Background and Origin

The Wraith, a species that appears humanoid but exhibits insect-like behavior and thrives in hive communities, came into existence through a disturbing union between humans and the ancient Iratus bug. This encounter irreversibly transformed their being. During a fateful encounter, Major John Sheppard discovered the terrifying truth about the Iratus bug when it attached itself to his neck. In a chilling turn of events, the pursuing Wraith soldier abandoned Sheppard, fully aware of the grim fate that awaited him. This revelation of the Iratus bug's insatiable thirst for life force was depicted in the SGA episode "Thirty-Eight Minutes."

Through extensive scientific investigation in Atlantis, a theory emerged, suggesting that the Iratus bugs, once a source of sustenance for humans, underwent a metamorphosis and gave rise to a hybrid species known as the Wraith. The physical appearance of the Wraith is a reflection of their insectoid origins. Their pale teal or white waxy skin serves as an eerie backdrop for their long, white hair. Completing their menacing appearance are translucent yellow teeth, sharp and menacing, which signify their unrelenting hunger. Equipped with exceptional combat skills, they sow fear into the hearts of those who oppose them.

The Wraith possess a terrifying trait - they feed on the life force essence of human beings. Only humans, as well as similar entities like the Ancients or Lanteans, possess the specific nourishment that can satiate the Wraith's insatiable hunger. This relentless craving often leads them to resort to cannibalism. In the episode "Thirty-Eight Minutes," Dr. Carson Beckett suggests a potential connection between the arrival of the Ancients in the Pegasus galaxy and the evolution of the Wraith. Dr. Elizabeth Weir discovers linguistic similarities between the Wraith and the Ancient civilization, hinting at the possibility that the Ancients may have had a hand in the development of the Wraith, perhaps spreading humanity to worlds that were once inhabited by the Iratus bugs.

Lantean Vs. Wraith

The Lanteans, who were the descendants of the Ancients that had fled the dying Milky Way, unknowingly held the responsibility for the very existence of the Wraith. At first, the Lanteans had the upper hand in the war, their advanced ships dominating the cosmic stage. Their unwavering confidence led them deeper into the territory of the Wraith. However, the tides quickly turned. Through immense sacrifice and substantial cost, the Wraith managed to seize Lantean warships and the highly sought-after Zero Point Modules that powered them. This dramatic turn of events, which was detailed in the episode "Spoils of War," revealed the Wraith's hidden weapon: a cloning facility that exponentially multiplied their forces and tilted the scale of power in their favor.

The Wraith, like an unstoppable force, surged forward and devoured the territories once held by the Lanteans. Despite facing mighty weapons and impregnable outposts, the Lanteans were determined to dismantle their enemy. This struggle extended for years until only Atlantis remained. In the SGA episodes "The Defiant One" and "Before I Sleep," a desperate Lantean delegation ventured forth, hoping to negotiate a truce. Although they were shielded by formidable warships, their optimism was shattered when the Wraith's massive fleet ambushed them, destroying all hope.

After that pivotal battle, Atlantis's fate hung by a fragile thread. The Wraith tightened their grip, laying siege to the once-mighty capital for a grueling century. They gnawed away at Atlantis like a beast sinking its teeth into prey. It was a protracted struggle, a clash of ancient titans echoing throughout time. Thus, the haunting tale of the Lanteans and the Wraith came to its conclusion. In the desolate corridors of Atlantis, the echoes of their war still reverberate, serving as a reminder of a civilization on the brink of annihilation. The Wraith emerged triumphant, forever etching their name in the annals of cosmic conquest.

Encounter With The Tau'ri

The Wraith would capture their victims and then enter a long period of inactivity. This gruesome cycle continued for 10,000 years until the arrival of the Atlantis expedition disrupted the established order. Led by Major John Sheppard and Lt. Aiden Ford, a courageous mission was launched to rescue their imprisoned comrades from the Wraith's home world. In the intense three-part episode titled "Siege," the combined forces of the Tau'ri and the Ancients dealt a devastating blow to the Wraith army. Expelled from their stronghold on Planet Lantea, the Wraith were forced to rely on the dwindling population of scattered humans in the galaxy for sustenance.

However, upon Atlantis' return to the Pegasus galaxy after a long six months, a new figure emerged from the shadows of the Wraith hierarchy: Queen Death. As a formidable "queen of queens," she united the fragmented hive ships with an iron grip, eliminating any resistance. This chilling revelation came to light when the Atlantis expedition discovered Queen Death's involvement in the abduction of the brilliant Doctor Rodney McKay. The Wraith transformed him into one of their own in exchange for valuable ZPM technology and limited shield capabilities. Despite the darkness, a glimmer of hope remained. McKay was successfully rescued, and a new alliance was formed under the leadership of Guide and the mysterious Teyla Emmagan.

A decisive battle approached on the very planet where the Wraith originated, as Queen Death's alliance clashed with the united opposition against her reign. Teyla, wielding her own form of justice, delivered the final blow, bringing about a grisly end for Queen Death. However, the truth emerged in the aftermath. Ashes, the last surviving original Wraith and a puppet master, had manipulated Queen Death and her alliance. Motivated by an unquenchable thirst for revenge against the long-departed Ancients, Ashes faced justice at the hands of Queens Alabaster and Waterlight. They ensured that he faced consequences for his traitorous actions in the gripping episode "Legacy."

Following Death's defeat and its far-reaching consequences in the galaxy, depicted in the climactic Stargate Atlantis episode "Inheritors," a delicate peace settled among the remaining Wraith. A treaty was established, granting the Tau'ri half of the Pegasus galaxy. This newfound harmony was made possible by the implementation of a revolutionary retrovirus. The retrovirus not only enhanced human physiology but also provided sustenance to the Wraith, creating an unsettling symbiotic relationship where feeding on humans was no longer an automatic death sentence for the prey.