Babylon 5: The Shocking Fate of the Vorlons & Shadows Finally Revealed

In the series known as Babylon 5, the enigmatic forces of the Vorlons and Shadows played significant roles in shaping the cosmos. Their unexpected resolution to their prolonged conflict added even more impact. While the primary focus of Babylon 5 often lies on humanity and other beings from across the universe, striving for peace, it’s important to note that two powerful entities pulling the strings are the Vorlons and Shadows. The series introduces the elusive nature of the Vorlons early through the character of Kosh, while the Shadows gradually emerge as a looming menace throughout the show.

The historical relationship between these entities dates back deep into the ancient times of the Babylon 5 universe, igniting a cosmic dispute that persisted for countless ages before it was eventually settled (with some unanticipated time-jumps playing a role in its resolution). Their conclusion serves as a subtle foreshadowing of humanity’s potential future, paving the way for one of Babylon 5’s most daring science fiction ideas. Here is an account of the First Ones of Babylon 5, their fate, and the profound significance of their narrative.

The Vorlons And The Shadows Are The Last Of Babylon 5’s Old Races

The Vorlons And The Shadows Are Countless Eons Old

In the universe of Babylon 5, it’s significant to note that the Vorlons and the Shadows are the remaining representatives of an ancient race known as the “First Ones.” Their ongoing conflict and eventual disappearance play a crucial role in the grand narrative. Over time, we learn more about these two races, discovering they were part of the oldest civilizations in the galaxy. Apart from them, only the enigmatic and immortal First Born species seem to be older. Under the tutelage of the last First Born (like Lorien), the First Ones shaped the course of galactic history.

With the passage of time, several races either became extinct or decided to venture beyond the galaxy’s edge, leaving exploration as their priority. Among the original inhabitants who persisted were the Vorlons and the Shadows, who rose to prominence in the cosmos. They began to engage with and influence the newer races that had emerged across the galaxy, fostering contrasting beliefs over time. The Vorlons advocated for order, compassion, and unity under their unique legal system, while the ruthless Shadows championed survival of the fittest, guile, and personal liberty as fundamental principles of existence.

The Vorlons Defeated The Shadows In The Last War

The Vorlons Have Been Fighting The Shadows Off And On In Countless Proxy Wars

Over time, disputes intensified between the Vorlons and the Shadows, as their power extended to emerging races. Although they initially sought to avoid confrontation, eventually, they clashed. This resulted in numerous battles where the races under the influence of both sides would engage in conflict. Notably, these conflicts usually ended with the Shadows retreating to their home planet Z’ha’dum, a place where they would rest and prepare for future expansion across the universe.

The battle between the Vorlons and the Shadows that took place a millennium prior to the Babylon 5 series events, roughly around the 13th century on Earth, is a significant historical event. This conflict, as revealed in season 3’s “War Without End,” saw the Vorlons rallying an alliance consisting of other First Ones and emerging races like the Minbari. With Captain Sinclair (who had been time-displaced and assumed the role of the Minbari figure Valen) and his Babylon 4 space station, this alliance successfully repelled the Shadows, forcing them to retreat to Z’ha’dum.

Why The Shadows Were Contained For Centuries (And How They Got Free)

Humanity Accidently Discovered The Shadow Homeworld And Woke Them Up Early

After the resolution of that struggle, the Vorlons invested a millennium in refining the fledgling species. They significantly contributed to teaching telepathy to these young races, which could potentially provide an advantage over the Shadows upon their return. Notably, the Shadows deliberately stationed numerous vessels across the cosmos. These ships were concealed on uninhabited worlds, enabling the Shadows to mobilize a powerful fleet instantly once they were revived. The Vorlons’ attempts to ready the Minbari by guiding them towards an alliance with humans unfortunately sparked hostility between those two races.

The eagerness of humankind to explore space may have led to the premature awakening of the mysterious Shadows. A spaceship named Icarus, part of the Interplanetary Expeditions, landed on Z’ha’dum, inadvertently triggering the Shadows. The majority of the crew were brainwashed and transformed into functional components for Shadow vessels. The anomaly was Morden, who took up a role as a messenger for the Shadows among less developed species. As they woke before the Vorlons could fully prepare, the resulting conflict escalated rapidly to a full-blown confrontation, compelling the Vorlons to engage actively for the first time.

Babylon 5’s Shadow War Ends With The Vorlons And The Shadows Both Losing

How Sheridan Used Words To End An Endless War

The Shadow War in Babylon 5 gradually became one of the key narrative threads throughout the series, even dominating seasons 3 and 4. At first, the conflict seemed reminiscent of past clashes between the Shadows and the Vorlons. But following Sheridan’s strategic nuclear attack on Z’ha’dum, which significantly diminished the Shadows’ power, the Vorlons took a more aggressive stance. In an attempt to completely eradicate the Shadows instead of giving them time to recover, the Vorlon started annihilating entire planets if they were involved in the Shadows’ schemes.

In the face of dire circumstances, the Shadows reciprocated with equal intensity as the escalating conflict jeopardized the entire galaxy. It was primarily through the union forged on Babylon 5 that the younger species were able to take effective action. Later, Sheridan, having been rescued from his assault on Z’ha’dum by Lorien, addressed both factions during the Battle of Coriana VI. Conveying his disapproval, he pushed them towards accepting their demise in this universe. Persuasively, Sheridan managed to convince the Vorlons, Shadows (alongside the Walkers and Lorien, other remaining First Ones) to venture beyond the Rim into a new chapter of existence.

Humanity Becomes The New Vorlons In Babylon 5’s Ending

Humanity Is Destined For Great Things In Babylon 5’s Future

Following the Shadow War, the newer races asserted their role within the cosmic hierarchy. The subsequent series delved into the repercussions, including Babylon 5 and its allies confronting a more totalitarian Earth administration. As humanity colonized more parts of the galaxy, it evolved to become a significant influencer in the universe. Season 4’s “The Deconstruction of Falling Stars” hinted at humanity’s expansion far beyond their initial galactic region, eventually rising as one of the dominant powers in the cosmos by the next millennium.

In the future portrayed in Babylon 5, it’s shown that humans have advanced so far that they can transform into energy and travel within containment suits, reminiscent of the Vorlons from aeons past. This implies that humanity, through its resilience and determination, has ascended to a divine-like state like the Vorlons, potentially assuming a mentoring role for lesser races, much like the First Ones did. This is a poignant scene reflecting the potential of humanity, echoing one of Babylon 5’s main themes: the possibility of societies reaching heights if they overcome their disputes and internal strife.

2025-04-30 02:18