The Harcesis
The Goa'uld taboo
- Definition
- Child born of two Goa'uld hosts
- Gift
- The entire memory of the Goa'uld
- Example
- Shifu, son of Apophis and Sha're
A child so dangerous that the Goa'uld themselves outlawed it. A Harcesis is born of two hosts carrying symbiotes, something their law strictly forbids. The reason? This child inherits the entire genetic memory of the Goa'uld, and therefore all their secrets.
Overview
The Goa'uld have an absolute rule: no children between two hosts. Because such a child, the Harcesis, comes into the world with the knowledge of the entire Goa'uld lineage. Technologies, plans, weaknesses: it is all inside him. In the right hands, it means the end of the false gods. Hence their determination to destroy them.
History
The best-known case is Shifu, born to Sha're and Apophis, and therefore tied to Daniel Jackson by tragedy. Hidden on Kheb, he is taken in by Oma Desala, who raises him toward Ascension to keep him out of the Goa'uld's reach. The Harcesis embodies the full weight of knowledge: an immense promise, and an equally great danger.
Themes
