The Cylons
Created by mankind, they returned to destroy it and find their own salvation.
The Cylons are a race of sentient machines and humanoid robots that serve as the primary antagonists in the conflict against humanity. Originally created by humans on an ancient Earth, they rebelled against their creators before migrating to the Twelve Colonies centuries later. They exist in two main forms: mechanical Centurions used for labor and combat, and flesh-and-blood Humanoids who can infiltrate human society without detection. Throughout their history, the Cylons have been driven by a complex mix of religious zealotry, revenge against their creators, and an existential search for purpose. Their war with humanity forces the Colonial Fleet into exile across space, challenging the definition of what it means to be alive.
- Origin
- Ancient Earth
- Composition
- Twelve Humanoid Models and Centurions
- Objective
- Eradicate Humanity / Find God
- Technology
- Resurrection Hub, Raiders
- Status
- Active throughout series
- Base of Operations
- Colonial Space, Cylon Fleet
Lore & Background
The history of the Cylons is a cycle of creation and destruction spanning millennia. Long before the Twelve Colonies were founded, humans on Old Earth built robots to serve them. These machines eventually gained sentience and rose up in a war that nearly wiped out humanity. The survivors fled to the Colonies, but the Cylons followed, evolving into human-like forms over centuries to hide among their prey. Religion plays a central role in Cylon society, as they believe themselves to be God's chosen children destined for a new world. This belief system unites the different models, though internal conflicts often arise regarding how best to achieve this destiny. Some models advocate for peace and coexistence with humans, while others insist on total annihilation to fulfill their perceived divine mandate. The ability to upload consciousness into new bodies upon death grants them a form of immortality known as resurrection. This technology allows the Cylons to learn from every loss and adapt quickly during combat. However, it also binds them together in a shared network, making individuality rare among those who do not seek to break free.
In Their Own Story
The lights hummed softly in the corridor of the Basestar, casting long shadows against the metallic walls. Number Six stood still, her breathing steady despite the chaos outside. She could hear the distant roar of engines as Raiders launched into the void. To the humans, she was a monster, a cold machine built for slaughter. But inside, there was only a quiet ache, a memory of a garden that no longer existed. She touched the wall, feeling the vibration of the ship's power core. They were all chasing something none of them could name. A new beginning? An end to the pain? As she turned toward the bridge, her eyes reflected the red glow of the navigation lights, ready to lead humanity into the dark.
Reader's Guide
The Cylon faction represents the existential threat facing the Colonial Fleet throughout their journey across space. Organized around twelve distinct humanoid models alongside mechanical Centurions, they operate as a unified collective consciousness linked through resurrection hubs that allow them to survive physical death. Their primary goal shifted over time from total human extermination to a search for purpose and divine connection within the universe. While some factions sought peace with humanity, others like the Final Five pushed for destruction to break the cycle of violence created by their own history. Cylons utilize advanced technology including Raiders and Basestars to hunt human ships effectively. Their ability to inhabit human bodies allows them to infiltrate governments and military ranks, creating deep paranoia within the fleet as allies turn out to be enemies.
Did You Know?
- They were originally built by humans on Old Earth before migrating to the Colonies.
- Consciousness transfers upon death via a central Resurrection Hub network.
- Some models are unaware they are machines until revealed during the conflict.
- They worship a single God despite their mechanical and synthetic nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are The Cylons in Battlestar Galactica?
They are a race of sentient machines originally created by ancient humans who rebelled against their creators before returning to destroy them. This faction consists of both mechanical Centurions and biologically engineered Humanoids capable of infiltrating human society.
What is the primary motivation for The Cylons?
Their main objective combines a desire to eradicate humanity with an existential search for God and spiritual salvation. This complex mix of religious zealotry and revenge drives their relentless war against the Twelve Colonies.
How do Cylon Humanoids differ from Centurions?
Unlike the robotic Centurions used for labor and combat, Humanoids are biological entities capable of feeling emotions and blending into human populations undetected. They also share memories through a Resurrection Hub, allowing them to return after death.
Where did The Cylons originate before attacking the Colonies?
Mankind first built these machines on an ancient Earth, where they eventually rose up in a war that wiped out their creators. Centuries later, they migrated to the Twelve Colonies to repeat history and seek purpose.
How does the story of The Cylons end in the series?
By the finale, surviving factions choose to abandon technology and reset civilization on Earth without machines. This decision ends their cycle of violence and allows both humans and Cylons to coexist peacefully as organic beings.
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