Summary

• Kor, one of the first Klingons introduced in Star Trek, is considered one of the most influential and respected Klingons in the franchise.
• Kor faced off against Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock in his first appearance in Star Trek: The Original Series, commanding a Klingon warship during the Federation/Klingon War.
• Later in his life, Kor became a Dahar Master, a title reserved for the most accomplished and legendary Klingon warriors, and played important roles in Klingon politics and the war against the Dominion.

The Klingons have always been one of Star Trek's most iconic villains, and Kor (John Colicos) not only holds the distinction of being one of the first Klingons introduced but he is also one of the most influential. Kor first appeared in Star Trek: The Original Series, season 1, episode 27, "Errand of Mercy," which was the same episode in which the Klingons debuted. Kor goes on to appear in three episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, making John Colicos one of the few actors to portray the same character in both TOS and a later Trek show.

Later in his life, Kor became a Dahar Master and one of the most accomplished and respected Klingons in Star Trek. Not only does he face off against Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner), but he also becomes a friend to Lt. Commander Worf (Michael Dorn). Despite the fact that Kor fought against the Federation during the Klingon War, he would later fight alongside them in the war against the Dominion. Over the course of his life, Kor fought in many glorious battles, often alongside fellow Klingon warriors Koloth (William Campbell) and Kang (Michael Ansara).

Who Is Kor In Star Trek: The Original Series?

Kor was the first Klingon to face Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock.

In his first appearance alongside the Star Trek: The Original Series, Kor commands a Klingon warship and leads the invasion and occupation of the planet Organia during the Federation/Klingon War. Kor becomes acting governor of the planet, enforcing strict rules with severe punishments. Captain Kirk and the Enterprise arrive on Organia to aid the inhabitants in their fight against the Klingons. The Organians, however, are content to let the Klingons govern their planet, and they refuse the Federation's help. Because of Organia's location between Federation and Klingon space, it has strategic value to both species, but the Organians wish to remain neutral.

With his patience and intelligence, Kor proves to be a cunning adversary for Captain Kirk as they face off on Organia. Despite being on opposing sides, Kor has a certain iration for Captain Kirk and for Starfleet in general. From his first appearance, it's clear that Kor is an experienced warrior and commander, but he also has a much calmer demeanor than most Klingons. Kor appears different than other Klingons in both appearance and personality in part because he is descended from those affected by genetic engineering. In the 22nd century, some Klingons were infected by an augment virus that caused them to lose their cranial ridges.

By the time of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Kor looks like any other 24th-century Klingon.

Kor Returns In Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

A century later, Kor appears in three episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, revealing more of his backstory and what he has been up to since his appearance in TOS. Later in life, Kor enjoyed reliving his greatest battles and victories, recounting his tales of valor to anyone who would listen. At some point, Kor befriended bonded Trill Curzon Dax, the Federation Ambassador to Qo'noS, and Kor later reconnected with Jadzia Dax (Terry Farrell) on DS9. Kor was also involved in Klingon politics, serving on the Oversight Council for the Klingon Defense Forces and as the Klingon Ambassador to Vulcan.

By 2375, Kor had fallen out of favor with the Klingon High Council, and he persuaded Worf to allow him to re the Klingon Defense Forces. By this time, however, Kor had grown old and sometimes had moments of confusion and memory loss. After Kor had an episode during a critical Dominion War battle, he was relieved of duty and felt humiliated. Kor later redeemed himself by commanding a single Klingon Bird-of-Prey against ten Jem'Hadar ships, holding them off long enough for reinforcements to arrive. Kor lost his life during this stand-off, but was ed as "a noble warrior to the end."

What Is A Klingon Dahar Master Explained

Dahar Master is a title reserved for the best Klingon warriors, the ones whose exploits and battles become the stuff of legends. Kor, Koloth, and Kang were all Dahar Masters, and all considered to be some of the most respected and legendary Klingon warriors. Although the exact qualifications for the title of Dahar Master have not been explicitly stated, it appears to be awarded to Klingons who have accomplished great wartime feats. Many Klingon warriors do not make it to old age, and those who do would likely have fought in many glorious battles.

Reserved for only the most impressive and accomplished Klingons, the title of Dahar Master is a great honor that commands respect. Few Klingons achieve this status, and Kor, Koloth, and Kang all suffered and fought for their lives in order to make it to old age as seasoned and honored warriors. Despite only appearing in four live-action episodes, Kor remains one of the most important Klingons in Star Trek, and his status as a Dahar Master cements him as a legendary figure in Klingon history.

Star Trek: The Original Series and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine are available to stream on Paramount+.