Why Were Humans Superior Hosts to the Goauld Than Unas in Stargate?

In the Stargate series, humans stood out as the preferred hosts for the parasitic Goa'uld, surpassing the prior host race, the Unas. This article delves into the reasons behind this phenomenon, exploring the biological and mechanical advantages that made humans more suitable for phasing out Unas as hosts.

Biological and Mechanical Advantages of Human Hosts

The key factor that distinguished human hosts from Unas was their inherent compatibility with Goa'uld life. Throughout the series, the Goa'uld Goa'ugos explored numerous host races, but humans consistently demonstrated superior characteristics. Here are the significant biological and mechanical advantages that made humans the preferred choice:

Procedures of Host Changeover

The Goauld's transition to a new host involves a complex procedure that ensures the successful integration of the symbiote with the new body. This process, called 'triggering,' requires the host's body to be in a state of vulnerability, often achieved through the host's defeat or near-death. For both humans and Unas, the Goa'uld would locate a suitable host and proceed to trigger the change.

The Goa'uld would use its sharp stela to puncture the host's jugular vein, causing blood loss and leaving the host vulnerable. Once the host's defenses were down, the Goa'uld would enter through the vein and into the host's body, establishing itself in the brain or attaching to vital organs. The Goa'uld's choice of host, therefore, hinges on the ease with which the host could be triggered.

Advantages of Human Hosts

Humans emerged as the most suitable host due to several key biological and mechanical factors:

Ease of Repair: Human physiology proved to be more adaptable and repairable. Unlike the more rigid and muscular structure of Unas, human bodies could more easily accommodate the Goa'uld's presence and subsequent manipulation. This adaptability allowed for smoother integration and easier maintenance over time. Expressive Abilities: Humans possessed much more nuanced and expressive hands and voices. This allowed for a better control of emotions and increased interaction with other beings, both on personal and social levels. The ability to manipulate tools and engage in complex tasks further underscored the advantages of a human host. Technological Integration: Human intelligence facilitated greater technological integration with Goa'uld technology. This was evident in the various Kull warriors, Jaffa, and At subcontractors who were human hosts, which allowed them to operate advanced weaponry and equipment.

The Decline of Unas as Hosts

Unas were phased out as hosts primarily due to their unsuitable physiology and diminishing adaptability. The Goa'uld found that the Unas' rigid, strong bodies were less conducive to their parasitic lifestyle. The Unas, with their immense strength and resilience, resisted control more effectively than humans, making it difficult for the Goa'uld to manipulate them fully.

The transformation from Unas hosts to human hosts was gradual. Initially, the Goa'uld targeted soldiers and leaders within the Unas societies, creating hybrid beings that combined a limited amount of Goa'uld technology with Unas physiology. However, these experiments proved challenging, leading the Goa'uld to seek out humans as a more effective and manageable host race.

Effects on Human Hosts

The existence of the human hosts, particularly those within the human Jaffa and humans inside the indoctrination chambers, had a profound impact on the series. The Jaffa, for instance, were heavily integrated into the Goa'uld military, serving as warriors and factory workers. Human hosts like Lt. Colonel Jack O'Neill and Dr. Daniel Jackson played pivotal roles, often providing resistance against Goa'uld domination.

The transformation of humans into hosts often involved significant psychological and physical trauma. Hosts had to endure routine brain scans and mind-erasing sessions to prevent them from remembering their past lives. These hosts became the human face of resistance, constantly striving to reclaim their freedom and challenge Goa'uld authority.

Conclusion

The transition from Unas to humans as Goa'uld hosts in Stargate reflected a broader evolution in the Goa'uld's approach to parasitism. The adaptability, emotional complexity, and technological integration provided by human hosts made them the ideal choice for the Goa'uld's continued survival and domination. Understanding the biological, mechanical, and social dynamics that made humans so effective hosts sheds light on the intricate and multifaceted world of Stargate.