In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider the episode Who Mourns for Adonais?, which aired on September 22, 1967, with a Star Date of 3468.1.
While approaching Pollux 4, an energy field shaped like a giant green hand stops the Enterprise dead in space, and an apparition wearing a laurel wreath appears. The apparition addresses the crew as his “children” and congratulates them for venturing forth from the hills and valleys of Earth. The apparition invites Kirk and a landing party to visit, excluding Spock.
The landing party discovers a humanoid who identifies as the Roman god Apollo. Apollo says he and the other gods left after the ancient people of Earth stopped worshipping them. Even the immortal gods weaken without worshippers, and all but Apollo have “spread themselves to the wind” and faded away.
Although Carolyn is in love with Apollo, she puts her duty ahead of herself when acting on Kirk’s instructions; she rejects him to weaken him. Apollo’s power is destroyed when his energy source in the temple is located and blasted out of existence by the Enterprise’s phasers. A sorrow-stricken Apollo appeals to the other gods to take him away now that he realizes there is no room for gods anymore.
Commentary
The storyline teaches lessons in compliance, particularly regarding the roles of investigations, the importance of senior management’s tone, and an organization’s true incentives. The episode also explores religious themes and presents a unique twist on spiritual worship and its evolution up to contemporary times.
Key Highlights
- Story Synopsis: The Encounter with Apollo
- Apollo’s Demands and the Crew’s Struggle
- Lieutenant Palamas’ Dilemma and the Crew’s Plan
- Fun Facts and Controversial Elements
- Religious Themes and Interpretations
Resources
Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein
