Did You Think Kosh Was the Best of the Vorlons on Babylon 5?

It is often assumed that Kosh was the best or most benevolent of the Vorlons in the Babylon 5 series. However, we must consider the information provided by both the show and the supporting novels to properly assess this claim. Several prominent works such as the Technomage trilogy and the Psi Corps trilogy offer invaluable insights into the nature and methods of these enigmatic beings.

Overview of Vorlon Engagements in Babylon 5

During the five seasons of Babylon 5, we are introduced to only two Vorlons: Kosh and Ulkesh. Their methods of interaction with other races, while dramatic, reveal different aspects of their personalities and goals.

Kosh: The Behind-the-Scenes Guide

Kosh, unlike his counterpart, remains more of a covert figure. He operates behind the scenes, guiding a select few within his inner circle. In the series, Kosh's inner circle primarily consists of three members: Lyta Delenn, Jeffrey Sinclair, and Stephen Franklin (better known as Captain Sheridan).

Kosh was deeply connected to Lyta Delenn, who had been modified to act as a Vorlon agent. Her genetically compelled stance allowed her to carry a Vorlon’s essence, granting her the ability to sense the greater Vorlon’s presence and concerns. Similar to Sheridan, who was also sensitive to Kosh, Kosh had a personal connection to Delenn. She was crucial to the knowledge and secrets about the Vorlons, serving effectively as one of the most trusted agents. The Vorlons ensured she was strategically placed and informed correctly. Delenn’s knowledge, however, was not exhaustive, further illustrating the Vorlons' manipulation of her.

In the episode where Sheridan was at Z'Ha'Dum, Kosh’s essence was vital, as it helped him resist Lyta’s mental attacks during her arrest for the terrorist attacks against the Psi Corps. When Sheridan needed to expel Ulkesh from his mind, summoning Kosh’s essence became crucial, indicating the importance of this benevolent Vorlon’s presence.

Ulkesh: The Dark and Aggressive Approach

Contrastingly, Ulkesh represents the darker and more direct approach. His harshness and ruthlessness are evident in his interactions, especially when dealing with Lyta. Ulkesh frequently extracted his essence from her, knowing it could potentially harm her, and showing a lack of respect. His aggressive nature and ability to attack without provocation set him apart from Kosh, who only struck back when provoked.

Ulkesh’s terrorizing tendencies were also demonstrated when he attacked Lyta, leaving her alive for the lesson to be remembered. This behavior underscores his unyielding dark energy and disregard for the well-being of others. Although not particularly popular, Ulkesh's singular focus on destroying the Shadows and possibly having a hand in the Vorlons' orchestration of world destruction, exemplifies a stark contrast to Kosh's benevolent approach.

Additional Insights from Novels

Further exploration of the Vorlons can be illuminated through the novels. The Technomage trilogy details Galen's first encounter with a Vorlon vessel, highlighting the potential for more aggressive Vorlons like Ulkesh. Such insights suggest that there may have been others sharing Ulkesh's darker disposition, though the series and novels never explicitly reveal any others.

The novel To Dream in the City of Sorrows by Kathryn M. Drennan delves into the complex interactions involving other Vorlons and provides answers to lingering questions from the series, such as Sinclair's fate and the Triluminary's origins. This novel enriches our understanding of the Vorlons but further underscores the varied nature of their methods.

Conclusion: Evaluating Kosh as the Best of the Vorlons

Based on both the series and the supporting works, we cannot definitively say that Kosh was the best of the Vorlons. While he is depicted as more benevolent, his methods of guidance and interaction are a matter of perspective. The Vorlons' role as both guides and manipulators, as seen through Delenn's acknowledgment, indicates a broader scope of their operations.

The undeniably darker and more aggressive actions of Ulkesh highlight the complex moral ambiguities within the Vorlon hierarchy, making it difficult to declare Kosh unequivocally as the best. The Vorlons on Babylon 5 are portrayed as multifaceted beings with varied approaches, leading to a nuanced understanding of their true nature.