As I
start a new science fiction romance series, I pondered what it took to create a
believable alien society. Coming up with alien cultures has long since puzzled
other writers, filmmakers, and fans of science fiction since the genre first
came on the scene. In a lot of ways, it’s more challenging to come up with creating
a believable alien society since it comes with all different intelligence,
cultural norms and behaviors, and technologies contrary to anything we’re used
to. I gotta admit, that’s the kind of challenge that gets me going. Before I
know it, I’ve “fallen down the rabbit hole” as I explore ways to create unique alien
societies and civilizations.
In this
article, I’m going to highlight some elements and principles others used to
create believable alien societies that have helped me out. To start, we’ll look
at some on examples from popular films that have come out in recent years.
The Nature of Alien Civilizations
When
attempting to create a believable alien society, the first thing to consider is
what kind of civilization the aliens inhabit. Are they a race of warriors, a
species of mystics, or a civilization of scientists and philosophers? Maybe hunter-gatherers,
or have they developed complex cultural norms and technologies? Another
thought, are they nomadic, or settled in one place? To create a foundation for
our story, we need to these basic questions first.
One of
the most studied alien societies is that of the Klingon Empire from the Star
Trek universe. This warrior species is governed by a strict code of honor
and glory. The Klingons are a remarkable people, striving to uphold the strength
and courage they value. Their culture is steeped in tradition while their
advanced technology enabled them to develop complex societies. They are a
fascinating yet believable people that serves as an excellent example of an
alien society.
The
Na’vi, from the movie Avatar, are another species of aliens with an
interesting culture. These natives of Pandora have a deep connection to the
land, other creatures, and all life on their planet. Their spiritual bond to
nature is strong and they revere the balance of life. Even though they are
peaceful people, they fiercely defend their homeland when threatened.
Not all
extraterrestrial civilizations need to be advanced or sophisticated. The aliens
in Steven Spielberg's E.T. don’t look to be very technical, even though
they possess space travel capabilities. There are hints these little guys are a
peaceful species, and while they have their own language and customs, their
society doesn’t come across as highly structured. I also didn’t get the feeling
their community was rigid or organized. Even so, it still comes across as
convincing and intriguing.
The Psychology of Aliens
Now
that we have the basic idea of what kind of society we want, we’ll have to
create an understanding of the psychology of these aliens. This means
understanding how they think and feel, how they interact with each other, and
how they view their world. It is important to consider the values and beliefs
they share, and how these result in their actions and decisions.
For
example, let’s examine another favorite Star Trek aliens, the Vulcans. They
are a logical, emotionally detached species, driven by their philosophy of
"Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations". They strive for perfection
and believe in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. These beliefs shape
the way the Vulcans interact not only with each other, but the galaxy around
them. They have an intricate social hierarchy and a strong sense of loyalty and
duty.
The aliens in the movie Arrival
are another example of a society with an intriguing psychology. The
heptapods, as they are known, are an advanced race that communicates using a
complex language based on symbols. They have a deep understanding of time and a
unique view of the universe. They are mysterious and enigmatic, and their alien
psychology is an integral part of their culture and society.
Technology and Culture
Making
sense of the technology and customs of an alien society helps make it more realistic
and interesting in a story. Their technology (no matter what level) is essential
to most alien societies. As a writer, it’s important to consider how the aliens
apply their technology. For instance, the Klingons are a highly advanced
species, with formidable weapons and spacecrafts. They have conquered the
ability to navigate interstellar journeys in relative security and freedom.
The
Na'vi may not be as highly tech-savvy compared to the Klingons, but their
approach to technologically is rooted in a unique type of science. It’s an
organic, interconnected practice that bonds them with the planet and all its
creatures. Through mental connections, they control animals and plants while
collecting knowledge and strength.
The
technology and culture of an alien society can also help to create an immersive
and believable world. The planet Coruscant in the Star Wars universe is
one such example. It is an ecumenopolis, a planet-wide city filled with
advanced technology, bustling with activity and energy. The culture of
Coruscant is rich and vibrant, and the world feels alive and believable.
(The picture here is my
rendering, not the one in Star Wars!)
Conclusion
Creating
believable alien societies is a complex and challenging task, but it’s one that
has captivated authors and filmmakers (and those who enjoy them!) for decades. While
I’ve only touched on the bare surface of what to look for when creating an
alien society, I hope you’re encouraged to explore filling your own stories with
a smattering of alien psychology, their types of technology as well as how they
use it to interface with their culture.
The greatest science fiction tales, be they of
love or something else entirely, show us humanity's place in this vast and
mysterious cosmos. From the smallest atom to the furthest star, our adventures
tap into a shared sense of awe and helplessness; an understanding that despite
all our efforts, we may never truly understand the universe we inhabit.
