Did Wesley Crusher Create the Borg?

Wesley Crusher, a beloved character from Star Trek: The Next Generation, has often been inaccurately associated with the creation of the Borg. It is a widespread misconception that Wesley was responsible for the development of this iconic alien race. In reality, the formation of the Borg comes from a complex combination of factors unrelated to Wesley Crusher's storyline.

Origins of the Borg

The origins of the Borg are intricate and multifaceted, primarily explored throughout the entirety of the Star Trek: The Next Generation series. The concept of the Borg predates the existence of Wesley Crusher by centuries. The series delves into the early encounters of the Borg, notably through the character of Guinan, who mentions that her people had encountered the Borg centuries before her time. This establishes that the Borg were already established entities long before Wesley's introduction to the show.

Authorial Credit

The creation of the Borg is attributed to David A. Goodman and later, to Maurice Hurley, who contributed significantly to the narrative development of the franchise. Goodman and Hurley are credited as the main creators of the Borg, having designed their unique construct and societal structure. Notably, Goodman wrote the novelization for Star Trek: Destiny, a series of books that delve deeply into the origin of the Borg, which further solidifies his role in establishing their overall concept and history within the Star Trek universe.

The Role of Nanites

It is important to clarify that Wesley Crusher did create a group of nanites in one of the episodes, but these nanites were not the Borg. The nanites created by Wesley served a different purpose and were a departure from the Borg's complex social and technological organization. These nanites were a scientific experiment meant to demonstrate the potential of molecular nanotechnology but did not align with the characteristics of the Borg.

Contemporary Theories and the Impact of Literature

The creation myth of the Borg, like many works of fiction, has evolved with the franchise's literature. Writers have theorized about the origins, adding layers of complexity and depth to the characters and their history. One popular and well-regarded theory is found in the 2008 trilogy, Star Trek: Destiny, by David Mack, which provides a detailed explanation of the Borg's creation and history. This series explores the intricate plot threads involving the origins of the Borg and their connection to various species and technological advancements, reinforcing the idea that the Borg's creation was a collaborative process involving multiple factors and characters, none of which include Wesley Crusher.

Conclusion

The widespread belief that Wesley Crusher created the Borg is a persistent myth that lacks factual basis. The intricate history of the Borg as explored throughout the Star Trek: The Next Generation series and in subsequent literature clearly shows that this iconic alien race was predating Wesley by centuries. Credit for the creation of the Borg rightfully belongs to the franchise's writers, most notably David A. Goodman and Maurice Hurley. For a comprehensive understanding, readers are encouraged to explore the official Star Trek literature, including the books by David Mack that offer rich, detailed insights into the Borg's origins and history.