With their elfin ears, acute preference for logic, and unswept eyebrows, Vulcans have become one of the most well-known and emblematic alien species in science-fiction history. They were formally introduced in the Original Series fan-favorite episode "Amok Time," and have become a key component of every Star Trek show or movie.
Leonard Nimoy's Spock was the first Vulcan to appear in the franchise, with many others following in his steps as Star Trek's universe expanded beyond its first series.
10 T'Pring Eventually Gained Her Freedom
A member of the Vulcan aristocracy, T'Pring was bonded to Spock as a child as it's customary for their people. After Spock falls victim to his first Pon Farr, he returns to his home planet in order to unite with T'Pring, unaware of her plans to claim kal-if-ee and 'divorce' him in the process.
T'Pring is shown to be a very intelligent and determined female Vulcan, doing her best to achieve her goal of separating from Spock and marrying Stonn instead. Ceding T'Pring her freedom, Spock congratulates her on her 'flawless logic,' a compliment that she seems to enjoy.
9 Vorik Helped To Save The Voyager Multiple Times
First appearing as an Ensign aboard the Voyager, Vorik is a skilled engineer under half-Klingon, half-human Chief Engineer B'Elanna Torres. Like most Vulcan males, Vorik was bonded to a female who was not able to help him when his Pon Farr hit in the Voyager episode "Blood Fever".
Vorik has assisted the crew during multiple crises, including skillfully recalibrating the ship's electro-plasma system and maintaining life support systems online after entering a dangerous Class Y planet. He was played by actor Alexander Enberg.
8 Valeris Betrayed Her Crewmates In The Name Of Logic
After impressing Captain Spock during her time at the Academy, Valeris was elevated to the rank of Lieutenant and given the post of helmsman aboard the Enterprise-A. She ultimately chooses to betray the crew by joining the Khitomer conspiracy to ruin peace talks between the Klingons and the Federation.
Valeris debuted in The Undiscovered Country as a replacement for Saavik, who was originally supposed to be the traitor. Given the fans' devotion to the female Vulcan, Gene Roddenberry decided to create a completely new character, which actress Kim Catrall helped name after the goddess Eris.
7 Saavik Has Trouble Understanding Human Emotion
Making her first appearance in The Wrath of Khan, Saavik is one of the first Vulcan females to be seen aboard a Federation starship. After failing the Kobayashi Maru, she explains her frustration to Admiral James T. Kirk, who proceeds to assign her to the Enterprise as a navigator with the rank of Lieutenant.
Akin to other Vulcans, Saavik has trouble understanding human emotion, a struggle that she seems willing to explore during her two next appearances in the franchise. She was played by Robin Curtis in The Search for Spock and The Voyage Home after the original actress, Kirstie Alley, refused to reprise the role.
6 Sybok Tried To Follow A Different Path & Failed
The Final Frontier completely altered Spock's backstory when Sybok was introduced. As Spock's revolutionary older brother, Sybok lived under Pre-Surakian Vulcan's much more liberal and emotional philosophy. His quest to find the Vulcan paradise known as Sha Ka Ree leads him to infiltrate a starship, where he's reunited with his estranged half-brother.
Blinded by his delusions, Sybok attempts to command the Enterprise-A through the Great Barrier, a gigantic energy field at the edge of the galaxy. He's eventually forced to face the truth when an evil entity threatens the ship, and he gives his life to save the others.
5 T'Pau Is A Modern Vulcan Legend
One of the most important figures in Vulcan's modern history, T'Pau first appeared to officiate Spock's wedding to T'Pring during his tumultuous Pon Farr. Known as an exceptional diplomat and philosopher, T'Pau is described to be the first person to refuse a seat in the Federation Council.
A younger version of the character appeared in several episodes of Enterprise, recounting her exploits as one of the leaders of the Surakian movement in the 22nd century. Two centuries later, during the time of The Next Generation, a Vulcan vessel with her name would be discovered by the crew of the Enterprise-D.
4 T'Pol Was The First Vulcan Aboard A Human Ship
Set before the events of The Original Series, Enterprise introduced T'Pol as the first Vulcan to ever serve on a Human ship. She was a mid-rank science officer aboard the Enterprise NX-01, eventually ascending to the role of First Officer after a successful mission to return a Klingon courier to his planet.
T'Pol had a long career with the crew of the Enterprise, being part of several high-profile missions including a journey into the Delphic Expanse, various dealings with the Xindi, and battles against the Terra Prime terrorist group. She was bonded to Koss before the marriage was dissolved after a mutual accord.
3 Sarek Struggles To Understand His Children
While serving as Vulcan ambassador to Earth, Sarek married Amanda Grayson and fathered his second son, Spock. He first appeared in the fan-favorite Original Series episode "Journey to Babel" being played by actor Mark Lenard, who had previously appeared as the Romulan commander in "Balance of Terror".
Over the years, Sarek has appeared in multiple Star Trek stories, most recently popping up in various Discovery episodes as Michael Burnham's adoptive father. He's shown to be a kind, but stern individual who strives for logic above everything else, struggling to find the balance between Spock's Human and Vulcan sides.
2 Tuvok Is A Key Asset Aboard The Voyager
After serving under Captain Hikaru Sulu on the Excelsior and a short return to Vulcan, Tuvok joined Captain Janeway's crew aboard the Voyager as Chief of Security. He was a key player during the Maquis mission, working undercover to help a ship commandeered by Chakotay.
Tuvok married his bondmate T'Pel at the beginning of the 22nd century and fathered four children. He enjoys playing the Vulcan lute, breeding orchids, and playing kal-toh with Ensign Harry Kim. He has a close friendship with his Captain, Kathryn Janeway, whom he trusts implicitly and considers family.
1 Spock Originated An Entire Alien Race
Without Spock, Star Trek wouldn't have achieved its prized place within pop culture. The half-Vulcan, half-human first appeared in the Original Series rejected pilot, "The Cage," before joining Captain Kirk's Enterprise in "Where No Man Has Gone Before". Leonard Nimoy originated the character, but several actors have played the Vulcan, with the most recent being Ethan Peck in Discovery.
Spock's mixed heritage is his biggest dilemma throughout the series, as he continues to search for logic despite his humanity. He's the most recognizable Star Trek character, usually representing the franchise despite the numerous characters attached to the brand.