Spice (Star Wars)
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In the fictional Star Wars universe, spice usually refers to an illegal narcotic or a controlled substance.
There are several different kinds of spice in the known galaxy; they are all grouped under the spice rubric not because of any chemical derivations, but rather because they "spice up" the user in some fashion, either temporarily boosting physical strength and stamina, making the user feel invincible, or heightening awareness or creating euphoria. These "spiced" up abilities do not last long and the user eventually needs another dose of the substance and quickly becomes addicted.
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[edit] Notable varieties
[edit] Glitterstim
One of the most common types of spice is glitterstim spice. Also known as glitterstim, it is a psychoactive substance harvested in the Star Wars universe, with both intoxicating and telepathic effects. Glitterstim is activated by light and consumed orally, crackling in the mouth in a manner much like Pop Rocks.
Although harvesting and dealing glitterstim was highly restricted under the authoritarian rule of the Galactic Empire (only one firm, authorized by Palpatine himself, was allowed to import glitterstim to Coruscant, among other worlds, and the prices were so astronomical that only elites like Grand Admiral Miltin Takel could afford to buy Wendell Wright-Sims' wares. And only highly experienced smugglers, such as Han Solo, even attempted to smuggle the substance past the many Imperial patrols despite the dangers—fear of the "spice mines of Kessel" was not confined to C3PO), the Old Republic government did not presume that it was their role to prohibit it. In fact, in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Luke Skywalker's uncle Owen preferred to tell Luke that his father, Anakin Skywalker, had been the pilot of a spice freighter, rather than admit that he had been a great Jedi Knight and starfighter pilot.
The "Kessel Run" is a dangerous spice run from the planet Kessel, where glitterstim is harvested. A black hole cluster near the system is a particularly perilous stretch of space to traverse, and only Han Solo piloting the legendary Millennium Falcon could pass close enough to the cluster in order to shave the distance down to a mere twelve parsecs - the black hole also shaved a portion of the Falcon's ventral hull off, showing how narrowly Solo made it through the run.
Glitterstim is actually the secretion of a crystalline, spider-like lifeform indigenous to the caves of Kessel. It must be harvested deep underground, away from any light, or else the drug will activate before it can be shipped off.
Under the influence of glitterstim, the consumer may lose control of himself, much like someone who is drunk. What makes glitterstim so widely sought after, however, is its ability to induce temporary telepathy. Lovers, warlords, and even spies have been known to make use of it. In fact, while imprisoned on Kessel, Han Solo was subjected to a mind probe by the leader of the Kessel spice mines, Moruth Doole, while Doole was under the influence of glitterstim.
Han Solo began his running of glitterstim while working for the T'landa Til (relatives of Hutts) on the planet Ylesia, where the T'landa Til ran a spice market controlled by the Hutts.
[edit] Carsunum
Carsunum was a rare and highly illegal spice variant mined on Sevarcos. Use of carsunum granted a boost of both mental and physical abilities as well as a pleasurable sense of well-being; however, once the spice hit ended, side effects could vary from jitters to death.
The Healer's Guild used carsunum in some of its medical cures, and it is believed that carsunum was present onboard the Katana fleet, possibly contributing to its disappearance.
[edit] Ryll
Ryll, mined on the planet Ryloth, is a relatively weak form of spice used to create a number of medicines used throughout the galaxy. It is also smuggled into the Corporate Sector for illegal sale to the workers. As a recreational substance, ryll can be addictive and dangerous.
Ryll was one of the forms of spice processed on Ylesia prior to the Battle of Yavin.
Ryll, specifically of the rarest variety, ryll kor, is instrumental in creating rylca, a medicine used to cure the deadly Krytos virus.
[edit] Possible inspiration
The concept of a spice mined underground that gives the user capabilities beyond the norm bears a remarkable resemblance to melange, the substance that drives the galactic economy in Frank Herbert's classic sci-fi novel Dune. It is particularly worth noting that the first mention of spice mines in the Star Wars movies came during a scene set on the planet Tatooine, a planet which bears remarkable similarities to Arrakis from the same novel.
[edit] References
- The Essential guide to Planets and Moons (Star Wars), 1st edition, by Daniel Wallace, Scott Kolins. 1998. ISBN 0-345-42068-3
- The Annotated Screenplays, softcover, 1997. George Lucas, Leigh Brackett, Lawrence Kasdan, Laurent Bouzereau, ISBN 0-345-40981-7
- Han Solo Trilogy by A. C. Crispin:
- The Paradise Snare, 1st paperback printing, 1997. A. C. Crispin, ISBN 0-553-57415-9
- The Hutt Gambit, 1st paperback printing, 1997. A. C. Crispin, ISBN 0-553-57416-7
- Rebel Dawn, 1998. A.C. Crispin. ISBN 0-553-57417-5
- Wedge's Gamble, 1st paperback printing, 1996. Michael A. Stackpole, ISBN 0-553-56802-7
- Jedi Search, 1994. Kevin J. Anderson, ISBN 0-553-29798-8
- A Guide to the Star Wars Universe, 2nd edition, 1994. Bill Slavicsek, ISBN 0-345-38625-6
- Star Wars Adventure Journal
