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Are There Humans in Metroid? Exploring Humanity’s Role in a Sci-Fi Universe

Yes, humans are undeniably present in the Metroid universe. They are a recurring, star-faring species. However, their role is often complex and intertwined with alien biology, genetic manipulation, and the ever-present threat of the Metroids themselves. Let’s delve into the details.

Earth and the Galactic Federation

Is Earth a Part of the Metroid Universe?

The answer is a resounding yes! Earth exists in the Metroid canon, orbiting the Sun and being orbited by the Moon, just like in our reality. Crucially, the instruction manuals for both the original Metroid and Super Metroid explicitly state that Galactic Federation Headquarters is located on Earth. This makes Earth a vital strategic and political center in the Metroid saga.

The Galactic Federation: Humanity’s Representative?

The Galactic Federation appears to be the primary governing body for humanity and other space-faring species within the Metroid universe. They are responsible for maintaining order, conducting research, and responding to threats like the Space Pirates and the Metroids. While the Galactic Federation isn’t exclusively human, their presence on Earth suggests a significant human influence within the organization.

Samus Aran: The Human (and More) Protagonist

The Core Question: Is Samus Still Human?

This is where things get fascinatingly complex. Samus Aran, the iconic protagonist, was born a human on the colony K-2L. However, her life took a dramatic turn after a Space Pirate raid led by Ridley. Adopted by the Chozo and infused with their DNA, she was already far from a typical human.

The events of Metroid Fusion further blur the lines. To combat the X Parasite infection, Samus is injected with a vaccine derived from the Metroid baby she saved in Metroid II: Return of Samus. This Metroid DNA infusion essentially rewrites her genetic code. While she retains a human appearance, her physiology is fundamentally altered. By the end of Fusion, Samus is effectively a human-Metroid hybrid.

Dark Samus: A Twisted Reflection

Is Dark Samus Human? Unraveling Her Origins

Dark Samus is an entirely different entity. She isn’t simply a corrupted version of Samus. Instead, Dark Samus is a sentient alien being born from Phazon. Her origins trace back to Metroid Prime. After Metroid Prime’s defeat, it absorbed Samus’s Phazon Suit and, crucially, her DNA. This combination of Metroid and human (Samus’s) DNA, along with the Phazon, created Dark Samus. Therefore, she is considered a Metroid/Human hybrid.

Humans Beyond Samus: Prevalence and Roles

While Samus is the most prominent human figure, others exist within the Metroid universe, even if their roles are often less direct or less developed within the narrative.

The Forgotten Colony: K-2L and Human Origins

The destruction of K-2L is a critical point in Samus’s backstory, demonstrating the vulnerability of human settlements to Space Pirate attacks. It highlights a future where humanity has expanded beyond Earth and established colonies on other planets, making them vulnerable to alien threats.

The Elusive Solomon Aran: Samus’s Brother

Mentioned only in supplemental material, Solomon Aran, Samus’s brother, provides a glimpse into her family life before the tragedy on K-2L. His existence underscores the human connection Samus has, anchoring her to a past that informs her present.

FAQs: Further Exploring Humans in Metroid

Here are 15 frequently asked questions providing deeper insight:

How old is Samus? Samus’s age is detailed in supplemental material. During the K-2L attack she was 3. By the time she leaves Zebes and joins the Galactic Federation Police she is 14. The final chapters of Metroid: Volume 2 and lead into her Zero Mission and take place during her late teens or early 20’s.
Why does Samus look human? While she looks like a human, if her blood were to be examined under a microscope, it would tell a different story. Samus was born a human, and she was infused with Chozo DNA early in her life. Later, she was infected with the dangerous X Parasite in Metroid Fusion.
What DNA does Samus have? It was later revealed that she carried two types of Chozo DNA, one belonging to the Thoha tribe and the other from the Mawkin tribe.
Are there other humans in the Galactic Federation besides Samus? Yes, it’s logical to assume there are many other humans serving in various roles within the Galactic Federation, given its headquarters are on Earth. However, they rarely feature prominently in the games’ narratives.
Does Samus have a mom? Yes, Virginia Aran was the mother of Samus Aran.
Why does Raven Beak call Samus daughter? He refers to Samus as his “daughter,” because his DNA was among the Chozo DNA infused within her when she was first adopted.
Did people know Samus was a girl? At first players were led to believe that the hero was a man. But those who completed the game fast enough were in for a shock: at the end Samus revealed herself to be a woman.
What disorder does Samus have? Samus’s PTSD appears to be referenced in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Is Zero Suit Samus a girl? Samus is one of the first major female protagonists in a video game.
Is Samus the only human in Metroid? Samus, however, is not the first Metroid human-hybrid, as her doppelgänger Dark Samus holds that distinction.
Is Samus a full Metroid? The Metroid Suit is Samus Aran’s final Suit upgrade in Metroid Dread. Samus received from her vaccine, fully awakening and turning her into a human Metroid.
How can Samus turn into a ball? “The Morph Ball is a modular upgrade to Samus Aran’s Power Suit, allowing the bounty hunter to roll into a spherical shape.
Is Samus even human anymore? The Metroid DNA allows her to regain her original physiological form, albeit not her biology. She still looks human, mind you, but she’s basically a Metroid by the end of Fusion.
How did Samus lose her suit? Samus mentioned that the overload caused by her exposure to pure phazon resulted in her losing her Phazon Suit seconds after eliminating Metroid Prime’s core form with the Hyper Beam.
Why does Samus never talk? From the beginning, Metroid games have always been about isolation and self-reliance. Samus hasn’t really had anyone to talk to, so she didn’t talk.

Conclusion: Humanity’s Enduring Presence

While Samus Aran’s journey blurs the lines between human and alien, the existence of Earth, the Galactic Federation, and her own human origins firmly establish humanity’s presence in the Metroid universe. While humans might not always be at the forefront of the action, their influence and their struggle for survival against cosmic threats are integral to the saga.

Furthermore, video games like Metroid can offer profound learning experiences. By exploring these complex narratives and engaging with the lore, players can develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deeper understanding of human nature. The Games Learning Society explores these topics in depth, examining the educational and cognitive impacts of video games. For more information, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

Are there humans in Metroid?