Furling (Stargate)

In the science fiction television series Stargate SG-1, the Furlings are an alien race. Little is known about them, save that they were a member of the "Alliance of four great races", along with the Ancients, Asgard, and Nox. However, occasional artifacts attributed to the Furlings have been identified. Furling writing has also been seen in the show in the first-season episode "The Torment of Tantalus" along with the writings of the other great races (though only the Ancient and Asgard writings have been positively linked with their civilizations).

It has also been suggested that they are a pacifistic race, like the Nox and somewhat unlike the Ancients and Asgard, who, while they did not like it, were more willing to use military force. In the sixth-season episode "Paradise Lost" it is discovered that the Furlings had set up a Utopian community without weapons or advanced technology. The colony was destroyed by a Goa'uld who was able to smuggle in seeds for a plant that produced a paranoia-inducing chemical, causing the inhabitants to go insane and kill each other.

Harry Maybourne, who had discovered the key to reaching this colony, described them thus:
 * "A long time ago, some people from an advanced alien society, well they chucked it all and they formed this small, isolated Utopian community. They sent out representatives to meet and evaluate people from all over the galaxy and offer them a chance to join them. The scroll and the stone were the invitation."

It is unknown whether any of the skeletons later found at that colony were actually Furlings, or if it was a purely human community that had just been set up by them.

Jack O'Neill has concluded that the Furlings must be cute and cuddly creatures, based solely on their name. A man in the episode "Citizen Joe", who heard of the Furlings through a man who could recall O'Neill's memories, equated the Furlings to the Ewoks based on their name. Knowing that they were part of the Alliance of Four Great Races, however, they were probably very powerful and advanced. The design and artwork of their technology have been assumed to resemble Mayan and Aztec artwork.

Several unnamed races have appeared in Stargate continuity that could in fact be the Furlings. Possible candidates include the Salish Spirits or the Giant Aliens from "Crystal Skull". When Executive Producer Robert C. Cooper was asked "Will we ever meet the Furlings?", his answer was "Who says we haven't?" The Asgard give no indication that the Furlings are dead or gone, nor do they state that they have died off or moved to a different portion of the Universe (whereas they clearly state that the Ancients are no longer active).

Joseph Mallozzi has said that more about the Furlings will finally be revealed in Stargate SG-1's tenth season. It's also possible some will make an appearance.

Although it has never been stated as a definite fact that the Furlings will ever come to be shown on SG1, many rumours (mainly from fans) and some suggestions from producers of the show have said that, if it ever will happen, it will be in the upcoming tenth season. The 200th episode will also occur at some point in season ten; the Furlings may arrive at that historic point in the show's run.