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Son of M'Rel, and leader of the Klingon High Council following the death of K'mpec in 2367. Prior to his ascent to power, Gowron was a political outsider who often challenged the High Council. Following the death of K'mpec, Gowron was one of two contenders for the post of council leader. With the elimination of Duras, Gowron won the position of chancellor. Gowron was installed as council leader in a ceremony attended by Jean-Luc Picard, who had served as Arbiter of Succession. Gowron's leadership was quickly challenged by Lursa and B'Etor, surviving members of the Duras family who sought to install Duras's illegitimate son, Toral, as chancellor. The Duras bid was supported by Romulans interest seeking to gain control over the Klingon Empire. The challenge divided the council and plunged the empire into civil war in 2367. Gowron emerged victorious, in part because he agreed to restore rightful honor to the Mogh family in exchange for military support by Worf and Kurn. Despit initial reluctance, Gowron supported a bold Starfleet plan to retake station Deep Space 9 from Dominion control during the Dominion war in 2374. Gowron's warriors were crucial in this pivotal battle. As the Dominion war progressed, Gowron became concerned that the honors being given to field commander Martok might threaten Gowron's own political power base. Gowron soon moved to assume personal command of the Klingon forces. Gowron, concerned more with consolidating his own power than with the welfare of his warriors, sent General Martok on a series of disastous missions that seriously undermined the Alpha Quadrant powers' position in the final weeks of the Dominion war. Appalled at Gowron's squandering of Klingon lives and fearing the survival of the empire was in jeopardy, Worf finally took upon himself to challenge Gowron for leadership of the High Council. Worf killed Gowron in the ensuing bat'leth fight, but immediately relinquished the title of chancellor to Martok. Gowron was first seen in "Reunion" (TNG). |
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