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Homeworld Gems
General Info
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Faction Name | Homeworld Gems |
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Overview
These creatures form a complex, strictly hierarchical society, completely separate from Earth. Members range from common workers like Pearls to aristocratic and authoritative beings like Sapphires and Diamonds. Above the head, four diamonds - white, yellow, blue and pink (the alter ego of the series character Steven) reign and control many colonies in space. Each homeworld gem is uniquely endowed with a certain supernatural ability dependent on the gem, and is non-biological in nature, originating from the depths of the planets they conquer. Homeworld's story explores themes of colonialism and authoritarian leadership, providing a stark contrast to the egalitarian principles of the Earth Stones. As such, Steven Universe's Homeworld Gems embodies a compelling juxtaposition that drives the show's plot, bridging the personal with the political, creating a heart-wrenching and thought-provoking saga.
History
Homeworld's caste system assigned specific roles and responsibilities to each gem. Diamonds – white, yellow, blue and especially pink – were at the top of this hierarchy and reigned with unquestionable authority. During those early eras, the Homeworld gems expanded their dominion over space, colonizing planet after planet, including Earth. About 6,000 years ago, the fortunes of the Homeworld gems changed dramatically. While colonizing Earth, Rose Diamond developed a deep love for the planet, leading to the birth of a new character named Rose Quartz. This was a turning point in Homeworld history as Rose, along with several other Gems, formed the Crystal Gems, a faction dedicated to bringing down the Imperial expanse of Homeworld and protecting Earth.
The ensuing rebellion, known as the Gem War, resulted in the supposed defeat of Pink Diamond and marked the first significant Gem defeat on Homeworld. After the war, Earth was placed in quarantine, and the gems of Homeworld returned home to a sense of loss and defeat. The Homeworld Gems subsequently evolved both technologically and socially. The introduction of Era 3, led by Steven Universe, formerly known as Pink Diamond, started a new chapter of Homeworld where all the Gems of Homeworld society could choose their own path without the constraints of the caste system.
The history of the homeworld gems is really a story of evolution, marked by conquests, rebellions, defeats, and ultimately the pursuit of freedom and social and political change. It represents the universal journey of self-discovery and the value of individual choice.
Notable Members
Member #
1
Yellow Diamond
2
Blue Diamond
3
White Diamond
4
Pink Diamond (formerly)
5
Spinel
6
Emerald
7
Hessonite
8
Pyrope
9
Demantoid
10
Nephrite
11
Aquamarine
12
Topaz
13
Zircon
14
Ruby
15
Sapphire
16
Pearl
17
Peridot
18
Lapis Lazuli
19
Jasper
20
Bismuth (formerly)
21
Rose Quartz (formerly)
Geography
An important location is the control center of the Diamond Authority, the capital and administrative center of Homeworld. Other notable topographies include the Reef, a place where damaged gems can be repaired, and the Human Zoo, a space station to observe the behavior of humans abducted from Earth. Despite being light-years away from Earth, the Homeworld Gems make frequent visits, usually for colonization purposes, but always encounter the Crystal Gems. With advanced technology, massive structures, and a strict hierarchy, the geocultural identity of the Homeworld Gems makes for a rather intriguing aspect of Steven Universe history to explore.
Legacy and Impact
The Homeworld Gems represent an authoritarian society with rigid norms and caste roles, a recurring theme in social and political stories. Through these alien characters, the series cleverly alludes to the racial discrimination, identity crisis, and social pressures inherent in real societies. Their colonization process is a metaphor for destructive imperialism, teaching the public about the negative consequences of such actions. Additionally, the Homeworld Gems storyline, which reconciles with the Crystal Gems' ideologies, preaches ideas of acceptance, adaptation, and overcoming prejudice. Their legacy on the show ultimately becomes one of change, resilience, and redemption. Ultimately, the journey of the homeworld gems paves the way for understanding and respect, complements the Steven Universe timeline, and highlights the importance of empathy and love.