Exploring the Dark Crystal: Could Skeksis Use Essence-Draining on Humans for Immortality?

If the Skeksis from The Dark Crystal franchise and their essence-draining technology were real, it's intriguing to imagine how they might interact with humans. Here's a potential scenario based on the lore of the series and some logical extrapolation: 1. **Usage on Humans**: The Skeksis originally designed the essence-draining process to extract life force from Gelflings, a species they found suitable for this purpose. If humans were available, the Skeksis would likely experiment with them in much the same way, attempting to drain their essence to sustain their own lives. 2. **Method**: The essence-draining process would likely involve similar technology seen in the series—machines that extract and purify the essence. Humans, like Gelflings, might be strapped into these devices, and their vital essence would be extracted while they experience immense pain and weakening. 3. **Effect on Skeksis**: If human essence proved to be a viable substitute, it could potentially offer the Skeksis the same rejuvenating effects as Gelfling essence. This would mean that consuming human essence could restore their youth and vitality, effectively prolonging their lives. 4. **Immortality**: While the term "immortal" suggests living forever without aging or dying, in the context of the Skeksis, consuming Gelfling essence doesn't grant true immortality but rather delays aging and death. Therefore, consuming human essence would likely have a similar effect: it would sustain them for longer periods, slowing down their aging process significantly and granting them a form of prolonged life, if not true immortality. 5. **Ethical Implications**: On a more grounded note, the ethical implications of such a practice would be enormous. Draining essence from sentient beings, whether Gelflings or humans, would be an atrocity, likely sparking resistance and rebellion against the Skeksis if humans became aware of and were subjected to this fate. In summary, if the Skeksis were real and had access to the technology to drain human essence, they would likely use it to prolong their lives in a manner similar to how they used Gelfling essence, though the process would be ethically horrific and contentious.