Hand Device

The hand device is a fictional weapon in the Stargate universe.

The hand device is a metal, glove-like object with a large red gem set in the palm. They are the personal weapons of the Goa'uld, and thus unlike other Goa'uld weapons they are used only by Goa'uld and not by the Jaffa. It has a variety of uses; it is an instrument of torture, an effective defensive device, and a flashy weapon used to inspire awe and terror of its god-like user.

The hand device's functions include:

• The center gem can emit a energy pulse that causes severe pain when applied to a victim's head, and which will eventually kill the victim by liquifying their brain. This function of the hand device is usually used by the Goa'uld to punish their servants and to torture prisoners.

• The center gem can also fire a powerful shockwave. Anyone hit by the shockwave will be knocked backwards and sent flying through the air for several feet. This can kill the target if used to slam them into a wall or other hard surface, but usually it just bruises them a lot. What this attack lacks in lethality, it makes up for in the awe and intimidation it CREATES. Jaffa attribute the Goa'uld ability to throw people through the air as a sign of their divine power.

• The gem can be used to "catch" zat blasts and render them harmless.

• Buttons on the wrist portion of the hand device can be used to remotely control Goa'uld technology, such as opening and closing doors on board a mothership, or activating a Ring Transporter.

• Certain hand devices are equipped with an energy shield which, when activated, surrounds the user and gives them total protection from both bullets and energy blasts. This function is usually only available on the hand devices belonging to particularly powerful Goa'ulds, such as the System Lords. The energy shield's only weakness is that it does not block slow-moving objects, such as throwing knives or tranquilizer darts (it is possible Apophis developed a way around this weakness, as just prior to his death in a crashing starship we see him repelling replicators with his energy shield).

Not just anyone can put on a hand device and operate it. Most of the device's functions are activated telepathically, and thus the user needs to know how to mentally control the device. The user also requires Naquadah in their bloodstream to make the device function. This mostly restricts use of the device to Goa'ulds (as Jaffa do not have the training to mentally operate them). However, ex-hosts who were previously possessed by a Goa'uld and retain trace memories as well as naquadah in their blood (such as Major Samantha Carter) can also use the device, albeit not quite as reliably.