Regeneration: Difference between revisions

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{{cleanup|Needs general, line-by-line copyedit, making sure that the past tense is consistently employed.  Needs better and clearer demarcation between the Time Lord process and those other things that are "kinda-sorta-maybe" ''like'' regeneration.  Lead should make clear that the bulk of the article is talking about the Time Lord process, while other things may be discussed later.  As it is, article isn't terribly clear about that.  The background section, for instance, really only applies to Time Lords, but the article doesn't clearly state that.}}[[file:Regeneration.jpg|thumb|250px|The [[Fifth Doctor]] regenerates into the [[Sixth Doctor|Sixth]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Caves of Androzani]]'')]]
[[file:Regeneration.jpg|thumb|250px|The [[Fifth Doctor]] regenerates into the [[Sixth Doctor|Sixth]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Caves of Androzani]]'')]]
[[file:Parting_of_ways_regeneration.jpg|thumb|250px|The Doctor regenerates into his [[Tenth Doctor|tenth incarnation]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]'')]]
:''This article is about the Time Lord physiological process. For other uses of Regeneration, see [[Regeneration (disambiguation)]]''
:''This article is about the Time Lord physiological process. For other uses of Regeneration, see [[Regeneration (disambiguation)]]''
'''Regeneration''' was the process by which [[Time Lord]]s, and a few other life-forms, could renew themselves by complete physical change, either at will or because of near-fatal illness or injury.
'''Regeneration''' was the process by which [[Time Lord]]s could renew themselves, causing a complete physical change. It was either at will or because of severe illness or injury.


==Background==
==Background==
===Scientific explanation===
Different explanations were given for the process behind regeneration.
*One explanation was that [[Cardinal]] [[Rassilon]] had been investigating a method of regenerating decaying and diseased tissue via a series of permanently carried, self-replicating, biogenic molecules. The cells of a [[Gallifreyan]] body could be repaired, restored and re-organised. This would result in a wholly new physical form. The brain cells would similarly be rearranged, though to a lesser degree, thus ensuring the new incarnation would replicate the memories and personality of the former incarnation. Rassilon intended for this mechanism only to be used upon the [[Time Lord|Gallifreyan elite]]. He also inputted a parameter of 12 regenerative cycles to avoid decaying biogenic molecules. ([[BFA]]: ''[[Zagreus (audio story)|Zagreus]]'')
*Another theory attributed regeneration to a "nanomolecular [[virus]]" that rebuilt the body much like the "self-replicating biogenic molecules". ([[REF]]: ''[[The Gallifrey Chronicles (illustrated guide)|The Gallifrey Chronicles]]'')
*A third theory was that [[Time Lord]]s had triple-helix [[DNA]]: the third strand was added by [[Rassilon]] to make regeneration possible. ([[MA]]: ''[[The Crystal Bucephalus]]'')
*One partial explanation of the process linked it to the release of massive amounts of a hormone known as [[lindos]] at moments of extreme trauma, with the hormone triggering the regeneration itself. Recently-regenerated Time Lords could be identified by the raised levels of lindos in their system. ([[DWN]]: ''[[The Twin Dilemma (novelisation)|The Twin Dilemma]]'', [[BFA]]: ''[[Unregenerate!]]'')
*At one point it was stated that Time Lords had "packets" of regeneration energy within their bodies, one for each life. These packets could be physically removed from a Time Lord's body, essentially robbing them of their regenerations. ([[DW]]: ''[[Mawdryn Undead]]'')
===Process===
===Process===
[[file:Parting_of_ways_regeneration.jpg|left|thumb|250px|The Doctor regenerates into his [[Tenth Doctor|tenth incarnation]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]'')]]
====Physical and mental change====
During the process of regeneration, there were the genetic equivalent of 'bit errors' in the [[DNA]] of the regenerated cells. This caused the appearance of the Time Lord to change, causing changes in appearance, height, mass or apparent age. The personality would also change, because even the cells and chemistry of the [[brain]] regenerated as well. Although the aspects of their personality caused by "nurture" would not change, the "nature" contribution to their personality would change. ([[BFA]]: ''[[The Sirens of Time]]'') Time Lords of the [[Oldblood]] [[Great Houses|Houses]], born with just one [[heart]], grew a second heart upon regeneration. This included the Doctor, who in his [[First Doctor|first incarnation]] had only one heart. ([[MA]]: ''[[The Man in the Velvet Mask]]'') According to the Doctor, every regeneration was painful. ([[SJA]]: ''[[Death of the Doctor]]'')
:''When one of the Doctor's hearts stopped he wondered aloud how humans could cope with just one, suggesting he had never experienced a single heartbeat. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Shakespeare Code]]'') However as he was in his tenth incarnation at the time, it may have been so long since he last had the experience he may have forgotten what it was like.''
More extreme changes were possible. One Time Lord was able to regenerate a complete body after being decapitated, but the process was cut short when stabbed through both [heart]]s. ([[EDA]]: ''[[The Shadows of Avalon]]'') The [[Eleventh Doctor]] feared that he had become a woman, ([[DW]]: ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'') while the [[Ninth Doctor]] suggested two heads or no head were possible ([[DW]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]''). Later comments by his eleventh incarnation stated clearly that he could become "anything". ([[SJA]]: ''[[Death of the Doctor]]'') All known naturally occurring Time Lord regenerations remained [[humanoid]], with all vital limbs and organs in place. Nonetheless, the Doctor's eleventh incarnation made it a priority - even amidst serious damage to his TARDIS - to immediately conduct a physical inventory to make sure he still had two legs and sufficient fingers, eyes, ears, a nose, chin and hair. ([[DW]]: ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'')
:''The Doctor's ability to regrow a severed limb soon after regeneration ([[DW]]: ''[[The Christmas Invasion]]'') suggests the possibility that had the eleventh incarnation, for example, discovered a deficiency - a missing leg, for example - he might have been able to rectify the situation.''
====Appearance====
====Appearance====
[[file:Utopia the master regenerating.jpg|thumb|right|250px|During the Master's regeneration, the Time Lord seemed to shed excess energy from his wrists. The energy appeared to fall to the floor of the TARDIS. ([[DW]]: ''[[Utopia (TV story)|Utopia]]'')]]
[[file:Utopia the master regenerating.jpg|thumb|right|250px|During the Master's regeneration, the Time Lord seemed to shed excess energy from his wrists. The energy appeared to fall to the floor of the TARDIS. ([[DW]]: ''[[Utopia (TV story)|Utopia]]'')]]
During a regeneration, the body often shines with milky white light also known as bio-energy ([[DW]]: ''[[Logopolis (TV story)|Logopolis]]'', ''[[Time and the Rani]]'', ''[[Doctor Who (1996)|Doctor Who]]'') or with a violent-seeming discharge of bio-energy. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]'', ''[[Utopia (TV story)|Utopia]]'', ''[[The Stolen Earth]]'', ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'', [[The Impossible Astronaut]]) In other cases, there was no visible energy discharge. ([[DW]]: ''[[Planet of the Spiders]]'', ''[[Destiny of the Daleks]]'')
During a regeneration, the Time Lord's body shone with milky white light ([[DW]]: ''[[Logopolis (TV story)|Logopolis]]'', ''[[Time and the Rani]]'', ''[[Doctor Who (1996)|Doctor Who]]'') or with a violent-seeming discharge of bio-energy. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]'', ''[[Utopia (TV story)|Utopia]]'', ''[[The Stolen Earth]]'', ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'', ''[[The Impossible Astronaut]]'') In other cases, there was no visible energy discharge. ([[DW]]: ''[[Planet of the Spiders]]'', ''[[Destiny of the Daleks]]'')
:''The colour of bio-energy released during regeneration may be different between individual Time Lords, as the Doctor's have released golden-orange energy while the Master's released brilliant white energy.''
:''The colour of bio-energy released during regeneration may be different between individual Time Lords, as the Doctor's have released golden-orange energy while the Master's released brilliant white energy.''


Just prior to his ninth regeneration, the Doctor warned his [[companion]] to keep away from him (during a partial regeneration, [[Jack Harkness|Jack]] did this as well). This would seem to imply that the energy released during the process posed some level of danger to humans, and possibly that others being too close may pose a danger to the Time Lord. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]'', ''[[The Stolen Earth]]'') The damage done to the TARDIS during the Tenth Doctor's regeneration into the Eleventh (enough to force a complete reconstruction) may be an example of the potential dangers the regeneration energy can pose to those who stand too close. ([[DW]]: ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'') However at least one regeneration occurred with other individuals seen in close proximity (although this was assisted by the transient [[The Watcher|Watcher]], who may have helped to contain the regenerative energy). ([[DW]]: ''[[Logopolis (TV story)|Logopolis]]'')
Just prior to his ninth regeneration, the Doctor warned his [[companion]] to keep away from him. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]'', ''[[The Stolen Earth]]'') The damage done to the TARDIS during the Tenth Doctor's regeneration into the Eleventh (enough to force a complete reconstruction) may have been an example of the potential dangers the regeneration energy could pose to those who stand too close. ([[DW]]: ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'') However, other regenerations occurred with other individuals seen in close proximity. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Tenth Planet]]'', ''[[Planet of the Spiders]]'', ''[[Logopolis (TV story)|Logopolis]]'', ''[[The Caves of Androzani]]'', ''[[Time and the Rani]]'')


====Physical and mental change====
====After-effects====
In the case of the Doctor, the new form were often physically younger and healthier (in human terms) than the Time Lord's previous incarnation, though this wasn't always the case; see, for example, the contrast between his [[Fifth Doctor|fifth]] and [[Sixth Doctor|sixth]] incarnations. Other Time Lords have regenerated into both younger ([[Romana]]) and older ([[Borusa]]) bodies. The Time Lord might gain or lose height and body mass. After each regeneration there was often a marked change in personality. During the process of regeneration, there were the genetic equivalent of 'bit errors' in the [[DNA]] of the regenerated cells. This was what caused the appearance of the [[Time Lord]] to change, because even the cells of the brain regenerated as well, and their brain chemistry and organisation would change. Although the aspects of their personality caused by "nurture" would not change, the "nature" contribution to their personality would change. ([[BFA]]: ''[[The Sirens of Time]]'') Time Lords of the [[Oldblood]] [[Great Houses|Houses]], born with just one [[heart]], grew a second heart upon regeneration. This included the Doctor, who in his [[First Doctor|first incarnation]] had only one heart. ([[MA]]: ''[[The Man in the Velvet Mask]]'')
During the first few hours of the regeneration, the Time Lord would often suffer from confusion, erratic behaviour and memory loss. The Time Lord might have difficulty "steering" their new body, and might also suffer random spasms as the regeneration settled. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour]]'') [[The Doctor]], in particular, though not so much other Time Lords, exhibited mood swings and confusion. It took some time for his newly-regenerated [[Fifth Doctor|fifth incarnation]] to remember his own identity. ([[DW]]: ''[[Castrovalva (TV story)|Castrovalva]]'') On one occasion, he attempted to strangle [[Peri]] to death before re-asserting control of himself ([[DW]]: ''[[The Twin Dilemma]]'') and on another he almost crashed the TARDIS. ([[DW]]: ''[[Children in Need Special]]'') Following his [[Eleventh Doctor|tenth regeneration]], the Doctor experienced powerful, rapidly alternating food cravings, declaring a certain type of food his favourite one minute, and saying he hated it the next. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour]]'')  
:''When one of the Doctor's hearts stopped he wondered aloud how humans could cope with just one, suggesting he had never experienced a single heartbeat. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Shakespeare Code]]'') However as he was in his tenth incarnation at the time, it may have been so long since he last had the experience he may have forgotten what it was like.''


The [[Eleventh Doctor]] feared that he had become a woman, suggesting that it was a possibility when it came to regeneration. ([[DW]]: ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'') This was justified by the fact that regeneration was very random and, as the Ninth Doctor told Rose Tyler, "You never know what you're going to end up with". He also stated prior to that comment that he could even have grown another head due to regeneration, though he may have been joking as he also suggested that an unlikely "no head" outcome was possible. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]'') However, later comments by his eleventh incarnation state clearly that he could become "anything". ([[SJA]]: ''[[Death of the Doctor]]'') Otherwise, all known naturally occurring Time Lord regenerations have remained humanoid with all vital limbs and organs in place. Nonetheless, the Doctor's eleventh incarnation made it a priority - even amidst serious damage to his TARDIS - to immediately conduct a physical inventory to make sure he still had two legs and sufficient fingers, eyes, ears, a nose, chin and hair. ([[DW]]: ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'') According to the Doctor, every regeneration was painful. ([[SJA]]: ''[[Death of the Doctor]]'')
A [[Zero Room]] could help with the process, as it removed all outside distractions. ([[DW]]: ''[[Castrovalva (TV story)|Castrovalva]]'') After his first regeneration, the [[Second Doctor]] implied that [[the Doctor's TARDIS|his TARDIS]] helped the process along. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Power of the Daleks]]'') For other species, a [[metamorphic symbiosis regenerator]] was said to be able to provide help when regenerations failed, though whether this true for Time Lords is unknown. ([[DW]]: ''[[Mawdryn Undead]]'')
:''The Doctor's ability to regrow a severed limb soon after regeneration ([[DW]]: ''[[The Christmas Invasion]]'') suggests the possibility that had the eleventh incarnation, for example, discovered a deficiency - a missing leg, for example - he might have been able to rectify the situation.''
[[file:Doctorinpain.jpg|thumb|left|The Doctor going through post-regeneration trauma. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Christmas Invasion]]'')]]


====After-effects====
Were a Time Lord knocked unconscious, the whole process might be started all over again ([[DWN]]: ''[[The Power of the Daleks (novelisation)|The Power of the Daleks]]''), but this was not a certainty ([[DW]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour]]''). If the Time Lord was fatally injured a second time during the regeneration, they would die; the body died from the initial injury, but would be unable to complete the regeneration. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Impossible Astronaut]]'')
During the first few hours of the regeneration, the Time Lord would often suffer from confusion, erratic behaviour and memory loss. [[The Doctor]], in particular, though not so much other Time Lords, exhibited mood swings and confusion. It took some time for his newly-regenerated [[Fifth Doctor|fifth incarnation]] to remember his own identity. ([[DW]]: ''[[Castrovalva (TV story)|Castrovalva]]'') On one occasion, he attempted to strangle [[Peri]] to death before re-asserting control of himself ([[DW]]: ''[[The Twin Dilemma]]'') and on another he almost crashed the TARDIS. ([[DW]]: ''[[Children in Need Special]]'') Following his [[Eleventh Doctor|tenth regeneration]], the Doctor experienced powerful, rapidly alternating food cravings, declaring a certain type of food his favourite one minute, and saying he hated it the next. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour]]'') A [[Zero Room]] could help with this, as it removed all outside distractions. ([[DW]]: ''[[Castrovalva (TV story)|Castrovalva]]'')


After a regeneration, the Time Lord might have difficulty "steering" their new body, and might also suffer random spasms as the regeneration settled. Several hours after the Time Lord's appearance had changed, the regeneration might still be going on in some way. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour]]'')
After a while, the Time Lord's body would have settled down, though they could regrow limbs within the first 15 hours of the regeneration due to having enough residual energy. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Christmas Invasion]]'') Even after the physical transformation, changes might occur. The Doctor appeared to be excessively tired after his third regeneration, deliberately falling asleep in many odd locations. ([[DW]]: ''[[Robot (TV story)|Robot]]'') The [[Fifth Doctor]]'s hair went from longer to shorter to longer in the space of a few days. ([[MA]]: ''[[Cold Fusion]]'') For a short time after regenerating, a Time Lord displayed greater strength than usual; The Doctor's [[Fourth Doctor|fourth incarnation]] was able to karate-chop a brick in half while recovering from his regeneration ([[DW]]: ''[[Robot (TV story)|Robot]]''), and his [[Eighth Doctor|eighth incarnation]] managed to break down a steel door bare-handed immediately following his. ([[DW]]: ''[[Doctor Who (1996)|Doctor Who]]'')
[[file:Doctorinpain.jpg|thumb|left|The Doctor going through post-regeneration trauma. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Christmas Invasion]]'')]]


Were a Time Lord knocked unconscious, the whole process might be started all over again ([[DWN]]: ''[[The Power of the Daleks (novelisation)|The Power of the Daleks]]''), but this is not a certainty ([[DW]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour]]''). After a while, the Time Lord's body would have settled down, though they could regrow limbs within the first 15 hours of the regeneration due to having enough residual energy. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Christmas Invasion]]'') After his first regeneration, the [[Second Doctor]] implied that [[the Doctor's TARDIS|his TARDIS]] helped the process along. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Power of the Daleks]]'') Some Time Lords, however, might regenerate with little or no overt complications, for example, [[Romana]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[Destiny of the Daleks]]'') Even after the physical transformation, changes might occur, as the [[Fourth Doctor]]. The Doctor also appeared to be excessively tired after his third regeneration, deliberately falling asleep in many odd locations. ([[DW]]: ''[[Robot (TV story)|Robot]]'') The [[Fifth Doctor]]'s hair went from longer to shorter to longer in the space of a few days. ([[MA]]: ''[[Cold Fusion]]'') For a short time after regenerating, a Time Lord displayed greater strength than usual; The Doctor's [[Fourth Doctor|fourth incarnation]] was able to karate-chop a brick in half while recovering from his regeneration ([[DW]]: ''[[Robot (TV story)|Robot]]''), and his [[Eighth Doctor|eighth incarnation]] managed to break down a steel door bare-handed immediately following his. ([[DW]]: ''[[Doctor Who (1996)|Doctor Who]]'') This strength might be caused in a process similar to human adrenaline spikes.
Some Time Lords, however, might regenerate with little or no overt complications, for example, [[Romana]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[Destiny of the Daleks]]'')


===Limitations===
===Limitations===
Though Time Lords could regenerate after severe injuries — one Time Lord even began to regenerate a complete body after being decapitated ([[EDA]]: ''[[The Shadows of Avalon]]''), the process only being cut short when a Time Lord was stabbed through both hearts before it could finish — regeneration did not seem to be guaranteed. The [[Ninth Doctor]], for example, was at one point convinced that he was going to die at the hands of the [[Gelth]] ([[DW]]: ''[[The Unquiet Dead]]''), although it is possible he meant the particular incarnation, and there were numerous occasions in his lifetimes where survival, including regeneration, was not assured. [[Maxil]] implied that a fatal blast from a [[staser]] (an [[energy weapon]] used by the [[Chancellory Guard]] on [[Gallifrey]]) could prevent regeneration. ([[DW]]: ''[[Arc of Infinity (TV story)|Arc of Infinity]]'') Stabbing or shooting a Time Lord through both hearts at the same time ([[EDA]]: ''[[The Shadows of Avalon]]'', [[PDA]]: ''[[World Game]]''), or drowning, if it happened quickly enough ([[DW]]: ''[[Turn Left]]'') could also end a Time Lord's life regardless of how many regenerations they had left. Burning out the hearts simultaneously would have had the same effect as stabbing or shooting them simultaneously ([[DW]]: ''[[Silence in the Library]]''/''[[Forest of the Dead]]''). [[Acid]] could also destroy the ability to regenerate.([[NSA]]: ''[[Night of the Humans]]'')
Though Time Lords could regenerate after severe injuries, regeneration did not seem to be guaranteed. [[Maxil]] implied that a fatal blast from a [[staser]] (an [[energy weapon]] used by the [[Chancellory Guard]] on [[Gallifrey]]) could prevent regeneration. ([[DW]]: ''[[Arc of Infinity (TV story)|Arc of Infinity]]'') Stabbing or shooting a Time Lord through both hearts at the same time ([[EDA]]: ''[[The Shadows of Avalon]]'', [[PDA]]: ''[[World Game]]''), burning out both hearts ([[DW]]: ''[[Silence in the Library]]''/''[[Forest of the Dead]]'') or drowning, if it happened quickly enough ([[DW]]: ''[[Turn Left]]'') could also end a Time Lord's life regardless of how many regenerations they had left. [[Acid]] could also destroy the ability to regenerate. ([[NSA]]: ''[[Night of the Humans]]'') If the regeneration was interrupted with a fatal injury, the regeneration would fail. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Impossible Astronaut]]'')


As well, the interference of some medications, such as anaesthesia, might disrupt or destroy the regenerative process.
As well, the interference of some medications, such as anaesthesia, might disrupt or destroy the regenerative process.
([[DW]]: ''[[Doctor Who (1996)|Doctor Who]]'')
([[DW]]: ''[[Doctor Who (1996)|Doctor Who]]'')
If, when a Time Lord is regenerating, they are once again physically damaged, they will die. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Impossible Astronaut]]'')


=====Regenerative cycle=====
=====Regenerative cycle=====
The Time Lords had a limited regenerative cycle of twelve regenerations, consisting of thirteen incarnations, after which they had no more regenerations and would suffer permanent death. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Deadly Assassin]]'', ''[[Doctor Who (1996)|Doctor Who]]'') Time Lords could will themselves to die by regenerating when they had no more regenerations left to use, as [[Azmael]] chose to do ([[DW]]: ''[[The Twin Dilemma]]'') and could also, with enough effort, prevent a regeneration and die permanently if they desired. ([[DW]]: ''[[Last of the Time Lords]]'') Other life forms (for example, the [[Minyan]]s) could have hundreds of regenerations. Rassilon apparently had physical reasons to impose this restriction. ([[BFA]]: ''[[Zagreus (audio story)|Zagreus]]'')
The Time Lords had a limited regenerative cycle of twelve regenerations, consisting of thirteen incarnations, after which they had no more regenerations and would suffer permanent death. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Deadly Assassin]]'', ''[[Doctor Who (1996)|Doctor Who]]'') Time Lords could will themselves to die by regenerating when they had no more regenerations left to use, as [[Azmael]] chose to do. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Twin Dilemma]]'') Rassilon apparently had physical reasons to impose this restriction. ([[BFA]]: ''[[Zagreus (audio story)|Zagreus]]'')  


As with most such "rules" there were occasionally exceptions to the twelve regeneration limit. The [[High Council]], offered [[the Master (Tremas)|the Master]] a new regenerative cycle if he complied with rescuing the various incarnation of the Doctor from the [[Death Zone]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Five Doctors]]'') Although he did not receive this award on that occasion, during the [[Last Great Time War]] the Master was given the ability to regenerate at least once more. ([[DW]]: ''[[Utopia (TV story)|Utopia]]'')
As with most such "rules" there were occasionally exceptions to the twelve regeneration limit. The [[High Council]], offered [[the Master (Tremas)|the Master]] a new regenerative cycle if he complied with rescuing the various incarnation of the Doctor from the [[Death Zone]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Five Doctors]]'') Although he did not receive this award on that occasion, during the [[Last Great Time War]] the Master was given the ability to regenerate at least once more. ([[DW]]: ''[[Utopia (TV story)|Utopia]]'')  


The crew of the [[Minyan]]s' ship, the ''[[P7E]]'', however, had had about a thousand regenerations, by which time, however, they wearied of life. ([[DW]]: ''[[Underworld]]'') [[Mawdryn]] and his followers, who had stolen the Time Lords' regeneration technology, also had an apparently limitless number of incarnations, though they had no control over when it would happen and what form, often grotesque, they would change into. Consequently, they also longed for death, making their mutations a kind of de facto punishment by the Time Lords for stealing their technology. ([[DW]]: ''[[Mawdryn Undead]]'')
In his [[Eleventh Doctor|Eleventh incarnation]], the Doctor claimed he could regenerate 507 times, although the Doctor may have been trying to show off at the time. ([[SJA]]: ''[[Death of the Doctor]]'')
 
In his [[Eleventh Doctor|Eleventh incarnation]], the Doctor claimed he could regenerate 507 times ([[SJA]]: ''[[Death of the Doctor]]'') although The Doctor may have been trying to show off at the time.
 
=====Attitude toward regeneration=====
As noted above, regeneration was not guaranteed, as the Doctor on numerous occasions believed he was in danger of actually dying. Even with regeneration a possibility, the Doctor came to consider such a change as being nonetheless a "death". In recollecting the events surrounding [[the Master]]'s attempt at stealing the [[Eye of Harmony]], the [[Eighth Doctor]] referred to his incarnations as "lives". ([[DW]]: ''[[Doctor Who (1996)|Doctor Who: The Movie]]'') Time Lords such as the [[War Chief]] were unconcerned about wasting regenerations, while others such as the Doctor warned not to waste them. ([[MA]]: ''[[Invasion of the Cat-People]]'') [[Iris Wildthyme]] once confided in [[Samantha Jones]], saying that regeneration was treated on Gallifrey the same way [[sex]] was on [[Earth]]. ([[EDA]]: ''[[The Scarlet Empress]]'')
 
The Doctor's opinions towards regeneration seemed to change in his later regenerations, considering it more like true death. In his [[Ninth Doctor|ninth incarnation]], the Doctor bade farewell to his companion, ("I'm not gonna see you again. Not like this.") even though he was not actually dying. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]'') The Doctor's [[Tenth Doctor|tenth incarnation]] was concerned about a prediction made regarding his own impending regeneration, saying ''"Even if I change, it feels like dying. Everything I am dies. Some new man goes sauntering away...and I'm dead."'' ([[DW]]: ''[[The Waters of Mars]]'', ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'')


===Control over regeneration===
===Control over regeneration===
Generally, regeneration was initiated when a Time Lord was too badly injured to survive. However in some cases [[Time Lord]]s were known to exercise control over the process. [[Romana]] appeared to regenerate on a whim, ([[DW]]: ''[[Destiny of the Daleks]]'') while [[Azmael]] initiated a thirteenth regeneration in order to end his life ([[DW]]: ''[[The Twin Dilemma]]'').
Generally, regeneration was initiated when a Time Lord was too badly injured to survive. However in some cases [[Time Lord]]s were known to exercise control over the process. [[Romana]] appeared to regenerate on a whim, ([[DW]]: ''[[Destiny of the Daleks]]'') while [[Azmael]] initiated a thirteenth regeneration in order to end his life ([[DW]]: ''[[The Twin Dilemma]]'').


The degree of control that Time Lords had over their end appearance is unclear. [[Yana|The Master]] was able to make his next regeneration as young as the [[Tenth Doctor]] appeared at the time, though since most regenerations led to younger bodies this may have been a coincidence. ([[DW]]: ''[[Utopia (TV story)|Utopia]]'') [[Romana]] seemed adept enough at the process to custom design her new appearances, trying several bodies before finally deciding on a copy of [[Astra of Atrios|Princess Astra]]. The Doctor criticised Romana for taking on the form of another person, suggesting such things were not unheard of. ([[DW]]: ''[[Destiny of the Daleks]]'') In contrast to [[Romana]], [[the Doctor]] did not appear to have much control over his post regeneration appearance; after his fourth regeneration he commented "that's the problem with regeneration, you never quite know what you're going to get" ([[DW]]: ''[[Castrovalva (TV story)|Castrovalva]]''), and would restate this immediately prior to his ninth regeneration ([[DW]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]'')  
The degree of control that Time Lords had over their end appearance was unclear. [[Yana|The Master]] was able to make his next regeneration as young as the [[Tenth Doctor]] appeared at the time, though since most regenerations led to younger bodies this may have been a coincidence. ([[DW]]: ''[[Utopia (TV story)|Utopia]]'') [[Romana]] seemed adept enough at the process to custom design her new appearances, trying several bodies before finally deciding on a copy of [[Astra of Atrios|Princess Astra]]. The Doctor criticised Romana for taking on the form of another person, suggesting such things were not unheard of. ([[DW]]: ''[[Destiny of the Daleks]]'') In contrast to [[Romana]], [[the Doctor]] did not appear to have much control over his post regeneration appearance; after his fourth regeneration he commented "that's the problem with regeneration, you never quite know what you're going to get" ([[DW]]: ''[[Castrovalva (TV story)|Castrovalva]]''), and would restate this immediately prior to his ninth regeneration ([[DW]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]'')  
''However as the Doctor's regenerations have thus far either been forced on him or been triggered when an incarnation has been mortally wounded, it may be that the appearance of the next incarnation can be controlled if the regeneration is voluntarily triggered (as was Romana's).''
:''However as the Doctor's regenerations have thus far either been forced on him or been triggered when an incarnation has been mortally wounded, it may be that the appearance of the next incarnation can be controlled if the regeneration is voluntarily triggered (as was Romana's).''
 
[[file:Eleventh doctor expels regeneration energy.jpg|thumb|250px|The Doctor expels regeneration energy from his mouth after a relatively successful regeneration. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour]]'')]]


While skilled Time Lords could choose their new form with a voluntarily induced regeneration, the process had the potential to go horribly wrong and leave the Time Lord in a severely misshappen body. The problem was then often exacerbated by the Time Lord trying to solve the problem by immediately starting another regeneration instead of obtaining medical assistance, which only amplified the defects in the regeneration. The end result of several too close regenerations, whether self-initiated or not, was inevitably a mutated monstrosity that could only be put out of its misery by complete disintegration. ([[DWN]]: ''[[The Twin Dilemma (novelisation)|The Twin Dilemma]]'')
While skilled Time Lords could choose their new form with a voluntarily induced regeneration, the process had the potential to go horribly wrong and leave the Time Lord in a severely misshappen body. The problem was then often exacerbated by the Time Lord trying to solve the problem by immediately starting another regeneration instead of obtaining medical assistance, which only amplified the defects in the regeneration. The end result of several too close regenerations, whether self-initiated or not, was inevitably a mutated monstrosity that could only be put out of its misery by complete disintegration. ([[DWN]]: ''[[The Twin Dilemma (novelisation)|The Twin Dilemma]]'')
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The Time Lords were apparently capable of controlling the regeneration of individual Time Lords, either forcing a regeneration, influencing the new appearance ([[DW]]: ''[[The War Games]]'') or removing later regenerations ([[DW]]: ''[[The Ultimate Foe]]'').
The Time Lords were apparently capable of controlling the regeneration of individual Time Lords, either forcing a regeneration, influencing the new appearance ([[DW]]: ''[[The War Games]]'') or removing later regenerations ([[DW]]: ''[[The Ultimate Foe]]'').


With some difficulty, Time Lords could resist regeneration, thereby effectively committing suicide. ([[DWN]]: ''[[The Power of the Daleks (novelisation)|The Power of the Daleks]]'') [[The Master (Harold Saxon)|The Master]] did so after being shot, ostensibly to avoid becoming the [[Tenth Doctor]]'s eternal prisoner. ([[DW]]: ''[[Last of the Time Lords]]'') Later events showed, however, that he had a complex plan already in motion to provide for the ''resurrection'' of that incarnation, rather than using up a regeneration. ([[DW]]: ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'') Similarly, the [[Fifth Doctor]] once threatened [[System]] with resisting regeneration in order to stop the device from learning the biological details of the act. ([[BFA]]: ''[[The Gathering]]'') This was not always an option, however, as the Doctor noted fearfully that while his companion could die only once, he might have to repeatedly regenerate and live out all of his life times when the TARDIS stalled in the middle of space. ([[DW]]: ''[[Vengeance on Varos]]'')
With some difficulty, Time Lords could resist regeneration, thereby effectively committing suicide. ([[DWN]]: ''[[The Power of the Daleks (novelisation)|The Power of the Daleks]]'') [[The Master (Harold Saxon)|The Master]] did so after being shot, ostensibly to avoid becoming the [[Tenth Doctor]]'s eternal prisoner. ([[DW]]: ''[[Last of the Time Lords]]'') Similarly, the [[Fifth Doctor]] once threatened [[System]] with resisting regeneration in order to stop the device from learning the biological details of the act. ([[BFA]]: ''[[The Gathering]]'') This was not always an option, however, as the Doctor noted fearfully that while his companion could die only once, he might have to repeatedly regenerate and live out all of his life times when the TARDIS stalled in the middle of space. ([[DW]]: ''[[Vengeance on Varos]]'') At the very least, the [[Tenth Doctor]] was able to resist the regenerative process long enough to revisit each of his former companions (both those of his own incarnation and his past selves as well). ([[DW]]: ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'', [[SJA]]: ''[[The Death of Doctor]]'')
 
The [[Tenth Doctor]] appeared to resist the regenerative process long enough to revisit each of his former companions (both those of his own incarnation and his past selves as well). This resistance to the process may have resulted in the particularly destructive nature of his regeneration, which partially destroyed the TARDIS control room.
 
Time Lords seemingly developed a means for artificial life forms to undergo regeneration as well; the robot dog [[K9 Mark I]] was fitted with a [[Regeneration unit]] which allowed him to upgrade to a [[K9 Mark 2|significantly more advanced model]] following his self-destruction. ([[K9TV]]: ''[[Regeneration (TV story)|Regeneration]]'')
 
''It is possible that the [[Korven]] and not the Time Lords created the regeneration unit due to K9's affiliation with them. ([[K9TV]]: [[Hound of the Korven]])''


===Difficult or unusual regenerations===
===Difficult or unusual regenerations===
====Regenerative difficulty====
====Regenerative difficulty====
[[file:Eleventh doctor expels regeneration energy.jpg|thumb|250px|The Doctor expels regeneration energy from his mouth after a relatively successful regeneration. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour]]'')]]
While most regenerations seemed to cause moments of mental instability (with some degree of temporary amnesia often noted), some offered particularly profound instances of physical peril. The [[Fifth Doctor]] feared that his fourth regeneration "was failing" when he found himself reverting to previous personas, and could only be righted with the use of the [[Zero Room]] of the TARDIS. ([[DW]]: ''[[Castrovalva (TV story)|Castrovalva]]'') Later, the [[Eighth Doctor]] claimed that anesthesia had "nearly destroyed the regenerative process" during his seventh regeneration, as a possible explanation for the particularly severe amnesia he suffered afterwards. ([[DW]]: ''[[Doctor Who (1996)|Doctor Who]]'') Still later, one of the [[Tenth Doctor]]'s hearts stopped beating for a prolonged period of time, and he began to exhale regenerative energy when his ninth regeneration went "a bit wrong", after which he slipped into a coma-like state for most of a day. ([[DW]]: ''[[Children in Need Special]]'', ''[[The Christmas Invasion]]'')
While most regenerations seemed to cause moments of mental instability (with some degree of temporary amnesia often noted), some offered particularly profound instances of physical peril. The [[Fifth Doctor]] feared that his fourth regeneration "was failing" when he found himself reverting to previous personas, and could only be righted with the use of the [[Zero Room]] of the TARDIS. ([[DW]]: ''[[Castrovalva (TV story)|Castrovalva]]'') Later, the [[Eighth Doctor]] claimed that anesthesia had "nearly destroyed the regenerative process" during his seventh regeneration, as a possible explanation for the particularly severe amnesia he suffered afterwards. ([[DW]]: ''[[Doctor Who (1996)|Doctor Who]]'') Still later, one of the [[Tenth Doctor]]'s hearts stopped beating for a prolonged period of time, and he began to exhale regenerative energy when his ninth regeneration went "a bit wrong", after which he slipped into a coma-like state for most of a day. ([[DW]]: ''[[Children in Need Special]]'', ''[[The Christmas Invasion]]'')
For other species, a [[metamorphic symbiosis regenerator]] was said to be able to provide help when regenerations failed. ([[DW]]: ''[[Mawdryn Undead]]'')


====Meta-crisis====
====Meta-crisis====
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====Cross-species transformations====
====Cross-species transformations====
Though they did not undergo normal regenerations, as noted elsewhere, [[Mawdryn]] underwent many mutations of physical form. ([[DW]]: ''[[Mawdryn Undead]]'') [[I.M. Foreman]], a [[Gallifreyan]] (but not a Time Lord), absorbed the [[DNA]] around him and underwent indescribable changes as a result of mutations, transcending sex, species and even physical existence itself. ([[EDA]]: ''[[Interference - Book One]]'', ''[[Interference - Book Two]]'') [[Romana]], prior to her regeneration into her [[Romana I|second incarnation]], appeared to have taken on a [[near-human]] blue-skinned form. ([[DW]]: ''[[Destiny of the Daleks]]'')
[[I.M. Foreman]], a [[Gallifreyan]] (but not a Time Lord), absorbed the [[DNA]] around him and underwent indescribable changes as a result of mutations, transcending sex, species and even physical existence itself. ([[EDA]]: ''[[Interference - Book One]]'', ''[[Interference - Book Two]]'') [[Romana]], prior to her regeneration into her [[Romana I|second incarnation]], appeared to have taken on a [[near-human]] blue-skinned form. ([[DW]]: ''[[Destiny of the Daleks]]'')


:''One account states that the TARDIS itself, rather than Romana, adopted this shape.'' ([[ST]]: ''[[The Lying Old Witch in the Wardrobe]]'')
:''One account states that the TARDIS itself, rather than Romana, adopted this shape.'' ([[ST]]: ''[[The Lying Old Witch in the Wardrobe]]'')
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After being shot by the [[War Lord]]s, [[the War Chief]] was barely able to survive. While being taken back to the War Lords' [[planet]], his body attempted to regenerate. Due to the massive injuries and the lack of medical care, this regeneration aborted, which meant he had two conjoined individual bodies, poorly fused together. ([[NA]]: ''[[Timewyrm: Exodus]]'')
After being shot by the [[War Lord]]s, [[the War Chief]] was barely able to survive. While being taken back to the War Lords' [[planet]], his body attempted to regenerate. Due to the massive injuries and the lack of medical care, this regeneration aborted, which meant he had two conjoined individual bodies, poorly fused together. ([[NA]]: ''[[Timewyrm: Exodus]]'')


Many times after a regeneration occured, a Time Lord might feel pain. This could be due to either the regeneration process being incomplete or failing. The Fourth Doctor didn't feel any pain at all, noting that he had had no trouble with his regeneration. ([[DW]]: ''[[Robot (TV story)|Robot]]'') Sometimes after a regeneration Time Lords suffered amnesia, and were known to attack people, as when the Sixth Doctor attacked Peri Brown after regeneration. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Twin Dilemma]]'')
===Attitude toward regeneration===
As noted above, regeneration was not guaranteed, as the Doctor on numerous occasions believed he was in danger of actually dying. Even with regeneration a possibility, the Doctor came to consider such a change as being nonetheless a "death". In recollecting the events surrounding [[the Master]]'s attempt at stealing the [[Eye of Harmony]], the [[Eighth Doctor]] referred to his incarnations as "lives". ([[DW]]: ''[[Doctor Who (1996)|Doctor Who: The Movie]]'') Time Lords such as the [[War Chief]] were unconcerned about wasting regenerations, while others such as the Doctor warned not to waste them. ([[MA]]: ''[[Invasion of the Cat-People]]'') [[Iris Wildthyme]] once confided in [[Samantha Jones]], saying that regeneration was treated on Gallifrey the same way [[sex]] was on [[Earth]]. ([[EDA]]: ''[[The Scarlet Empress]]'')


===Scientific explanation===
The Doctor's opinions towards regeneration seemed to change in his later regenerations, considering it more like true death. In his [[Ninth Doctor|ninth incarnation]], the Doctor bade farewell to his companion, ("I'm not gonna see you again. Not like this.") even though he was not actually dying. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]'') The Doctor's [[Tenth Doctor|tenth incarnation]] was concerned about a prediction made regarding his own impending regeneration, saying ''"Even if I change, it feels like dying. Everything I am dies. Some new man goes sauntering away...and I'm dead."'' ([[DW]]: ''[[The Waters of Mars]]'', ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'')
The exact mechanism that made regeneration possible has not been stated. Varying explanations may or may not be compatible with each other.
 
*One explanation was that [[Cardinal]] [[Rassilon]] had been investigating a method of regenerating decaying and diseased tissue via a series of permanently carried, self-replicating, biogenic molecules. The cells of a [[Gallifreyan]] body could be repaired, restored and re-organised. This would result in a wholly new physical form. The brain cells would similarly be rearranged, though to a lesser degree, thus ensuring the new incarnation would replicate the memories and personality of the former incarnation. Rassilon intended for this mechanism only to be used upon the [[Time Lord|Gallifreyan elite]]. He also inputted a parameter of 12 regenerative cycles to avoid decaying biogenic molecules. ([[BFA]]: ''[[Zagreus (audio story)|Zagreus]]'')


*Another theory attributes regeneration to a "nanomolecular [[virus]]" that rebuilds the body much like the "self-replicating biogenic molecules". ([[REF]]: ''[[The Gallifrey Chronicles (illustrated guide)|The Gallifrey Chronicles]]'')
==Regeneration in other species==
On several occasions, individuals of other species (or even artificial life) were capable of regeneration. In most cases, this ability was copied from the Time Lords.


*A third theory is that [[Time Lord]]s had triple-helix DNA: the third strand was added by [[Rassilon]] to make regeneration possible. ([[MA]]: ''[[The Crystal Bucephalus]]'')
*The crew of the [[Minyan]]s' ship, the ''[[P7E]]'', were capable of regenerating themselves indefinitely, likely as a result of the interference by the Time Lords in their early history. Over time, they wearied of life. ([[DW]]: ''[[Underworld]]'')  
 
*[[Mawdryn]] and his followers, who had stolen the Time Lords' regeneration technology, also had an apparently limitless number of incarnations, though they had no control over when it would happen and what form, often grotesque, they would change into. Consequently, they also longed for death, making their mutations a kind of de facto punishment by the Time Lords for stealing their technology. ([[DW]]: ''[[Mawdryn Undead]]'')
*One partial explanation of the process links it to the release of massive amounts of a hormone known as [[lindos]] at moments of extreme trauma, with the hormone triggering the regeneration itself. Recently-regenerated Time Lords could be identified by the raised levels of lindos in their system. ([[DWN]]: ''[[The Twin Dilemma (novelisation)|The Twin Dilemma]]'', [[BFA]]: ''[[Unregenerate!]]'')
*[[Chris Cwej]] was regenerated by force to survive [[radiation]] poisoning. ([[BNA]]: ''[[Tears of the Oracle]]'')
*At one point it was stated that Time Lords had "packets" of regeneration energy within their bodies, one for each life. These packets could be physically removed from a Time Lord's body, essentially robbing them of their regenerations. ([[DW]]: ''[[Mawdryn Undead]]'')
*[[K9 Mark I]] regenerated by use of a [[Regeneration unit]] after self-destructing to defeat a group of [[Jixen]] Warriors. ([[K9TV]]: ''[[Regeneration (TV story)|Regeneration]]'') He later regenerated again after exhausting power core to defeat the [[Trojan]]. ([[K9TV]]: ''[[The Eclipse of the Korven]]'')


==Specific regenerations==
==Specific regenerations==
===Time Lords===
===[[The Doctor]]===
====[[The Doctor]]====
*'''[[First Doctor|First]] to [[Second Doctor|second incarnation]]:''' Grew increasingly ill as [[Mondas]] drained his energy as well as [[Earth]]'s ([[DW]]: ''[[The Tenth Planet]]'')
*'''[[First Doctor|First]] to [[Second Doctor|second incarnation]]:''' Grew increasingly ill as [[Mondas]] drained his energy as well as [[Earth]]'s ([[DW]]: ''[[The Tenth Planet]]'')
*'''Second to [[Third Doctor|third incarnation]]:''' Enforced upon him by the Time Lords as a punishment ([[DW]]: ''[[The War Games]]'')
*'''Second to [[Third Doctor|third incarnation]]:''' Enforced upon him by the Time Lords as a punishment ([[DW]]: ''[[The War Games]]'')
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*'''During eleventh incarnation:''' The Doctor was shot by the astronaut. He began to regenerate but a further shot killed him with the process incomplete. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Impossible Astronaut]]'')
*'''During eleventh incarnation:''' The Doctor was shot by the astronaut. He began to regenerate but a further shot killed him with the process incomplete. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Impossible Astronaut]]'')


On most of the above occasions, the Doctor regenerated in the presence of other individuals (usually companions). Known exceptions include his seventh and tenth regenerations which occurred when the Doctor was alone; it is not known for certain whether his second or eighth regenerations occurred in the presence of others.
====Alternate Doctors====
 
Of the Doctor's recorded regenerations to date, six occurred with the Doctor lying in a prone position, while two (as well as the partial regeneration) occurred with him standing upright. At least four of the regenerations (first, third, sixth and seventh) occurred with the Doctor apparently unconscious (or, in one instance, already "dead"), while he appeared to remain conscious during his fourth, fifth, ninth and tenth regenerations. His first, fifth, sixth, ninth and tenth regenerations (plus the partial) occurred within the TARDIS; his third, fourth, and seventh occurred outside the ship, with his seventh regeneration the only occasion where he regenerated completely on his own without any assistance from the TARDIS or other Time Lords (The exact nature of his second and eighth regenerations remains unknown).
 
Exact dates are known for two of the Doctor's transformations: Seventh to Eighth (31 December 1999) and Tenth to Eleventh (1 January 2005), although in the latter case the regeneration occurs after the Doctor dematerializes the TARDIS, leaving it uncertain whether the TARDIS was still present on that date when the change occurred, especially as it proceeded to crash land near Gloucester, England in 1996 ([[DW]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour]]'') and the incident that killed him was December 26th 2009 ([[DW]]: ''[[The End of Time (TV story)]]'').
 
=====Alternate Doctors=====
*'''[[Ninth Doctor (The Curse of Fatal Death)|Ninth]] to [[Tenth Doctor (The Curse of Fatal Death)|tenth incarnation]]:''' Hit by Dalek fire when they tried to exterminate [[The 17th Master|The Master]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Curse of Fatal Death]]'')
*'''[[Ninth Doctor (The Curse of Fatal Death)|Ninth]] to [[Tenth Doctor (The Curse of Fatal Death)|tenth incarnation]]:''' Hit by Dalek fire when they tried to exterminate [[The 17th Master|The Master]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Curse of Fatal Death]]'')


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*'''The Doctor (Unbound 3):''' Shot by Ruth after she learned the truth about his role in her father's death; she shot him again when he regenerated and so on. ([[BFA]]: ''[[Full Fathom Five]]'')
*'''The Doctor (Unbound 3):''' Shot by Ruth after she learned the truth about his role in her father's death; she shot him again when he regenerated and so on. ([[BFA]]: ''[[Full Fathom Five]]'')


====[[Romana]]====
===[[Romana]]===
*'''[[Romana I|First]] to [[Romana II|Second incarnation]]:''' Decided it was time for a change, regenerating into several different forms before settling on the features of [[Astra of Atrios|Princess Astra]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[Destiny of the Daleks]]'')
*'''[[Romana I|First]] to [[Romana II|Second incarnation]]:''' Decided it was time for a change, regenerating into several different forms before settling on the features of [[Astra of Atrios|Princess Astra]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[Destiny of the Daleks]]'')
*'''Second to [[Romana III|Third incarnation]]:''' Regenerated in preparation for [[Second War in Heaven|The Second War in Heaven]], developing a body more suited for combat. ([[EDA]]: ''[[The Shadows of Avalon]]'')
*'''Second to [[Romana III|Third incarnation]]:''' Regenerated in preparation for [[Second War in Heaven|the Second War in Heaven]], developing a body more suited for combat. ([[EDA]]: ''[[The Shadows of Avalon]]'')
*'''Third to [[Romana IV|Fourth incarnation]]:''' Managed to survive The Second War in Heaven although this may have entailed a regeneration ([[PDA]]: ''[[Tomb of Valdemar]]'')
*'''Third to [[Romana IV|Fourth incarnation]]:''' Managed to survive the Second War in Heaven, although this may have entailed a regeneration ([[PDA]]: ''[[Tomb of Valdemar]]'')
*'''Fourth to [[Romana V|Fifth incarnation]]:''' Implied to have regenerated as a result of her involvement in [[Last Great Time War|The Final War in Heaven]].
*'''Fourth to [[Romana V|Fifth incarnation]]:''' Implied to have regenerated as a result of her involvement in [[Last Great Time War|The Final War in Heaven]]. {{source}}
*'''Fifth to [[Romana VI|Sixth incarnation]]:''' Regenerated a final time as she fled from Gallifrey's final destruction (possibly with [[K9 Mark II|K-9 Mark II]] in tow). Although she did manage to escape the destruction, her whereabouts are an ongoing mystery.
*'''Fifth to [[Romana VI|Sixth incarnation]]:''' Regenerated a final time as she fled from Gallifrey's final destruction (possibly with [[K9 Mark II|K-9 Mark II]] in tow). {{source}}
====[[The Master]]====
 
===[[The Master]]===
''to be added''
''to be added''


====[[Rassilon]]====
===[[Rassilon]]===
[[Rassilon]] was said to have achieved a cycle of perpetual regeneration, becoming immortal. It was for this secret that Lord President [[Borusa]] sent four of the Doctor's incarnations and their companions into the [[Death Zone]], where Rassilon lay in eternal sleep in the [[Tomb of Rassilon|Dark Tower]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Five Doctors]]'')
[[Rassilon]] was said to have achieved a cycle of perpetual regeneration, becoming immortal. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Five Doctors]]'')


Rassilon again became president in the [[Last Great Time War]]; it would seem that he was awakened from his eternal sleep and regenerated to renew himself for the war. ([[DW]]: ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'')
===[[K'anpo Rimpoche]]===
 
====[[K'anpo Rimpoche]]====
Attacked by [[Eight Legs]] and regenerated by merging with his assistant [[Cho Je]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[Planet of the Spiders]]'')
Attacked by [[Eight Legs]] and regenerated by merging with his assistant [[Cho Je]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[Planet of the Spiders]]'')


====[[Borusa]]====
===[[Borusa]]===
Borusa regenerated at least 3 times, having at least 4 lives. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Deadly Assassin]]'', [[DW]]: ''[[The Invasion of Time]]'', [[DW]]: ''[[Arc of Infinity (TV story)|Arc of Infinity]]'', [[DW]]: ''[[The Five Doctors]]'')
Borusa regenerated at least 3 times, having at least 4 lives. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Deadly Assassin]]'', [[DW]]: ''[[The Invasion of Time]]'', [[DW]]: ''[[Arc of Infinity (TV story)|Arc of Infinity]]'', [[DW]]: ''[[The Five Doctors]]'')


====[[Rallon]]====
===[[Rallon]]===
Initiated all twelve of his regenerations to stop the [[Celestial Toymaker]]. ([[PDA]]: ''[[Divided Loyalties]]'')
Initiated all twelve of his regenerations to stop the [[Celestial Toymaker]]. ([[PDA]]: ''[[Divided Loyalties]]'')


====[[Azmael]]====
===[[Azmael]]===
*Azmael used all his 12 regenerations.([[DW]]: ''[[The Twin Dilemma]]'')
Azmael used all his 12 regenerations in unknown circumstances. In his Thirteenth and final body he regenerated past his limit, killing him and [[Mestor]] who possessed Azmael's body after his own was destroyed. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Twin Dilemma]]'')
 
*In his Thirteenth and Final body he regenerated past his limit, killing him and [[Mestor]] who possessed Azmael's body after his own was destroyed. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Twin Dilemma]]'')


====[[Iris Wildthyme]]====
===[[Iris Wildthyme]]===
Regenerated following a lengthy period of illness following the consumption of a live [[Kaled mutant]]. ([[EDA]]: ''[[The Scarlet Empress]]'')
Regenerated following a lengthy period of illness following the consumption of a live [[Kaled mutant]]. ([[EDA]]: ''[[The Scarlet Empress]]'')


====[[Jenny]]====
===[[The War Chief]]===
May have regenerated several hours after being shot by [[Cobb]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Doctor's Daughter]]'')
 
:''However it is possible that she entered a healing coma, was restored by residual energy from [[The Source (terraforming device)|The Source]], or was healed by her body's residual cellular energy due to her being within 15 hours (although this is reliant on her 'birth' somehow generating extra cellular energy as a regeneration would).''
 
====[[The War Chief]]====
Underwent a faulty regeneration after being shot by [[War Lord]]s. This resulted in his new form appearing like two bodies fused together. ([[NA]]: ''[[Timewyrm: Exodus]]'')
Underwent a faulty regeneration after being shot by [[War Lord]]s. This resulted in his new form appearing like two bodies fused together. ([[NA]]: ''[[Timewyrm: Exodus]]'')


====[[Mortimus]]====
===[[Mortimus]]===
Mortimus regenerated at least once. ([[NA]]: ''[[No Future]]'', [[BFA]]: ''[[The Book of Kells]]'')
Mortimus regenerated at least once. ([[NA]]: ''[[No Future]]'', [[BFA]]: ''[[The Book of Kells]]'')


===[[Human]]s===
===[[I.M. Foreman]]===
====[[The Brigadier]]====
Regenerated in [[2010]], which renewed his youth. ([[NA]]: ''[[Happy Endings]]'')
 
====[[Chris Cwej]]====
Regenerated by force to survive [[radiation]] poisoning ([[BNA]]: ''[[Tears of the Oracle]]'')
 
===[[Gallifreyan]]s===
====[[I.M. Foreman]]====
As a priest, he had been given the gift of regenerations. This made 12 different individuals, who were created from absorbing the [[DNA]] around him. ([[EDA]]: ''[[Interference - Book One]]'', ''[[Interference - Book Two]]'')
As a priest, he had been given the gift of regenerations. This made 12 different individuals, who were created from absorbing the [[DNA]] around him. ([[EDA]]: ''[[Interference - Book One]]'', ''[[Interference - Book Two]]'')
===[[Robot]]s===
====[[K9 Mark I]]====
Regenerated by use of a [[Regeneration unit]] after self-destructing to defeat a group of [[Jixen]] Warriors. ([[K9TV]]: ''[[Regeneration (TV story)|Regeneration]]'')
====[[K9 Mark 2]]====
Regenerated using the Regeneration unit after exhausting power core to defeat the [[Trojan]]. ([[K9TV]]: ''[[The Eclipse of the Korven]]'')


==Behind the scenes==
==Behind the scenes==
===History===
===History===
*Regeneration was first introduced when the [[First Doctor]] ([[William Hartnell]]) changed into the [[Second Doctor]] ([[Patrick Troughton]]) in the closing moments of ''[[The Tenth Planet]]''. Tradition has it that Hartnell himself thought up the idea of the Doctor being able to change into a new body as a means of keeping the series going after his departure.
*Regeneration was first introduced when the [[First Doctor]] ([[William Hartnell]]) changed into the [[Second Doctor]] ([[Patrick Troughton]]) in the closing moments of ''[[The Tenth Planet]]''. Tradition has it that Hartnell himself thought up the idea of the Doctor being able to change into a new body as a means of keeping the series going after his departure. In ''[[The Power of the Daleks]]'', the next story, the Doctor said that he had been "renewed", and also said that the change was partly due to the TARDIS, partly to himself, without elaborating. Originally, the [[Production team]] meant for the Doctor to have used the TARDIS to reverse time and "rejuvenate" himself, though they may have abandoned this explanation by the time Patrick Troughton took over the role.
:In ''[[The Power of the Daleks]]'', the next story, the Doctor said that he had been "renewed", and also said that the change was partly due to the TARDIS, partly to himself, without elaborating. Originally, the [[Production team]] meant for the Doctor to have used the TARDIS to reverse time and "rejuvenate" himself, though they may have abandoned this explanation by the time Patrick Troughton took over the role.
*The change in the Doctor's appearance was meant to occur several stories earlier, during ''[[The Celestial Toymaker]]'', with [[Celestial Toymaker|the Toymaker]] capriciously having changed the Doctor's appearance out of spite. (The Doctor is invisible and unable to speak for most of the story anyway.) The reason for the change of plan is unknown. Either it was decided to retain Hartnell in the role for a few more stories, or the actor was accidentally issued with a new contract by mistake, making it impossible to recast the Doctor at that moment in time. (A plot device similar to this would occur in ''[[The Mind Robber]]'' to cover [[Frazer Hines]]' temporary replacement by his cousin, [[Hamish Wilson]], after Hines contracted an illness.)
:The change in the Doctor's appearance was meant to occur several stories earlier, during ''[[The Celestial Toymaker]]'', with [[Celestial Toymaker|the Toymaker]] capriciously having changed the Doctor's appearance out of spite. (The Doctor is invisible and unable to speak for most of the story anyway.) The reason for the change of plan is unknown. Either it was decided to retain Hartnell in the role for a few more stories, or the actor was accidentally issued with a new contract by mistake, making it impossible to recast the Doctor at that moment in time. (A plot device similar to this would occur in ''[[The Mind Robber]]'' to cover [[Frazer Hines]]' temporary replacement by his cousin, [[Hamish Wilson]], after Hines contracted an illness.)
*The changeover was not actually referred to as "regeneration" until the end of ''[[Planet of the Spiders]]'', when the [[Third Doctor]] ([[Jon Pertwee]]) changed into the [[Fourth Doctor|Fourth]] ([[Tom Baker]]). Prior to this, the Doctor was simply described as having "changed his appearance."
*The changeover was not actually referred to as "regeneration" until the end of ''[[Planet of the Spiders]]'', when the [[Third Doctor]] ([[Jon Pertwee]]) changed into the [[Fourth Doctor|Fourth]] ([[Tom Baker]]). Prior to this, the Doctor was simply described as having "changed his appearance."
* It is interesting to note that, despite being the Doctor's "greatest enemy", the Daleks have directly or indirectly caused less of the the Doctor's regenerations than his own race (the Time Lords). This is because the Daleks have only been in two adventures that forced the Doctor to regenerate (the Eighth to Ninth Doctor regeneration's circumstances is unknown), whereas a Time Lord has had a hand in three of his regenerations.
* It is interesting to note that, despite being the Doctor's "greatest enemy", the Daleks have directly or indirectly caused less of the the Doctor's regenerations than his own race (the Time Lords). This is because the Daleks have only been in two adventures that forced the Doctor to regenerate (the Eighth to Ninth Doctor regeneration's circumstances is unknown), whereas a Time Lord has had a hand in three of his regenerations.

Revision as of 04:14, 24 April 2011

The Fifth Doctor regenerates into the Sixth. (DW: The Caves of Androzani)
This article is about the Time Lord physiological process. For other uses of Regeneration, see Regeneration (disambiguation)

Regeneration was the process by which Time Lords could renew themselves, causing a complete physical change. It was either at will or because of severe illness or injury.

Background

Scientific explanation

Different explanations were given for the process behind regeneration.

  • One explanation was that Cardinal Rassilon had been investigating a method of regenerating decaying and diseased tissue via a series of permanently carried, self-replicating, biogenic molecules. The cells of a Gallifreyan body could be repaired, restored and re-organised. This would result in a wholly new physical form. The brain cells would similarly be rearranged, though to a lesser degree, thus ensuring the new incarnation would replicate the memories and personality of the former incarnation. Rassilon intended for this mechanism only to be used upon the Gallifreyan elite. He also inputted a parameter of 12 regenerative cycles to avoid decaying biogenic molecules. (BFA: Zagreus)
  • Another theory attributed regeneration to a "nanomolecular virus" that rebuilt the body much like the "self-replicating biogenic molecules". (REF: The Gallifrey Chronicles)
  • A third theory was that Time Lords had triple-helix DNA: the third strand was added by Rassilon to make regeneration possible. (MA: The Crystal Bucephalus)
  • One partial explanation of the process linked it to the release of massive amounts of a hormone known as lindos at moments of extreme trauma, with the hormone triggering the regeneration itself. Recently-regenerated Time Lords could be identified by the raised levels of lindos in their system. (DWN: The Twin Dilemma, BFA: Unregenerate!)
  • At one point it was stated that Time Lords had "packets" of regeneration energy within their bodies, one for each life. These packets could be physically removed from a Time Lord's body, essentially robbing them of their regenerations. (DW: Mawdryn Undead)

Process

The Doctor regenerates into his tenth incarnation. (DW: The Parting of the Ways)

Physical and mental change

During the process of regeneration, there were the genetic equivalent of 'bit errors' in the DNA of the regenerated cells. This caused the appearance of the Time Lord to change, causing changes in appearance, height, mass or apparent age. The personality would also change, because even the cells and chemistry of the brain regenerated as well. Although the aspects of their personality caused by "nurture" would not change, the "nature" contribution to their personality would change. (BFA: The Sirens of Time) Time Lords of the Oldblood Houses, born with just one heart, grew a second heart upon regeneration. This included the Doctor, who in his first incarnation had only one heart. (MA: The Man in the Velvet Mask) According to the Doctor, every regeneration was painful. (SJA: Death of the Doctor)

When one of the Doctor's hearts stopped he wondered aloud how humans could cope with just one, suggesting he had never experienced a single heartbeat. (DW: The Shakespeare Code) However as he was in his tenth incarnation at the time, it may have been so long since he last had the experience he may have forgotten what it was like.

More extreme changes were possible. One Time Lord was able to regenerate a complete body after being decapitated, but the process was cut short when stabbed through both [heart]]s. (EDA: The Shadows of Avalon) The Eleventh Doctor feared that he had become a woman, (DW: The End of Time) while the Ninth Doctor suggested two heads or no head were possible (DW: The Parting of the Ways). Later comments by his eleventh incarnation stated clearly that he could become "anything". (SJA: Death of the Doctor) All known naturally occurring Time Lord regenerations remained humanoid, with all vital limbs and organs in place. Nonetheless, the Doctor's eleventh incarnation made it a priority - even amidst serious damage to his TARDIS - to immediately conduct a physical inventory to make sure he still had two legs and sufficient fingers, eyes, ears, a nose, chin and hair. (DW: The End of Time)

The Doctor's ability to regrow a severed limb soon after regeneration (DW: The Christmas Invasion) suggests the possibility that had the eleventh incarnation, for example, discovered a deficiency - a missing leg, for example - he might have been able to rectify the situation.

Appearance

During the Master's regeneration, the Time Lord seemed to shed excess energy from his wrists. The energy appeared to fall to the floor of the TARDIS. (DW: Utopia)

During a regeneration, the Time Lord's body shone with milky white light (DW: Logopolis, Time and the Rani, Doctor Who) or with a violent-seeming discharge of bio-energy. (DW: The Parting of the Ways, Utopia, The Stolen Earth, The End of Time, The Impossible Astronaut) In other cases, there was no visible energy discharge. (DW: Planet of the Spiders, Destiny of the Daleks)

The colour of bio-energy released during regeneration may be different between individual Time Lords, as the Doctor's have released golden-orange energy while the Master's released brilliant white energy.

Just prior to his ninth regeneration, the Doctor warned his companion to keep away from him. (DW: The Parting of the Ways, The Stolen Earth) The damage done to the TARDIS during the Tenth Doctor's regeneration into the Eleventh (enough to force a complete reconstruction) may have been an example of the potential dangers the regeneration energy could pose to those who stand too close. (DW: The End of Time) However, other regenerations occurred with other individuals seen in close proximity. (DW: The Tenth Planet, Planet of the Spiders, Logopolis, The Caves of Androzani, Time and the Rani)

After-effects

During the first few hours of the regeneration, the Time Lord would often suffer from confusion, erratic behaviour and memory loss. The Time Lord might have difficulty "steering" their new body, and might also suffer random spasms as the regeneration settled. (DW: The Eleventh Hour) The Doctor, in particular, though not so much other Time Lords, exhibited mood swings and confusion. It took some time for his newly-regenerated fifth incarnation to remember his own identity. (DW: Castrovalva) On one occasion, he attempted to strangle Peri to death before re-asserting control of himself (DW: The Twin Dilemma) and on another he almost crashed the TARDIS. (DW: Children in Need Special) Following his tenth regeneration, the Doctor experienced powerful, rapidly alternating food cravings, declaring a certain type of food his favourite one minute, and saying he hated it the next. (DW: The Eleventh Hour)

A Zero Room could help with the process, as it removed all outside distractions. (DW: Castrovalva) After his first regeneration, the Second Doctor implied that his TARDIS helped the process along. (DW: The Power of the Daleks) For other species, a metamorphic symbiosis regenerator was said to be able to provide help when regenerations failed, though whether this true for Time Lords is unknown. (DW: Mawdryn Undead)

Were a Time Lord knocked unconscious, the whole process might be started all over again (DWN: The Power of the Daleks), but this was not a certainty (DW: The Eleventh Hour). If the Time Lord was fatally injured a second time during the regeneration, they would die; the body died from the initial injury, but would be unable to complete the regeneration. (DW: The Impossible Astronaut)

After a while, the Time Lord's body would have settled down, though they could regrow limbs within the first 15 hours of the regeneration due to having enough residual energy. (DW: The Christmas Invasion) Even after the physical transformation, changes might occur. The Doctor appeared to be excessively tired after his third regeneration, deliberately falling asleep in many odd locations. (DW: Robot) The Fifth Doctor's hair went from longer to shorter to longer in the space of a few days. (MA: Cold Fusion) For a short time after regenerating, a Time Lord displayed greater strength than usual; The Doctor's fourth incarnation was able to karate-chop a brick in half while recovering from his regeneration (DW: Robot), and his eighth incarnation managed to break down a steel door bare-handed immediately following his. (DW: Doctor Who)

File:Doctorinpain.jpg
The Doctor going through post-regeneration trauma. (DW: The Christmas Invasion)

Some Time Lords, however, might regenerate with little or no overt complications, for example, Romana. (DW: Destiny of the Daleks)

Limitations

Though Time Lords could regenerate after severe injuries, regeneration did not seem to be guaranteed. Maxil implied that a fatal blast from a staser (an energy weapon used by the Chancellory Guard on Gallifrey) could prevent regeneration. (DW: Arc of Infinity) Stabbing or shooting a Time Lord through both hearts at the same time (EDA: The Shadows of Avalon, PDA: World Game), burning out both hearts (DW: Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead) or drowning, if it happened quickly enough (DW: Turn Left) could also end a Time Lord's life regardless of how many regenerations they had left. Acid could also destroy the ability to regenerate. (NSA: Night of the Humans) If the regeneration was interrupted with a fatal injury, the regeneration would fail. (DW: The Impossible Astronaut)

As well, the interference of some medications, such as anaesthesia, might disrupt or destroy the regenerative process. (DW: Doctor Who)

Regenerative cycle

The Time Lords had a limited regenerative cycle of twelve regenerations, consisting of thirteen incarnations, after which they had no more regenerations and would suffer permanent death. (DW: The Deadly Assassin, Doctor Who) Time Lords could will themselves to die by regenerating when they had no more regenerations left to use, as Azmael chose to do. (DW: The Twin Dilemma) Rassilon apparently had physical reasons to impose this restriction. (BFA: Zagreus)

As with most such "rules" there were occasionally exceptions to the twelve regeneration limit. The High Council, offered the Master a new regenerative cycle if he complied with rescuing the various incarnation of the Doctor from the Death Zone. (DW: The Five Doctors) Although he did not receive this award on that occasion, during the Last Great Time War the Master was given the ability to regenerate at least once more. (DW: Utopia)

In his Eleventh incarnation, the Doctor claimed he could regenerate 507 times, although the Doctor may have been trying to show off at the time. (SJA: Death of the Doctor)

Control over regeneration

Generally, regeneration was initiated when a Time Lord was too badly injured to survive. However in some cases Time Lords were known to exercise control over the process. Romana appeared to regenerate on a whim, (DW: Destiny of the Daleks) while Azmael initiated a thirteenth regeneration in order to end his life (DW: The Twin Dilemma).

The degree of control that Time Lords had over their end appearance was unclear. The Master was able to make his next regeneration as young as the Tenth Doctor appeared at the time, though since most regenerations led to younger bodies this may have been a coincidence. (DW: Utopia) Romana seemed adept enough at the process to custom design her new appearances, trying several bodies before finally deciding on a copy of Princess Astra. The Doctor criticised Romana for taking on the form of another person, suggesting such things were not unheard of. (DW: Destiny of the Daleks) In contrast to Romana, the Doctor did not appear to have much control over his post regeneration appearance; after his fourth regeneration he commented "that's the problem with regeneration, you never quite know what you're going to get" (DW: Castrovalva), and would restate this immediately prior to his ninth regeneration (DW: The Parting of the Ways)

However as the Doctor's regenerations have thus far either been forced on him or been triggered when an incarnation has been mortally wounded, it may be that the appearance of the next incarnation can be controlled if the regeneration is voluntarily triggered (as was Romana's).
The Doctor expels regeneration energy from his mouth after a relatively successful regeneration. (DW: The Eleventh Hour)

While skilled Time Lords could choose their new form with a voluntarily induced regeneration, the process had the potential to go horribly wrong and leave the Time Lord in a severely misshappen body. The problem was then often exacerbated by the Time Lord trying to solve the problem by immediately starting another regeneration instead of obtaining medical assistance, which only amplified the defects in the regeneration. The end result of several too close regenerations, whether self-initiated or not, was inevitably a mutated monstrosity that could only be put out of its misery by complete disintegration. (DWN: The Twin Dilemma)

Some Time Lords were capable of momentarily regenerating, or partially regenerating. Though this could use up a lot of regenerative energy, it could give the Time Lord a new set of genes, allowing them to fool genetic sensors. The Seventh Doctor used this method on the planet Purgatory in order to fool the genetic scanner used by the Landsknechte. (NA: Original Sin)

The Time Lords were apparently capable of controlling the regeneration of individual Time Lords, either forcing a regeneration, influencing the new appearance (DW: The War Games) or removing later regenerations (DW: The Ultimate Foe).

With some difficulty, Time Lords could resist regeneration, thereby effectively committing suicide. (DWN: The Power of the Daleks) The Master did so after being shot, ostensibly to avoid becoming the Tenth Doctor's eternal prisoner. (DW: Last of the Time Lords) Similarly, the Fifth Doctor once threatened System with resisting regeneration in order to stop the device from learning the biological details of the act. (BFA: The Gathering) This was not always an option, however, as the Doctor noted fearfully that while his companion could die only once, he might have to repeatedly regenerate and live out all of his life times when the TARDIS stalled in the middle of space. (DW: Vengeance on Varos) At the very least, the Tenth Doctor was able to resist the regenerative process long enough to revisit each of his former companions (both those of his own incarnation and his past selves as well). (DW: The End of Time, SJA: The Death of Doctor)

Difficult or unusual regenerations

Regenerative difficulty

While most regenerations seemed to cause moments of mental instability (with some degree of temporary amnesia often noted), some offered particularly profound instances of physical peril. The Fifth Doctor feared that his fourth regeneration "was failing" when he found himself reverting to previous personas, and could only be righted with the use of the Zero Room of the TARDIS. (DW: Castrovalva) Later, the Eighth Doctor claimed that anesthesia had "nearly destroyed the regenerative process" during his seventh regeneration, as a possible explanation for the particularly severe amnesia he suffered afterwards. (DW: Doctor Who) Still later, one of the Tenth Doctor's hearts stopped beating for a prolonged period of time, and he began to exhale regenerative energy when his ninth regeneration went "a bit wrong", after which he slipped into a coma-like state for most of a day. (DW: Children in Need Special, The Christmas Invasion)

Meta-crisis

The Doctor begins what would be a prevented regeneration. (DW: The Stolen Earth)

A Time Lord could prevent death and regeneration by focusing the regenerative energies into a severed appendage, like the Doctor's hand. His hand siphoned off the excess energy that would have changed his appearance while the Tenth Doctor used just enough to heal himself from the injury sustained by a Dalek Gunstick. This resulted in the appendage storing enough energy to actually grow a nearly identical Time Lord after it came in contact with Donna Noble. As a consequence, the Doctor appeared to regenerate and heal but did not change. (DW: Journey's End)

It is unknown if this used up one of the Doctor's regenerations.

Cross-species transformations

I.M. Foreman, a Gallifreyan (but not a Time Lord), absorbed the DNA around him and underwent indescribable changes as a result of mutations, transcending sex, species and even physical existence itself. (EDA: Interference - Book One, Interference - Book Two) Romana, prior to her regeneration into her second incarnation, appeared to have taken on a near-human blue-skinned form. (DW: Destiny of the Daleks)

One account states that the TARDIS itself, rather than Romana, adopted this shape. (ST: The Lying Old Witch in the Wardrobe)

Aborted regeneration

Occasionally, a regeneration would fail and the regeneration would abort. Though the Time Lord would have regenerated, they would be severely deformed. Though Time Lord technology could treat this, on some occasions the damage could be too severe to fix.

After being shot by the War Lords, the War Chief was barely able to survive. While being taken back to the War Lords' planet, his body attempted to regenerate. Due to the massive injuries and the lack of medical care, this regeneration aborted, which meant he had two conjoined individual bodies, poorly fused together. (NA: Timewyrm: Exodus)

Attitude toward regeneration

As noted above, regeneration was not guaranteed, as the Doctor on numerous occasions believed he was in danger of actually dying. Even with regeneration a possibility, the Doctor came to consider such a change as being nonetheless a "death". In recollecting the events surrounding the Master's attempt at stealing the Eye of Harmony, the Eighth Doctor referred to his incarnations as "lives". (DW: Doctor Who: The Movie) Time Lords such as the War Chief were unconcerned about wasting regenerations, while others such as the Doctor warned not to waste them. (MA: Invasion of the Cat-People) Iris Wildthyme once confided in Samantha Jones, saying that regeneration was treated on Gallifrey the same way sex was on Earth. (EDA: The Scarlet Empress)

The Doctor's opinions towards regeneration seemed to change in his later regenerations, considering it more like true death. In his ninth incarnation, the Doctor bade farewell to his companion, ("I'm not gonna see you again. Not like this.") even though he was not actually dying. (DW: The Parting of the Ways) The Doctor's tenth incarnation was concerned about a prediction made regarding his own impending regeneration, saying "Even if I change, it feels like dying. Everything I am dies. Some new man goes sauntering away...and I'm dead." (DW: The Waters of Mars, The End of Time)

Regeneration in other species

On several occasions, individuals of other species (or even artificial life) were capable of regeneration. In most cases, this ability was copied from the Time Lords.

  • The crew of the Minyans' ship, the P7E, were capable of regenerating themselves indefinitely, likely as a result of the interference by the Time Lords in their early history. Over time, they wearied of life. (DW: Underworld)
  • Mawdryn and his followers, who had stolen the Time Lords' regeneration technology, also had an apparently limitless number of incarnations, though they had no control over when it would happen and what form, often grotesque, they would change into. Consequently, they also longed for death, making their mutations a kind of de facto punishment by the Time Lords for stealing their technology. (DW: Mawdryn Undead)
  • Chris Cwej was regenerated by force to survive radiation poisoning. (BNA: Tears of the Oracle)
  • K9 Mark I regenerated by use of a Regeneration unit after self-destructing to defeat a group of Jixen Warriors. (K9TV: Regeneration) He later regenerated again after exhausting power core to defeat the Trojan. (K9TV: The Eclipse of the Korven)

Specific regenerations

The Doctor

Alternate Doctors

  • The Doctor (Unbound 3): Shot by Ruth after she learned the truth about his role in her father's death; she shot him again when he regenerated and so on. (BFA: Full Fathom Five)

Romana

The Master

to be added

Rassilon

Rassilon was said to have achieved a cycle of perpetual regeneration, becoming immortal. (DW: The Five Doctors)

K'anpo Rimpoche

Attacked by Eight Legs and regenerated by merging with his assistant Cho Je. (DW: Planet of the Spiders)

Borusa

Borusa regenerated at least 3 times, having at least 4 lives. (DW: The Deadly Assassin, DW: The Invasion of Time, DW: Arc of Infinity, DW: The Five Doctors)

Rallon

Initiated all twelve of his regenerations to stop the Celestial Toymaker. (PDA: Divided Loyalties)

Azmael

Azmael used all his 12 regenerations in unknown circumstances. In his Thirteenth and final body he regenerated past his limit, killing him and Mestor who possessed Azmael's body after his own was destroyed. (DW: The Twin Dilemma)

Iris Wildthyme

Regenerated following a lengthy period of illness following the consumption of a live Kaled mutant. (EDA: The Scarlet Empress)

The War Chief

Underwent a faulty regeneration after being shot by War Lords. This resulted in his new form appearing like two bodies fused together. (NA: Timewyrm: Exodus)

Mortimus

Mortimus regenerated at least once. (NA: No Future, BFA: The Book of Kells)

I.M. Foreman

As a priest, he had been given the gift of regenerations. This made 12 different individuals, who were created from absorbing the DNA around him. (EDA: Interference - Book One, Interference - Book Two)

Behind the scenes

History

  • Regeneration was first introduced when the First Doctor (William Hartnell) changed into the Second Doctor (Patrick Troughton) in the closing moments of The Tenth Planet. Tradition has it that Hartnell himself thought up the idea of the Doctor being able to change into a new body as a means of keeping the series going after his departure. In The Power of the Daleks, the next story, the Doctor said that he had been "renewed", and also said that the change was partly due to the TARDIS, partly to himself, without elaborating. Originally, the Production team meant for the Doctor to have used the TARDIS to reverse time and "rejuvenate" himself, though they may have abandoned this explanation by the time Patrick Troughton took over the role.
  • The change in the Doctor's appearance was meant to occur several stories earlier, during The Celestial Toymaker, with the Toymaker capriciously having changed the Doctor's appearance out of spite. (The Doctor is invisible and unable to speak for most of the story anyway.) The reason for the change of plan is unknown. Either it was decided to retain Hartnell in the role for a few more stories, or the actor was accidentally issued with a new contract by mistake, making it impossible to recast the Doctor at that moment in time. (A plot device similar to this would occur in The Mind Robber to cover Frazer Hines' temporary replacement by his cousin, Hamish Wilson, after Hines contracted an illness.)
  • The changeover was not actually referred to as "regeneration" until the end of Planet of the Spiders, when the Third Doctor (Jon Pertwee) changed into the Fourth (Tom Baker). Prior to this, the Doctor was simply described as having "changed his appearance."
  • It is interesting to note that, despite being the Doctor's "greatest enemy", the Daleks have directly or indirectly caused less of the the Doctor's regenerations than his own race (the Time Lords). This is because the Daleks have only been in two adventures that forced the Doctor to regenerate (the Eighth to Ninth Doctor regeneration's circumstances is unknown), whereas a Time Lord has had a hand in three of his regenerations.
  • In the original 1963-89 series, plus the 1996 TV movie, each regeneration was treated differently on screen, using a variety of special effects ranging from simple cross-fades to a CGI "morph" in the 1996 film. With the return of Doctor Who in 2005, producer Russell T Davies decided regenerations would take a consistent form, with the Time Lord in question standing upright, arms outstretched, and blinding energy flying out from the head, arms, and legs. So far, the five regenerations depicted on screen (four featuring the Doctor in The Parting of the Ways, The End of Time, The Stolen Earth and The Impossible Astronaut; one featuring the Master in Utopia) have taken on this form. Four have also occurred within the TARDIS. It remains to be seen if any future on-screen regenerations will retain the same format.

Alternate possibilities

When they came [to America] to launch The Eleventh Hour, I went along to this screening in LA and journalists put their hands up, and one of the first questions was, "What will happen when he reaches the thirteenth regeneration?" There's a fascinating academic study to be made out of how some facts stick and some don't – how Jon Pertwee's Doctor could say he was thousands of years old, and no-one listens to that, and yet someone once says he’s only got thirteen lives, and it becomes lore. It's really interesting, I think. That's why I’m quite serious that that 507 thing won't stick, because the 13 is too deeply ingrained in the public consciousness. But how? How did that get there? It’s fascinating, it's really weird. Anyway, that'll be my book in my retirement!Russell T Davies[1]

Footnotes