Polygamy was the practice of marrying multiple spouses at one time, as opposed to just one. Although uncommon among Humans, a few species like the Denobulans and Rakhari practiced polygamous marriages regularly. (ENT: "Dear Doctor", DS9: "Vortex")
In the case of the Denobulans, each husband took three wives and each wife took three husbands. In a discussion with Cutler, Doctor Phlox considered this quite normal for his culture. (ENT: "Dear Doctor") While recalling this fact about Denobulans, Klingon Dr. Antaak remarked to Phlox that "your mating practices must be very complex." Phlox replied, "Wonderously so." (ENT: "Divergence")
Though difficult to navigate, some saw the challenges inherent in such a union as a positive thing rather than a drawback. Upon hearing about Dr. Phlox's polygamous marriage, consisting of three wives who each had two other husbands, Jonathan Archer commented that it sounded very complicated. Phlox replied, "Very. Why else be polygamous?" (ENT: "A Night in Sickbay")
In 2365, to create a broad genetic base for their fledgling co-operative colony, Dr. Katherine Pulaski recommended that the Bringloidi and Mariposan women each have at least three children from three different men. Danilo Odell found the prospect manageable, while Wilson Granger didn't care for it. (TNG: "Up The Long Ladder")
Polygamous races[]
- Bolians (DS9: "Field of Fire")
- Denobulans (ENT: "A Night in Sickbay", "Stigma")
- Humans (only certain populations, e.g., the Bringloidi/Mariposans; TNG: "Up The Long Ladder")
- Rakhari (DS9: "Vortex")
- Skrreea (DS9: "Sanctuary")
- Taresian (VOY: "Favorite Son")
- Ligonians (TNG: "Code of Honor")