Doctor Who Series 9: What is the Sisterhood of Karn?

Hello. My name is GeekHideout and this is my third blog. After the premier episode of Doctor Who Series 9, The Magician's Apprentice, was broadcast, many people were asking who are the Sisterhood of Karn? I am publishing this blog to answer that question.


The Sisterhood of Karn first appeared in 1976, in a 4th Doctor story named "The Brain of Morbius". The story, inspired my Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, saw the Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith materialise on a planet called Karn, which the Doctor has been taken to by the Time Lords.We then find out that a group of mystical women called "The Sisterhood of Karn". The Doctor and Sarah are kidnapped by them, and then learn of the Elixir of Life.

Sisterhood of Karn Essential Knowledge:
1. Elixir of Life: The Elixir of Life is fuelled by the mystical sacred flame. It is vital to the Sisterhood, as it gives them an extended lifespan. It was produced from underground springs, which came from a massive cave where the rocks were full of strange minerals and jewels.


The Sisterhood of Karn did not appear again, and were thought to be completely forgotten with the cancellation of Doctor Who in 1989. However, when Doctor Who returned in 2005 there was hope for their return, and then they did: in Big Finish's Vengeance of Morbius.

An audio adventure starring Paul McGann as the Doctor and Sheridan Smith as companion Lucie Miller, it saw the return of rogue Time Lord Morbius as he tried to take over the universe. The story was also an opportunity to bring back fan-favourites the Sisterhood of Karn. There were only two members seen, or rather heard, in the storyline, but it was nonetheless successful enough to warrant their return in the 50th Anniversary short: The Night of the Doctor.


The Night of the Doctor was a 50th Anniversary short explaining the origin of the War Doctor, and also detailed the final Eighth Doctor adventure. It was a critical success, especially because of the return of the Sisterhood of Karn. They resurrected the Doctor after he died in a crash, and gave him a choice. A choice about what his next regeneration would be. He chose a warrior.


Their role in The Magician's Apprentice was short but important, as they managed to give the Doctor Davros's message without giving him up.

There are rumours of their return, but, except for that, there is no inclination that the Sisterhood of Karn will be seen again. But, as they have made a big impact in Doctor Who, they will almost definitely return again,