Much of SG-1's knowledge of the Goa'uld comes from the Jaffa Teal'c, a strong and dependable warrior who defected to the Tau'ri after realizing they could be the key to freeing his species from slavery to the Goa'uld. His name means "strength." Teal'c is a Jaffa - a human used by the Goa'uld as an incubator for infant Goa'uld parasites. Teal'c was not joined with his Goa'uld, but carried one in larval form within his belly. He is more than 100 years old (101 in Season Four's "The Light"), and his long service to the Goa'uld has made him knowledgable of language, enemies, races, technology and more. Often silent, Teal'c's presence is often stronger without words. A single raise of an eyebrow can make many crumble to their knees. Though it may not always be apparent, Teal'c is frequently amused, and is a passionate man. He grew up in a society of warriors, strong in the knowledge that if one were weak, one may as well be dead. His father was named Ro'nak, and was First Prime to the System Lord Cronus. Cronus sent Ro'nak into a battle where victory was impossible, and as punishment for losing, Ro'nak's prim'tah was crushed within the symbiote pouch, poisoning Teal'c's father to death. Teal'c and his mother fled to Chulak. Teal'c now bowed to the order of Apophis, and vowed to become the strongest warrior he could so that one day he could ascend to the rank of First Prime of Cronus' sworn enemy. As a young man, Teal'c met the Jaffa master Bra'tac, who was himself the First Prime of Apophis. Bra'tac held the rare and dangerous belief that the Goa'uld are not gods, but parasites who have enslaved the Jaffa. He saw the same doubt in Teal'c's eager eyes. He became Teal'c's mentor, and devoted himself to teaching the young warrior the secrets of the false gods - and the truth. Having survived the trials, he was admitted into Apophis' personal guard and began to distinguish himself in battle. Bra'tac introduced Apophis to his new subordinate, who blatantly told Teal'c that his father had been a coward, returning from a battle instead of dying for his god.