Queen Allura

Lore & Background

Allura's journey begins as the daughter of King Alfor, from whom she inherits the throne of Arus. While advisors like Coran and Nanny sometimes doubt her ability due to her naivety in romance or her youth, she proves herself a capable ruler. (Note: In the alternate continuity of the Devil's Due comic series, her life takes a different turn involving Lance's criminal record, but this is not part of the original series canon.) A pivotal moment occurs when Sven Holgersson is badly injured during an attack by Haggar; Allura steps in to pilot the Blue Lion, ensuring Voltron can still form. She further evolves her combat capabilities in Voltron: The Third Dimension by learning special mind skills that allow the entire team to control the Lions without being inside the cockpits—this ability is not a core element of the original series. In alternate realities like "Consider the Alternatives," she appears as a wild child who never grew up in the Castle of Lions, contrasting sharply with her disciplined self in the main timeline.

In Their Own Story

The narrative shifts dramatically when Haggar's forces attack, resulting in Sven Holgersson being stabbed by a Robeast and sent to planet Ebb for medical treatment. Faced with this crisis, Allura assumes command of the Blue Lion, forming Voltron's lower right leg. She maintains a strict professional boundary during these battles, deferring to Keith Kogane's tactical decisions despite her superior rank as head of state. Her connection to the team deepens emotionally; she harbors feelings for Keith that eventually develop into true love, while simultaneously being pursued by the evil Prince Lotor. A significant turning point occurs in "Consider the Alternatives," where an alternate Allura is depicted as a wild child who never learned proper behavior, highlighting the fragility of her upbringing. In Voltron: The Third Dimension, she expands her role beyond piloting, mastering mind skills that enable remote control of the Lions and teaching these abilities to the rest of the Force.

Reader's Guide

For fans navigating Allura's character arc, it is essential to note her dual role as monarch and pilot. She is the commander-in-chief of Arus, making Keith Kogane her subordinate in the military hierarchy, yet she defers to his battlefield leadership. Key moments include her takeover of the Blue Lion after Sven's injury by Haggar and her acquisition of remote control skills in Voltron: The Third Dimension. Her relationships are complex; she is protective of Keith, who fears she might be forced to marry Lotor, while she herself develops a crush on him that matures into true love. In the Devil's Due comics, her backstory involves being Princess Farla and interacting with Lance McClain, whose criminal record forces his recruitment. The "Consider the Alternatives" episode offers a stark contrast, showing an Allura who never learned to act properly, emphasizing how her canonical strength is tied to her royal education in the Castle of Lions.

Did You Know?

• In the episode 'Consider the Alternatives,' an alternate version of Allura is depicted as a wild child who never grew up in the Castle of Lions.
• Allura's ability to invoke the dead allows her to communicate with her late father, King Alfor, during critical moments.
• She initially deferred to Keith Kogane for operational command even after becoming the pilot of the Blue Lion following Sven's injury.
• In Voltron: The Third Dimension (a later series, not the original), Allura learns mind skills that let the team control the Lions remotely without being in their cockpits.
• Allura is the niece of Larmina, who joins the Voltron Force as a new cadet.

Royal Authority and Leadership

Princess Allura serves as the ruler of the Kingdom of Arus (Altea), inheriting authority from her late father, King Alfor. Although she does not hold the title of Queen regnant, she acts as the de facto head of state and commander-in-chief, placing her hierarchically above Keith Kogane. Despite occasional doubts from advisors like Coran and Nanny regarding her capabilities due to her naivety in romance, she is a strong-willed leader capable of governing the planet. Her leadership extends beyond politics; she possesses the unique ability to invoke the dead, particularly her father King Alfor, providing spiritual guidance to the Voltron Force.

Combat Role and Tactical Evolution

Allura transitions from a non-combatant commander to an active pilot when Sven Holgersson is incapacitated by Haggar's Robeast. She takes over piloting the Blue Lion, which forms Voltron's lower right leg, while deferring to Keith during operational engagements. Her tactical evolution continues in Voltron: The Third Dimension, where she learns special mind skills allowing the Force to control the Lions remotely without occupying cockpits. She shares this knowledge with her teammates, fundamentally altering their combat capabilities against Emperor Zarkon.

Interpersonal Dynamics and Romance

Allura maintains a deep bond with Keith Kogane, who is protective of her and fears she might be forced to marry Prince Lotor. Conversely, Allura develops a crush on Keith that evolves into true love. She also faces the affections of the evil Prince Lotor. In the alternate timeline "Consider the Alternatives," she is portrayed as a wild child who never learned proper behavior, contrasting with her canonical dignity. Her relationship with Sven Holgersson involves him taking over for her initially, though he later becomes romantically interested in Romelle.

Mystical Heritage and Planetary Stewardship

As the daughter of King Alfor, Allura inherits not just political power but mystical responsibilities. She can invoke the spirits of the dead, including her father, to aid the team. Her stewardship includes protecting Arus from Zarkon and Haggar while managing planetary affairs. In Voltron: The Third Dimension, she utilizes advanced mind skills to enhance the Force's control over the Lions, bridging the gap between royal duty and supernatural ability.