Object
Great Key of Rassilon
The Great Key of Rassilon is a Time Lord artifact of deceptive simplicity and profound power, initially appearing as a short rod of black, glassy material with a dull metallic sheen. Its unassuming form belies a lethal capacity to trigger unseen molecular processes. Over time, the Key reveals itself as a versatile locking device, capable of sealing TARDIS systems so thoroughly that even a Sontaran invasion force is rendered helpless, their flagship console room becoming a prison. Eventually, it is understood to be an ancient test, its fragments—irregular shards etched with shifting glyphs—capable of destabilizing into impossible geometries when mishandled. Romana ultimately demonstrates precise mastery of the Key, successfully reuniting its halves where the Doctor had failed, cementing the artifact's role as a revealer of hidden knowledge and a measure of true Time Lord competence.
7 appearances
Purpose
To interface with and activate technological systems through molecular manipulation, specifically opening sealed cabinets containing dangerous scientific devices.
Significance
The Great Key functions as the Doctor’s contingency against hostile takeover, turning Stor’s aggression into entrapment. Its existence underscores the TARDIS's enigmatic, uncompromising intelligence and the Doctor’s strategic foresight, ensuring that even as the Sontarans overrun the console room, their dominance is illusory.
Appearances in the Narrative
When this object appears and how it's used