The imperious ruler of Elas, carried aboard the Enterprise to a political marriage meant to end her world's war with Troyius.
Elaan is the Dohlman of Elas, a proud and violent young ruler whose arranged marriage to the leader of Troyius is meant to end the long conflict between the two worlds. Kirk is ordered to transport her, and her contempt for the Troyians makes the voyage difficult; she even stabs the Troyian ambassador Petri.
When Kirk touches her tears, a biochemical agent in the tears of Elasian women binds him to her. As a Klingon vessel shadows the Enterprise, the dilithium in Elaan's necklace proves vital to the ship's survival. Elaan goes on to her marriage, and Kirk's devotion to his ship frees him from her hold.