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Number Six

Number Six is the protagonist and central figure of the British surrealist spy-fi television series The Prisoner (1967–1968), portrayed by Patrick McGoohan, who also co-created the program.^[1] An unnamed ex-intelligence agent, he abruptly resigns from MI6-like service, only to be gassed unconscious in his London home and awaken as an anonymous prisoner—assigned the designation "Number Six"—in a bizarre, inescapable coastal "Village" run by rotating authoritarian figures known as Number Two.^[1] Throughout the 17-episode series, Number Six repeatedly thwarts psychological coercion, surveillance technologies, and social engineering aimed at extracting the motive for his resignation, famously proclaiming in the opening credits, "I am not a number! I am a free man!"—a mantra underscoring his defiant individualism against dehumanizing collectivism.^[2] The character's unyielding resistance, coupled with the program's allegorical critique of Cold War-era espionage bureaucracy, personal autonomy, and identity erosion, has cemented The Prisoner as a landmark of 1960s counterculture television, influencing later works in dystopian and philosophical sci-fi genres.^[1] McGoohan's performance, drawing from his prior role in Danger Man, earned the series a cult following despite initial mixed reception and production controversies, including McGoohan's clashes with network executives over creative control, which mirrored the on-screen themes of authority and rebellion.^[3]

Fictional characters

In The Prisoner

Number Six is the central protagonist of the British television series The Prisoner, which aired 17 episodes from September 1967 to February 1968 on ITV.^[2] Portrayed by series co-creator Patrick McGoohan, the character is an unnamed former secret agent for an unspecified British intelligence agency who abruptly resigns from his position in London, citing a crisis of conscience, only to be abducted via knockout gas and awaken imprisoned in a mysterious coastal enclave known as the Village.^[4] There, residents—including former agents—are stripped of personal identities and assigned numbers, with Number Six designated as such upon arrival; he immediately rejects this dehumanization, famously declaring to his interrogator, Number Two, "I am not a number! I am a free man!"^[1] The Village, filmed primarily at Portmeirion in North Wales, functions as both a utopian facade and a high-tech panopticon, patrolled by surveillance devices and the amorphous guardian entity Rover—a white, weather-balloon-like orb that suffocates escapees.^[1] Throughout the series, Number Six endures relentless psychological and technological efforts by rotating Number Twos—each the Village's interim administrator—to extract the motive for his resignation, which he steadfastly refuses to disclose, viewing it as an inviolable aspect of his autonomy.^[5] His resistance manifests in repeated escape attempts, subversion of Village authority, and exploitation of bureaucratic flaws, as seen in episodes like "Hammer into Anvil," where he psychologically dismantles a paranoid Number Two by feigning covert communications.^[4] Physically resilient, he withstands ordeals such as prolonged electroshock therapy and body swaps, emerging uncompromised due to exceptional willpower.^[4] McGoohan drew from his prior role in Danger Man (known as Secret Agent in the U.S.), but insisted Number Six was a distinct creation, not the character John Drake, despite superficial similarities in espionage background and demeanor—though script editor George Markstein contended otherwise.^[4] The character's defining traits include fierce individualism, ethical restraint against gratuitous violence, and a penchant for sardonic wit amid confrontation, often delivering lines like "I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered. My life is my own."^[4] He exhibits distrust toward female characters, potentially stemming from their frequent roles as manipulative agents in the Village's schemes, and prioritizes personal freedom over collective security.^[4] Symbolically, Number Six embodies mid-20th-century anxieties over totalitarianism, surveillance, and erosion of privacy, resisting assimilation into the Village's conformist ethos—"Be seeing you"—which underscores residents' spectral uniformity.^[5] In the surreal finale "Fall Out," he confronts Number One—revealed as a proxy for his own suppressed impulses—overthrows the leadership, and escapes to London, though the resolution's ambiguity fueled debate, with McGoohan later clarifying it as an allegory for self-imposed constraints rather than literal triumph.^[1]

In Battlestar Galactica

Number Six is a humanoid Cylon model in the reimagined Battlestar Galactica television series, designed for infiltration and espionage among human populations.^[6] Portrayed by Tricia Helfer, the character embodies traits of physical allure, intellectual sharpness, and emotional complexity, serving as a recurring antagonist and thematic fulcrum across the series' exploration of artificial intelligence, faith, and survival.^[7] Copies of Number Six exhibit individuality despite shared genetic programming, with capabilities including superhuman strength, data processing, and resurrection via technological transfer to new bodies upon death.^[8] The model first appears in the 2003 miniseries as an infiltrator on Armistice Station, signaling the onset of the Cylon genocide against the Twelve Colonies.^[7] Caprica Six, a prominent copy, manipulates scientist Gaius Baltar into granting access to Colonial defense systems, enabling the near-total destruction of humanity.^[6] This variant later develops remorse, experiences visions of a divine entity, and advocates for Cylon-human reconciliation, including during the occupation of New Caprica.^[7] Other copies, such as Gina Inviere aboard the Pegasus, demonstrate vulnerability to psychological trauma from human mistreatment, leading to acts of sabotage and revenge.^[7]^[6] Natalie, introduced in season four, emerges as a rebel leader challenging the authoritarian Cavil model, forging alliances with human forces to protect Cylon hybrids and secure political representation in the Colonial fleet.^[7] Sonja succeeds her in diplomatic roles, emphasizing coexistence in post-war deliberations.^[7] A non-corporeal "Messenger Six" manifests in Baltar's hallucinations, providing counsel on strategy and theology, often interpreted as a psychological projection or supernatural guide influencing his ascent to cult leadership.^[7] Helfer's performance across these variants highlights the model's adaptability, from seductive operative to ideological reformer, appearing in every episode of the series' 73 installments.^[7]^[8] Number Six copies underscore the series' depiction of Cylons as sentient beings grappling with monotheistic zealotry and evolutionary impulses toward humanity, often employing manipulation rooted in their programmed charisma and combat proficiency.^[8] Their actions drive pivotal conflicts, including the Cylon civil war and quests for Earth, revealing fractures in collective consciousness.^[6]

Music

Songs and compositions

"The Number Six" is a song by the American heavy metal band Lamb of God, appearing as the sixth track on their 2006 album Sacrament.^[9] The lyrics reference the biblical "Number of the Beast" from the Book of Revelation (666), with vocalist Randy Blythe describing it as a commentary on apocalyptic themes and human folly.^[9] Released on August 22, 2006, via Epic Records, the song features aggressive riffs and blast beats characteristic of the band's groove metal style, contributing to Sacrament's commercial success, which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200. "Number Six" serves as the title track for a single by the Japanese visual kei band Alice Nine, issued on October 4, 2006, alongside their album Blue Planet. The release includes alternative versions and B-sides, aligning with the band's blend of punk, metal, and pop elements during their mid-2000s peak. It charted modestly on Japan's Oricon singles list, reflecting the band's dedicated domestic fanbase. In avant-garde jazz, "Number Six" denotes a 1974 composition by German pianist Hans Rempel, featured on the album Number Six: Two Compositions for Improvisers performed by his octet and recorded for East German radio.^[10] The piece emphasizes free improvisation over structured notation, with layered ensembles evoking experimental European free jazz traditions of the era. A companion track, "Number Three," was recorded earlier in 1972, highlighting Rempel's serial numbering approach to his works.^[10] The album was reissued in 2023 by FMP Records imprint Destination Out.^[10]

Bands and albums

Number Six is the name of a Chicago-based musical duo consisting of Mckenzie James and Mae Shults, who collaborate on projects blending nostalgic and forward-thinking elements across various influences.^[11] Sentient Number Six is a psychedelic electronic music project specializing in darkpsy trance, characterized by heavy beats, distorted melodies, and unsettling atmospheres; it has released works including the EP Lux Absentia on February 11, 2020, and the album Total Control of Perception on July 8, 2022.^[12]^[13]^[14] Albums titled Number Six include the 2007 release by Austrian band Pension Barbara, featuring experimental rock tracks.^[15] A 2012 CDr by British bassist Bruce Foxton, formerly of The Jam, titled Number Six, contains solo material.^[16] Additionally, Number Six Is Sacred, a 2017 cassette album by improvisational guitarist Tashi Dorji and percussionist Frank Meadows, explores free-form jazz and noise elements.^[17]

Other uses

Organizations and clubs

The Number Six Club, also known as the Tau chapter of the Delta Psi fraternity (St. Anthony Hall), is a co-ed literary society, social fraternity, and residential organization affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).^[18] Founded in 1886 by former members of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity who established an independent group named after their residence at No. 6 Louisburg Square in Boston's Beacon Hill, it emphasizes literary pursuits through weekly meetings featuring readings, discussions, and performances by members.^[19] The club maintains a national affiliation with Delta Psi, which comprises 10 active chapters and has initiated over 30,000 members historically, focusing on intellectual and social development without traditional Greek-letter branding at MIT.^[20] Its activities include community events such as concerts and maintains a dedicated house built in 1915 at 428 Memorial Drive in Cambridge, Massachusetts, serving as a hub for approximately 30-40 active members.^[21] As a tax-exempt nonprofit since 2012, it operates educational programs centered on literary engagement rather than athletics or partying.^[22] Six of One is a British-based appreciation society dedicated to the 1960s television series The Prisoner, in which the protagonist is identified as Number Six.^[23] Established in 1980, the club organizes events, publications, and archives related to the series' themes of individualism and surveillance, attracting fans through annual conventions and memorabilia preservation.^[23] It operates independently as a volunteer-run group without formal national affiliation, focusing on scholarly analysis and community gatherings rather than commercial merchandising.^[23]

Businesses and brands

Number Six is the name of a digital marketing and advertising agency based in Salt Lake City, Utah, specializing in digital strategy, creative marketing, and analytics for clients nationwide, with reported annual revenue of approximately $2 million.^[24]^[25] In the fashion sector, Number Six operates as an independent menswear concept store in London, established in 2009 as a family-owned business offering classic and contemporary men's clothing with global shipping.^[26]^[27] No.6 Store is a New York-based women's clothing and accessories brand founded in 2006 by designer Karin Bereson, known for its shearling and leather clogs that have developed a cult following, alongside curated apparel and footwear sold through its physical location at 8 Centre Market Place and online.^[28]^[29] Caswell-Massey offers Number Six Eau de Parfum, a fragrance line tracing its origins to 1772 as America's first commercially produced scent, featuring opening notes of citrus, neroli, bergamot, and rosemary over a base of amber and musk.^[30] Number six, llc functions as a full-service marketing and sales agency for the beverage alcohol industry, founded in 2013 and focused on creative strategies for wine and spirits brands.^[31]

Religious and numerical significance

In mathematics, 6 is the smallest perfect number, defined as a positive integer equal to the sum of its proper divisors (excluding itself), specifically 1 + 2 + 3 = 6.^[32] This property was recognized by ancient Pythagoreans, though initially emphasized for its mystical qualities rather than purely mathematical ones.^[33] Additionally, 6 is the factorial of 3 (3! = 6) and the product of the first three consecutive positive integers, highlighting its foundational role in basic arithmetic structures.^[32] In Abrahamic traditions, the number 6 frequently symbolizes human creation and limitation. The Book of Genesis describes God creating humanity on the sixth day, establishing 6 as the number of humankind, distinct from the divine perfection associated with 7.^[34] In Christianity, this extends to connotations of human imperfection and sin, as 6 falls short of 7; the New Testament's Revelation 13:18 identifies 666 (three sixes) as the "number of the beast" and of man, evoking themes of evil and opposition to God.^[34]^[35] Judaism echoes the six days of creation and interprets 6 as representing the physical world, including the six directions (north, south, east, west, up, down) and the six orders of the Mishnah, without inherently negative valuations like those in some Christian exegeses.^[36] The Hebrew letter vav (numerical value 6) symbolizes connection between heaven and earth.^[37] Islam similarly references six periods or days of creation in the Quran (e.g., Surah 7:54), framing it as part of divine order rather than deficiency.^[38] In Hinduism, 6 denotes balance and the material realm, linked to the six classical schools of philosophy (shad-darshana) and the six internal enemies of the self (shadaripu: lust, anger, greed, delusion, pride, envy), which must be overcome for spiritual progress.^[39] It also corresponds to the six-faced deity Kartikeya (son of Shiva) and the planet Venus (Shukra), embodying harmony and aesthetic ideals.^[40] These interpretations prioritize empirical scriptural and traditional attributions over unsubstantiated numerological claims, reflecting 6's role in structuring human experience across cultures.^[39]

References

[1]
Number Six At 50: The 50th Anniversary Of 'The Prisoner' - NPR
on Sept. 29, 1967 ...
[2]
The Prisoner (TV Series 1967–1968) - IMDb
Rating 8.4/10 (15,956) Top Cast99+ ; Patrick McGoohan · Number Six ; Angelo Muscat · The Butler ; Peter Swanwick · Supervisor ; Peter Brace · Villager ; Christopher Benjamin · Labour ...Episode list · Full cast & crew · Trivia · Alternate versions
[3]
Six of One Home - The Prisoner Appreciation Society
At the beginning of every episode, Number 6 asks 'Whose side are you on?' The Prisoner can be seen as an abstract impression of the world we are living in.
[4]
The Prisoner - Patrick McGoohan - Number 6 - Profile part #2
The dominant personality trait demonstrated by the Prisoner was his individualism. He was a great believer in the freedom of each person to live their life as ...
[5]
"Who is Number One?" asks "The Prisoner" 50 years later - Salon.com
Sep 10, 2017 · The inhabitants of the Village all have numbers rather than names, with McGoohan's character being Number Six. His chief adversary is Number ...
[6]
Battlestar Galactica: Who Is Number Six? - Game Rant
Jul 30, 2023 · Possessing breathtaking beauty, sharp intellect, and an unwavering dedication to their cause, the various incarnations of Number Six mesmerized ...
[7]
Battlestar Galactica: Every Notable Version Of Number Six, Ranked
Dec 30, 2020 · Lida was a smaller presence compared to other Number Six copies throughout the show, and much more innocent-looking with her long white dress ...
[8]
Number Six - Caprica Six - Tricia Helfer - Battlestar Galactica - Profile
Number 6 is the Cylon's face in the Galactica series. She is manipulative and cold with a complex secret agenda. She is not above any variety of manipulation ...<|separator|>
[9]
The Number Six by Lamb Of God - Songfacts
The Number Six by Lamb Of God song meaning, lyric interpretation, video and chart position.
[10]
Number Six: Two Compositions for Improvisers - FMP Records
"Number Six" recorded by Horst Zander on January 31st, 1974, at the Rundfunk der DDR in Berlin. Recording director: Jürgen Crasser. "Number Three" recorded by ...
[11]
Number Six: Music
Number Six uses various musical + lyrical influences to craft songs that are both nostalgic + forward-thinking. ... more. contact / help. Contact Number Six.
[12]
Total Control Of Perception | Sentient Number Six - Post Modern Music
Total Control Of Perception by Sentient Number Six, released 08 July 2022 1. God Is Born Here Everyday 2. The Maddening Futility of Despair 3.
[13]
Lux Absentia EP | Sentient Number Six | Post Modern Music
Lux Absentia EP by Sentient Number Six, released 11 February 2020 1. In The Throes Of Becoming 2. The Immense Weight of Knowing 3. Until The Sun Devours Us ...
[14]
Sentient Number Six - Facebook
The beats are on the heavier end of the psychedelic trance spectrum, while the melodies are twisted and distorted, creating an unsettling atmosphere that never ...
[15]
https://www.discogs.com/release/11628574-Pension-Barbara-Number-Six
[16]
https://www.discogs.com/release/5013038-Bruce-Foxton-Number-Six
[17]
https://www.discogs.com/master/1462699-Tashi-Dorji-Frank-Meadows-Number-Six-Is-Sacred
[18]
Our Chapter - The Number Six Club - St. Anthony Hall, Tau Chapter
We belong to a tight national organization ... No. 6 Louisburg Square in Beacon Hill and hence, christened their organization 'The Number Six Club' in 1886.
[19]
Six things about the Number Six Club | MIT News
May 25, 2012 · The Number Six Club was recognized as an organization in 1886 when a group of men, formerly belonging to the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, created their own men' ...
[20]
Delta Psi (Number 6) - MIT IFC
The Number Six Club is a nationally-affiliated, co-ed literary fraternity. Since our founding in 1889, we have identified as a group that collectively aims ...
[21]
MIT Number Six Club - DBI Projects
Built in 1915, the Number Six building houses MIT's Number Six Club, a Nationally affiliated Co-ed Literary Society. The building is located on the ...<|separator|>
[22]
Number Six Club - Nonprofit Explorer - ProPublica
Number Six Club. Cambridge, MA; Tax-exempt since Feb. 2012; EIN: 04-2325521. Subscribe. Receive an email when new data is available for this organization.
[23]
Six of One The Prisoner Appreciation Society | Six of One Home
Everyone in the village is assigned a number instead of a name – The Prisoner is Number Six. Chief interrogator and administrator is Number Two, but he isn ...
[24]
Number Six Information - RocketReach
Number Six is an Advertising Services, Advertising & Marketing, and Online Advertising company located in Salt Lake City, Utah with $2 million in revenue ...
[25]
Number Six
Number Six serves clients nationwide, providing expert digital strategy, creative marketing, and advanced analytics.Team · Solutions · Publisher Partnerships · Blog
[26]
https://www.numbersixlondon.com/
[27]
https://www.instagram.com/numbersixlondon/
[28]
https://no6store.com/
[29]
No.6 Cloud New School Clog on Wedge at General Store
No. 6 Store is a NY based brand founded in 2006 by Karin Bereson. Since this time, Karin has nurtured a cult like following around her clogs and clothing line.
[30]
https://www.caswellmassey.com/collections/number-six
[31]
number six, llc - LinkedIn
number six, llc | 10 followers on LinkedIn. Creative Wine Marketing Founded in 2013, No. 6 is a full service marketing and sales agency for beverage ...
[32]
What are Perfect Numbers? Definition, Examples, and Facts
The smallest perfect number found was 6. This number 6 gathered much attention in the beginning by the Pythagoreans, more for its mystical and numerological ...
[33]
Perfect Number Table - BYJU'S
The Pythagoreans found the number 6 interesting (more for its mystical and numerological properties than for any mathematical significance), as it is the sum of ...
[34]
Meaning of the Number 6 in the Bible
The number 6 and its meaning are related to man and human weakness, the evils of the devil and the manifestation of sin. Man was created on day six of creation ...Symbolism of the Number 7 · 216 · 116 · 666
[35]
6 Mysterious Numbers in the Bible and What They Mean
Jul 22, 2021 · The number 6 usually has a negative connotation in the Bible. For instance, Christ suffered on the cross for six hours and men were commanded ...The Number of Authority · The Number of 'The Beast' · and Circumcision
[36]
What's in a number? 6 - Jewish News
Mar 11, 2021 · In Judaism, 6 represents the six days of creation, the six orders of Mishnah, the six days of work, and the six cardinal directions for Succot. ...
[37]
Vav - The sixth letter of the Hebrew alphabet - Chabad.org
Through learning Torah, one connects with G‑d. The number six also signifies the six hundred thousand Jewish men aged 20-60 who left the land of Egypt.
[38]
Why did it take Allah 6 days to create the heavens and the earth if he ...
Sep 17, 2023 · What it actually means is that there were 6 epochs of time or stages from when the universe was created until now when humans live. There is a ...
[39]
Symbolic Significance of Numbers in Hinduism - Hindu Website
Six, Shashtan. The number six is a symbolic representation of the human mind. The mind is the sixth sense organ, with six faculties: reason, emotion, ...
[40]
What is the significance of 3, 6, and 9 in Indian mythology? - Quora
Aug 13, 2019 · 6 stands for Six internal enemies - Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada and Matsarya… 6 also represents the Six faces of Kumara Swamy, son of Siva ...Why is number 6 considered as Lord Shiva's number? - QuoraIs there any importance of numbers 6, 66, 666, 6666, etc. in ... - QuoraMore results from www.quora.com