According to Klingon mythology, Kortar (also Kotar) was the first Klingon. He and his mate destroyed the gods who created them, and as punishment, Kortar was condemned to ferry the souls of the dishonored to Gre'thor on the Barge of the Dead. (VOY: "Barge of the Dead") As part of the Klingon wedding ceremony, the male played the part of Kortar and the female, Kortar's mate. (DS9: "You Are Cordially Invited")