In Lost, what was the name of the episode about Richard Alpert’s past?

In Lost, the episode about Richard Alpert’s past is titled “Ab Aeterno.”

“Ab Aeterno” is a sixth-season episode that focuses on Richard’s life before he became connected to the island. The story reveals that he was born Ricardo and lived in the nineteenth century before a series of tragic events brought him to the island.

The episode explains Richard’s apparent agelessness and his relationship with Jacob. It also gives viewers important background on the island’s internal mythology, including the conflict between Jacob and the Man in Black.

The Latin title means “from eternity” or “from everlasting,” matching the episode’s focus on time, immortality, and an exceptionally long life. It is distinct from “The Constant,” which centers on Desmond Hume’s experience across different periods.