Agatha Harkness The Magical Mentor of Marvel Comics
Agatha Harkness straddles the line between good and evil. Introduced as a seemingly ordinary old woman with a secretive past, she is one of the most intriguing and morally ambiguous figures in comics.
Agatha Harkness first appears in Fantastic Four #94 (1970), created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby. She is initially introduced as the governess for Franklin Richards, the son of Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) and Susan Storm (Invisible Woman) of the Fantastic Four. At first glance, Agatha appears to be a harmless elderly woman, but it soon becomes clear she was far more than she seemed. She reveals herself as a powerful witch with a deep knowledge of magic and the occult, having lived for centuries.
Her backstory is shrouded in mystery. The most common element of Agatha’s backstory focuses on being one of the original witches from the Salem Witch Trials era, suggesting she is at least 300 years old. She led a coven of witches in Salem, Massachusetts, who survived the infamous witch hunts of the 17th century. However, she has been around a lot longer. Over 600 years ago, Agatha led a coven in Transia (near Wundaore Mountain where Scarlet Witch found the text of Darkhold).
If that wasn’t enough, Agatha was said to be around hundreds of years before Atlantis sank, which makes her over 20,000 years ago. It’s possible she’s even old than that as she knows a cosmic being called Scrier who existed before Galactus and the creation of the universe. She is one of the oldest and most experienced magic users in the Marvel Universe.
A Mentor to the Scarlet Witch and Beyond
One of Agatha Harkness’s most significant relationships is with Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch. In Avengers #128 (1974), Agatha takes on the role of mentor to Wanda, helping her better understand and control her burgeoning magical abilities. This mentor-student relationship is crucial, as Wanda's powers are often linked to chaos magic, making her one of the most potent and unpredictable beings in the Marvel Universe. Agatha teaches Wanda to channel her powers more effectively, helping her tap into her full potential while warning her of the dangers of such powerful magic.
Agatha’s role in Wanda’s life is not without its controversies and difficulties. Some of Agatha’s decisions are manipulative and morally questionable. Like when she erases Wanda’s memory of her twin children after they are revealed to be creations of the demon Mephisto. Agatha believed she was sparing Wanda emotional trauma, but her actions had long-term consequences that affected Wanda’s psyche and control over her powers.
Neither Hero Nor Villain: Agatha's Complex Morality
Agatha is not easily categorized as a hero or a villain. She operates in a moral grey area, driven by her own sense of what is right and necessary. This ambiguous nature is highlighted in the Contest of Chaos storyline, where Agatha makes superheroes fight one another to create the necessary chaos magic to recreate the Darkhold.
This complex morality makes Agatha a fascinating character. She is often seen as a guardian of balance in the mystical realms, willing to do whatever it takes to maintain the equilibrium between the forces of good and evil. Her actions are guided by centuries of knowledge and experience, giving her a perspective that most characters cannot understand.
Notable Stories Featuring Agatha Harkness
Agatha’s complex morality is evident in several storylines in Marvel Comics, such as The Salem Seven arc in Fantastic Four" #185-188 (1977). In this story, Agatha is confronted by her own offspring, the Salem Seven, who attempt to overthrow her and take control of her powers. This storyline explores Agatha’s past and the consequences of her long life, delving into themes of power, legacy, and betrayal.
In The Scarlet Witch series (2015-2017), Agatha appears as a ghostly advisor to Wanda Maximoff. In this series, Wanda sets out to understand the nature of witchcraft and her own powers, and Agatha’s spirit guides her through this journey. Including accompanying Wanda onto the Witches’ Road (the first appearance of the Witches’ Road in comic books). Agatha and Wanda’s relationship becomes one of mutual respect and understanding, showing how Agatha's influence continues to shape Wanda's path even after her death.
The Enduring Appeal of Agatha Harkness
Agatha Harkness remains a compelling character because of her depth, complexity, and unpredictability. She is a character who embodies the idea that power, especially magical power, is neither inherently good nor evil but is shaped by the intent of the wielder. Her relationships with other characters, particularly the Scarlet Witch, highlight her role as both a mentor and a cautionary figure.
Agatha’s willingness to operate in the grey areas of morality and her extensive knowledge of the mystical arts make her an invaluable ally and a formidable adversary. As a character who does not fit neatly into the boxes of hero or villain, Agatha Harkness offers a unique perspective in the Marvel Universe, proving that sometimes the most interesting characters are those who defy easy categorization.
As Marvel continues to explore its mystical side, Agatha Harkness will undoubtedly remain a significant figure, guiding, challenging, and occasionally thwarting the heroes and villains who cross her path. Her mysterious nature and rich backstory ensure that she will continue to captivate readers for years to come.
For more about Agatha Harkness and her adventures in the past and present, check out Scarlet Witch by James Robinson when she is a ghostly mentor, Midnight Suns when she is a teacher who reveals her past coven and plays a heroic role in saving the world and Contest of Chaos when Agatha is looking to recreate the Darkhold and is using heroes to fight one another.
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