Why Galactus Needs a Herald
Galactus is a force of cosmic annihilation who survives by consuming the life of an entire planet. Despite unmatched cosmic power is unmatched he needs heralds to find him planets to cosmic. Why?
Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, is one of Marvel Comics’ most fearsome cosmic entities. This godlike being survives by consuming planets rich in life energy, a chilling modus operandi that positions him as both a force of nature and an antagonist. But despite his immeasurable power, Galactus is rarely seen acting alone. Instead, he employs heralds—cosmic emissaries who search the universe for suitable planets to sate his hunger. For a being of such immense strength, why would he need a herald? And why do his heralds often spell trouble for him?
The Purpose of a Herald
Galactus’ need for a herald stems from practical and philosophical reasons. First, the vastness of the universe is incomprehensible, even for a cosmic entity. Searching for worlds with the energy he requires to survive could take eons without assistance. Heralds, imbued with a fraction of Galactus’ Power Cosmic, act as his scouts, navigating the cosmos and identifying planets that can sustain his hunger.
Second, Galactus sees himself not as a villain but as a necessary force in the cosmic balance. Entrusting the choice of planets to a herald allows him to delegate the moral weight of selecting which worlds to consume. This creates an intriguing dynamic where heralds, often given tremendous power but haunted by the destruction they enable, forcing them to grapple with the ethical implications of their role.
The Heralds of Galactus: A Troublesome History
Over the decades, Galactus has had several heralds, each bringing unique skills, stories, and, ultimately, complications. Among the most famous is the Silver Surfer, formerly Norrin Radd of the planet Zenn-La. Norrin offers to serve Galactus in exchange for sparing his homeworld. As the Silver Surfer, he becomes a tragic figure, torn between his servitude to Galactus and his burgeoning compassion for the beings whose worlds he dooms. Eventually, the Fantastic Four help the Surfer rebel against Galactus, cementing his role as a hero and making him one of the most significant thorns in the Devourer’s side.
Another notable herald is Firelord, a former Xandarian starship captain named Pyreus Kril. Unlike the Silver Surfer, Firelord’s tenure is less defined by rebellion but serves as a reminder that not all heralds share the same moral compass. Firelord’s pragmatic approach to his duties contrasts with the Surfer’s tortured conscience, showing how different personalities interpret the Power Cosmic.
Then there’s Terrax the Tamer, one of Galactus’ more aggressive heralds. A brutal dictator before gaining the Power Cosmic, Terrax embraces his role with ruthless efficiency but is undone by his hubris. His rebellion against Galactus forces the Devourer to reclaim his power and highlights the inherent risk of empowering individuals with questionable ethics.
Perhaps the most controversial herald is Morg, a sadistic executioner who willingly serves Galactus and revels in the destruction he enables. His tenure underscores the danger of Galactus choosing a herald without moral restraint. Morg’s actions lead to a confrontation with other former heralds, resulting in a rare moment where Galactus intervenes directly to eliminate his out-of-control servant.
The Trouble with Heralds
The problems Galactus faces with his heralds often boil down to their humanity—or lack thereof. Empowering flawed individuals with godlike abilities introduces unpredictability. The Silver Surfer’s compassion and eventual rebellion, Terrax’s arrogance, and Morg’s cruelty each reflect different aspects of this unpredictability. While the heralds make Galactus more efficient in finding sustenance, they also become liabilities, driven by their desires, emotions, and moral struggles.
Galactus himself acknowledges the burden of his existence and his stories often frame his reliance on heralds as a tragic necessity. They’re tools that make his task possible but also humanize him by showing his vulnerabilities—even gods need companions, however flawed. Galactus’ relationship with his heralds offers opportunities to consider themes of power, morality, and sacrifice. For comic book fans, these dynamics make Galactus more than just a cosmic menace; they make him a character with depth. The heralds, meanwhile, serve as a lens through which readers explore the ethical dilemmas of immense power and responsibility.
From the Surfer’s iconic rebellion to the chaos wrought by Morg, the tales of Galactus and his heralds showcase the complexity of cosmic storytelling. They remind us that even in a universe filled with superhumans, the most compelling struggles are often deeply personal. And that’s why Galactus needs a herald: not only to find his next meal but also to remind readers that even the most omnipotent beings cannot escape the flaws and intricacies of their creations.