WandaVision and Agatha All Along show the nature of magic in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). They shine a light on various mystical artifacts that hold great power, with one artifact standing out: the Darkhold. This ancient tome is one of the most powerful magical artifacts in the Marvel universe.
But what exactly is the Darkhold? More importantly, how does it connect to the narratives of WandaVision and Agatha All Along? To find the answers, we must trace the Darkhold’s history, from its first appearance in comic books to its role in the MCU.
The Darkhold’s Comic Book Origins
The Darkhold made its first appearance in Marvel Spotlight #4, created by writer Gerry Conway and artist Mike Ploog. In this issue, Jack Russell, also known as Werewolf by Night, discovers the Darkhold on an island filled with monsters.
Initially, the book seems to be just a collection of strange writings. However, its true nature becomes clearer in Avengers #187, where writers Roger Stern and David Michelinie and artists Steven Grant and John Byrne reveal that the Darkhold is the work of the evil Elder God Chthon.
Chthon inscribed numerous spells and incantations into the Darkhold’s pages. These spells open a path between his dimension and ours, making the book a dangerous artifact. Throughout the years, the Darkhold has passed through many hands.
Its corruptive nature has led to madness and misfortune for those who possess it, much like the One Ring from The Lord of the Rings. Whoever comes into contact with the Darkhold risks losing their sanity and well-being.
Many characters in the Marvel Universe have encountered the Darkhold, each having their own unique experiences. For example, Blade and Doctor Strange attempted to use a spell from its pages, known as the Montresi Formula, to eradicate all vampires on Earth.
Meanwhile, Jack Russell’s grandfather, Gregor, read from the book in a failed attempt to cure his lycanthropy. Even villains have sought the Darkhold’s power. A cult once tried to use the powerful Carnage as a sacrifice to summon Chthon, but instead, Chthon chose to empower the symbiotic killer.
The Scarlet Witch and Agatha Harkness
Among the many characters linked to the Darkhold, none has a longer or more complex relationship with it than Wanda Maximoff, also known as the Scarlet Witch. The Darkhold played a crucial role in Wanda’s life from a young age.
A group of three witches, including LilIa Calderu, came together to protect her from a sorcerer wielding the Darkhold. Their intervention highlights the significance of the book and its threat to powerful individuals like Wanda.
In the Darkhold: Tales from the Book of Sins miniseries, Agatha Harkness and Wanda’s connections to the Darkhold deepen further.
In this storyline, Agatha reads a prophecy from the Darkhold that refers to Wanda: “A child born of no man and of a woman marked by sin; daughter becomes mother; then will the dark return begin.”
This prophecy becomes a reality when Wanda and Vision have twin sons, who are later revealed to be born from the existence of the demon Mephisto. Their reincarnations manifest as Billy Kaplan, also known as Wiccan, and Tommy Shepard, known as Speed.
The Darkhold’s Role in WandaVision
The Darkhold finally appears in WandaVision, specifically in “The Series Finale.” In this episode, Agatha Harkness, played by Kathryn Hahn, explains the Darkhold’s history to Wanda, portrayed by Elizabeth Olsen. Agatha reveals a prophecy in the Darkhold that foreshadows the return of the Scarlet Witch:
“The Scarlet Witch is not born; she is forged. She has no coven or need for incantation. Your power exceeds that of the Sorcerer Supreme. It’s your destiny to destroy the world.”
This chilling prophecy hints at the immense power within Wanda and the potential for destruction that comes with it. The Darkhold’s influence on Wanda becomes evident, and the prophecy dangerously edges toward fulfillment. In the post-credits scene of “The Series Finale,” Wanda is seen flipping through the Darkhold’s pages when she hears her children’s voices.
The story continues in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, where Wanda’s corruption by the Darkhold is further shown. Her desire to reclaim her sons drives her to extreme actions, including a perilous journey to Mount Wundagore, the site where Chthon inscribed the Darkhold. In her quest, Wanda hijacks an alternate version of herself and slaughters anyone who stands in her way.
The Darkhold’s Influence on the Multiverse
In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Wanda’s willingness to do anything to get her children back showcases the Darkhold’s corrupting influence. She sacrifices herself—at least it appears so—by collapsing Mount Wundagore.
This act frees Agatha, who Wanda had trapped in a spell at the end of WandaVision. However, Agatha is left without her powers and is forced to journey along the Witches’ Road.
The Darkhold’s presence in the MCU extends beyond just WandaVision and Doctor Strange. It serves as a link connecting various storylines and characters. Agatha’s journey to gain the power of the Darkhold comes at a terrible cost, including the sacrifice of her son, Nicholas Scratch.
The Darkhold in Other Marvel TV Projects
The Darkhold does not only appear in WandaVision and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. It has made its presence felt in other Marvel television projects as well, such as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Runaways.
In Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the Darkhold is introduced during a storyline involving the artificial intelligence Aida, portrayed by Mallory Jensen. Aida uses the Darkhold to trap Phil Coulson, played by Clark Gregg, and his team in a virtual reality.
This use of the Darkhold demonstrates its power and the lengths characters will go to harness its capabilities. Aida also uses the book to give herself a human body so she can feel emotions. However, after Leo Fitz, played by Iain De Caestecker, rejects her, she descends into madness.
The situation escalates, leading Robbie Reyes, played by Gabriel Luna, to transfer his Ghost Rider powers to Coulson to stop Aida. Reyes takes the Darkhold into the Dark Dimension, highlighting the dangers associated with the book.
In Runaways, the Darkhold plays a significant role when Morgan le Fay, portrayed by Elizabeth Hurley, gains control of it. The book enhances her magical abilities, allowing her to attempt dragging Earth into the Dark Dimension. Fortunately, the Runaways, with the help of Cloak and Dagger, successfully stop her before she can achieve her goal.
The Darkhold’s Impact on the MCU
Marvel Television head Brad Winderbaum has remained optimistic about whether the events of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and other Marvel television projects are considered canon.
However, the influence of the Darkhold on Marvel’s television and film projects is undeniable. Its presence in various narratives highlights the interconnectedness of the MCU and the importance of magical elements within these stories.
As fans continue to show the MCU through streaming platforms, the impact of the Darkhold and its associated characters grows. The Darkhold serves as a focal point, connecting various storylines and characters across different mediums, emphasizing the vastness of the Marvel universe.
The Darkhold’s Role in Future Marvel Stories
The Darkhold’s story is far from over. As the MCU continues to expand, its influence may shape future narratives and character arcs. The concept of magic in the Marvel universe opens doors for new stories and possibilities. The Darkhold’s corruptive power may resurface, affecting not just Wanda but other characters within the MCU as well.
Characters like Doctor Strange, Blade, and even new heroes introduced in future projects could face the Darkhold’s allure and danger. As the MCU goes deeper into the mystical and supernatural, the Darkhold may serve as a central plot point that intertwines different characters and story arcs.
Conclusion
The Darkhold’s rich history and intricate connections to various characters in the Marvel universe make it a fascinating subject to research. From its origins in comic books to its significant role in the MCU, the Darkhold remains a powerful artifact that influences the fate of many characters, particularly Wanda Maximoff and Agatha Harkness.
As we move forward in the MCU, the Darkhold’s legacy will likely continue to grow, affecting the lives of both heroes and villains.
The scheme of magic and its consequences will keep fans engaged, as they eagerly anticipate how the Darkhold will shape future stories. With its deep-rooted history and ongoing influence, the Darkhold stands as one of the most intriguing elements in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
