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{{Infobox comics species
{{Infobox comics species
<!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
<!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
|species = Heliopolitans
|image = Heliopolitans - Marvel Comics.jpg
|image = Heliopolitans - Marvel Comics.jpg
|imagesize = 250
|imagesize = 250
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|alttop = y
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|sortkey = Heliopolitans
|sortkey = Heliopolitans
|subcat=Marvel Comics}}
}}
'''Heliopolitans''' are a fictional group of gods, based on [[Ancient Egyptian deities]], appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]].
'''Heliopolitans''' are a fictional group of gods, based on [[Ancient Egyptian deities]], appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]].


==Publication history==
==Publication history==
Characters based on [[ancient Egyptian deities]] were first mentioned in ''Captain America Comics'' #20 (November 1942), published by [[Marvel Comics]]' predecessor [[Timely Comics]], in which [[Captain America]] and [[Bucky (Marvel Comics)|Bucky]] investigate the murder of Colonel Fitzpatrick, who was studying the ''[[Book of Thoth]]'' while stationed in Egypt.<ref>''[[Captain America Comics]]'' #20 (November 1942). Marvel Comics.</ref> The Heliopolitans' first full [[Golden Age of Comic Books|Golden Age]] appearance was in the story "The Terror That Creeps" by [[Stan Lee]] and [[Werner Roth (comics)|Werner Roth]], published in ''[[Marvel Tales (1949–1957)|Marvel Tales]]'' #96 (June 1950), and involves a man that fails to convince the public that the [[Great Sphinx of Giza]] is slowly moving to the edge of the desert, where it will be empowered by [[Seth (Marvel Comics)|Set]] and destroy mankind.<ref>''[[Marvel Tales (1949–1957)|Marvel Tales]]'' #96 (June 1950). Marvel Comics.</ref> The goddess [[Bast (Marvel Comics)|Bast]] would later make her first appearance (as a totem) with the [[Black Panther (character)|Black Panther]] in ''[[Fantastic Four]]'' #52 (July 1966), being called only Panther God, in ''Black Panther'' vol. 3 # 21 by [[Christopher Priest (comics)|Christopher Priest]] and Sal Velutto, it was revealed that the Panther God is [[Bast (Marvel Comics)|Bast]].<ref>{{Marvunapp|http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/bast.htm|Panther God}}</ref><ref name="Encyclopedia_Mythologica"/><ref>''[[Fantastic Four]]'' #52 (July 1966). Marvel Comics.</ref> Many of the other deities, including Horus, Isis and [[Osiris (Marvel Comics)|Osiris]], were introduced in ''[[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]]'' #239 (September 1975).<ref>''[[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]]'' #239 (September 1975). Marvel Comics.</ref> [[Khonshu (Marvel Comics)|Khonshu]], who became associated with [[Moon Knight]], first appeared in ''Moon Knight'' #1 (November 1980).<ref>''[[Moon Knight]]'' #1 (November 1980). Marvel Comics.</ref> Joseph Muszynski argued in his book ''Everything I Needed to Know About Life I Learned from Marvel Comics'' that the introduction of Egyptian deities "excited our tendency to enjoy variety" as the pantheon contained multiple gods and personalities as opposed to the [[Judeo-Christian]] religions.<ref>{{cite book |last=Muszynski |first=Joseph |date=May 7, 2017 |title=Everything I Needed to Know About Life I Learned from Marvel Comics |publisher=Lulu |isbn=978-1365686740}}</ref> Ed Strauss contended that Marvel was able to dive into [[ancient Egyptian religion]] because it "had long been retired into the realm of mythology" unlike Christianity.<ref>{{cite book |last=Strauss |first=Ed |date=March 1, 2017 |title=The Superheroes Devotional: 60 Inspirational Readings |publisher=Shiloh Run Press |isbn=978-1634099639}}</ref>
Characters based on [[ancient Egyptian deities]] were first mentioned in ''Captain America Comics'' #20 (November 1942), published by [[Marvel Comics]]' predecessor [[Timely Comics]], in which [[Captain America]] and [[Bucky (Marvel Comics)|Bucky]] investigate the murder of Colonel Fitzpatrick, who was studying the ''[[Book of Thoth]]'' while stationed in Egypt.<ref>''[[Captain America Comics]]'' #20 (November 1942). Marvel Comics.</ref> The Heliopolitans' first full [[Golden Age of Comic Books|Golden Age]] appearance was in the story "The Terror That Creeps" by [[Stan Lee]] and [[Werner Roth (comics)|Werner Roth]], published in ''[[Marvel Tales (1949–1957)|Marvel Tales]]'' #96 (June 1950), and involves a man that fails to convince the public that the [[Great Sphinx of Giza]] is slowly moving to the edge of the desert, where it will be empowered by [[Seth (Marvel Comics)|Set]] and destroy mankind.<ref>''[[Marvel Tales (1949–1957)|Marvel Tales]]'' #96 (June 1950). Marvel Comics.</ref> The goddess [[Bast (Marvel Comics)|Bast]] would later make her first appearance (as a totem) with the [[Black Panther (character)|Black Panther]] in ''[[Fantastic Four]]'' #52 (July 1966), being called only Panther God, in ''Black Panther'' vol. 3 # 21 by [[Christopher Priest (comic book writer)|Christopher Priest]] and Sal Velutto, it was revealed that the Panther God is [[Bast (Marvel Comics)|Bast]].<ref>{{Marvunapp|http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/bast.htm|Panther God}}</ref><ref name="Encyclopedia_Mythologica"/><ref>''[[Fantastic Four]]'' #52 (July 1966). Marvel Comics.</ref> Many of the other deities, including Horus, Isis and [[Osiris (Marvel Comics)|Osiris]], were introduced in ''[[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]]'' #239 (September 1975).<ref>''[[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]]'' #239 (September 1975). Marvel Comics.</ref> [[Khonshu (Marvel Comics)|Khonshu]], who became associated with [[Moon Knight]], first appeared in ''Moon Knight'' #1 (November 1980).<ref>''[[Moon Knight]]'' #1 (November 1980). Marvel Comics.</ref> Joseph Muszynski argued in his book ''Everything I Needed to Know About Life I Learned from Marvel Comics'' that the introduction of Egyptian deities "excited our tendency to enjoy variety" as the pantheon contained multiple gods and personalities as opposed to the [[Judeo-Christian]] religions.<ref>{{cite book |last=Muszynski |first=Joseph |date=May 7, 2017 |title=Everything I Needed to Know About Life I Learned from Marvel Comics |publisher=Lulu |isbn=978-1365686740}}</ref> Ed Strauss contended that Marvel was able to dive into [[ancient Egyptian religion]] because it "had long been retired into the realm of mythology" unlike Christianity.<ref>{{cite book |last=Strauss |first=Ed |date=March 1, 2017 |title=The Superheroes Devotional: 60 Inspirational Readings |publisher=Shiloh Run Press |isbn=978-1634099639}}</ref>


==Fictional history==
==Fictional history==
The Heliopolitans were worshipped as deities by the inhabitants of the [[Nile|Nile River Valley]] from as early as 10,000 BC. According to Heliopolitan legend, the first of these were Gaea (as [[Neith]]), the Demiurge (as [[Nu (mythology)|Nun]]), and [[Set (comics)|Set]] (as [[Apep|Apep/Apophis]]). Neith and Nun sired [[Atum (comics)|Atum]], the first of the [[Ogdoad (Egyptian)|Ogdoad]] — the old gods. As Neith went about creating mortal life, Set desired to destroy her creations. In turn, Neith called Atum for protection. Atum and Set fought for eons until Atum transformed into the Demogorge and drove Set off. After Set's defeat, Atum begot the [[Ennead]] — the new gods, took the name Ra and settled in the sun.<ref name="Encyclopedia_Mythologica">{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Anthony Flamini]], [[Greg Pak]], [[Fred Van Lente]] & [[Paul Cornell]] | Penciller = Kevin Sharpe | Inker = Kevin Sharpe | Story = | Title = Thor & Hercules: Encyclopaedia Mythologica| Issue = 1 | Date = July 2009| Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]] | }}</ref>
The Heliopolitans were worshipped as deities by the inhabitants of the [[Nile|Nile River Valley]] from as early as 10,000 BC. According to Heliopolitan legend, the first of these were Gaea (as [[Neith]]), the Demiurge (as [[Nu (mythology)|Nun]]), and [[Set (comics)|Set]] (as [[Apep|Apep/Apophis]]). Neith and Nun sired [[Atum (comics)|Atum]], the first of the [[Ogdoad (Egyptian)|Ogdoad]] — the old gods. As Neith went about creating mortal life, Set desired to destroy her creations. In turn, Neith called Atum for protection. Atum and Set fought for eons until Atum transformed into the Demogorge and drove Set off. After Set's defeat, Atum begot the [[Ennead]] — the new gods, took the name Ra and settled in the sun.<ref name="Encyclopedia_Mythologica">{{cite comic | Writer = [[Anthony Flamini]], [[Greg Pak]], [[Fred Van Lente]] & [[Paul Cornell]] | Penciller = Kevin Sharpe | Inker = Kevin Sharpe | Story = | Title = Thor & Hercules: Encyclopaedia Mythologica| Issue = 1 | Date = July 2009| Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]] | }}</ref>


The Ennead resided in the ancient city of [[Heliopolis (ancient Egypt)|Heliopolis]] until their king [[Osiris (Marvel Comics)|Osiris]] placed mortal [[pharaoh]]s in charge so that the gods could become less involved with human affairs and relocated themselves to the extradimensional realm of Celestial Heliopolis, known to the ancient Egyptians as "[[Aaru]]."<ref name="Encyclopedia_Mythologica" /> A few, including [[Bast (Marvel Comics)|Bast]], Sobek, [[Sekhmet (comics)|Sekhmet]], [[Thoth]], and Ptah choose to remain on Earth, integrating themselves into ''The Orisha'', the pantheon of [[Wakanda]].<ref name=":1">{{cite web|title=A Guide to the Myths, Legends, and Gods of Wakanda|url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/a-guide-to-the-myths-legends-and-gods-of-wakanda|access-date=2020-01-31|website=Marvel Entertainment|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web|title=Black Panther's Sequel Could Bring a New Mythology Into the MCU|date=21 February 2018 |url=https://www.cbr.com/black-panther-sequel-new-gods-mcu/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222225817/https://www.cbr.com/black-panther-sequel-new-gods-mcu/|archive-date=2018-02-22|access-date=2018-02-22}}</ref>
The Ennead resided in the ancient city of [[Heliopolis (ancient Egypt)|Heliopolis]] until their king [[Osiris (Marvel Comics)|Osiris]] placed mortal [[pharaoh]]s in charge so that the gods could become less involved with human affairs and relocated themselves to the extradimensional realm of Celestial Heliopolis, known to the ancient Egyptians as "[[Aaru]]."<ref name="Encyclopedia_Mythologica" /> A few, including [[Bast (Marvel Comics)|Bast]], Sobek, [[Sekhmet (comics)|Sekhmet]], [[Thoth]], and Ptah choose to remain on Earth, integrating themselves into ''The Orisha'', the pantheon of [[Wakanda]].<ref name=":1">{{cite web|title=A Guide to the Myths, Legends, and Gods of Wakanda|url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/a-guide-to-the-myths-legends-and-gods-of-wakanda|access-date=2020-01-31|website=Marvel Entertainment|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web|title=Black Panther's Sequel Could Bring a New Mythology Into the MCU|date=21 February 2018 |url=https://www.cbr.com/black-panther-sequel-new-gods-mcu/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222225817/https://www.cbr.com/black-panther-sequel-new-gods-mcu/|archive-date=2018-02-22|access-date=2018-02-22}}</ref> Bast would eventually become the patron deity of Wakanda, while Sobek and Sekhmet became patrons of lesser influential Wakandan cults.<ref name="Encyclopedia_Mythologica" /> Eons ago during the First Blasphemy, [[Khonshu (Marvel Comics)|Khonshu]] tries to avenge a prisoner that was killed by [[Varnae]] only for Bast to tell Khonshu to stay his hand. Varnae who stole Vibranium from the Fires of Ptah and planned to ascend to godhood. This attracted the attention of Khonshu who met with Bast, Eshu, Gherke, and Ptah during [[Ra (Marvel Comics)|Ra]]'s slumber. He wants the gods in the surrounding realms to be made aware before he retaliates. He gets their support alongside the support of Kokou the Ever-Burning. In the distant past, Bast and Gherke lead the Enneads and the Orishas against Varnae's forces. Kokou confronts Varnae in his temple. The prisoners are evacuated as Bast instructs the black panthers to take the prisoners west and wait for the news of victory.<ref>''Black Panther: Blood Hunt'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>
Bast would eventually become the patron deity of Wakanda, while Sobek and Sekhmet became patrons of lesser influential Wakandan cults.<ref name="Encyclopedia_Mythologica" />


In Celestial Heliopolis, Seth murdered his brother Osiris in an attempted coup but Osiris' wife [[Isis (Marvel Comics)|Isis]], and his sons Horus and Anubis combined their powers to resurrect Osiris. Osiris then dispatched Horus to exact revenge on Seth in a battle that lasted for several hundred years, ending when Seth gained the upper hand and sealed the gods in a pyramid.<ref name="Encyclopedia_Mythologica" /> The trapped gods remained in the pyramid for several millennia until they managed to reach out to the [[Asgard (comics)|Asgardian]] god [[Odin (Marvel Comics)|Odin]]. With help from Odin's son, [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]], they defeated Seth, severing his left hand as they battled, and freed the Heliopolitans.<ref>''Thor'' #240-241 (October–November 1975). Marvel Comics.</ref> The Heliopolitans had captured a large creature called the [[Devourer (comics)|Devourer]], who later escaped and fought [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]] and the [[Ben Grimm|Thing]].<ref>''Marvel Two-in-One'' #23</ref>
In Celestial Heliopolis, Seth murdered his brother Osiris in an attempted coup but Osiris' wife [[Isis (Marvel Comics)|Isis]], and his sons Horus and Anubis combined their powers to resurrect Osiris. Osiris then dispatched Horus to exact revenge on Seth in a battle that lasted for several hundred years, ending when Seth gained the upper hand and sealed the gods in a pyramid.<ref name="Encyclopedia_Mythologica" /> The trapped gods remained in the pyramid for several millennia until they managed to reach out to the [[Asgard (comics)|Asgardian]] god [[Odin (Marvel Comics)|Odin]]. With help from Odin's son, [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]], they defeated Seth, severing his left hand as they battled, and freed the Heliopolitans.<ref>''Thor'' #240-241 (October–November 1975). Marvel Comics.</ref> The Heliopolitans had captured a large creature called the [[Devourer (comics)|Devourer]], who later escaped and fought [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]] and the [[Ben Grimm|Thing]].<ref>''Marvel Two-in-One'' #23</ref>
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The gods of Heliopolis, powerless and calling themselves "Lost Ones", joined Thor and [[Earth Force (Marvel Comics)|Earth Force]] in fighting Seth and his forces again, and ultimately regained their powers after the apparent death of Seth.<ref>''Thor'' #397-400 (November 1988-February 1989). Marvel Comics.</ref>
The gods of Heliopolis, powerless and calling themselves "Lost Ones", joined Thor and [[Earth Force (Marvel Comics)|Earth Force]] in fighting Seth and his forces again, and ultimately regained their powers after the apparent death of Seth.<ref>''Thor'' #397-400 (November 1988-February 1989). Marvel Comics.</ref>

The pages of ''Moon Knight: City of the Dead'' reveals that Heliopolitan Taweret assists in the judgement of souls in Duat.<ref>''Moon Knight: City of the Dead'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>


==Members==
==Members==
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* Osiris — The god of the dead
* Osiris — The god of the dead
* Ptah — The god of craftsmen and architects
* Ptah — The god of craftsmen and architects
* Ra - The king of the Heliopolitans and god of the sun
* Sekhmet — The god of war
* Sekhmet — The god of war
* Set — The god of chaos and creation
* Seth — The god of evil and death
* Seth — The god of evil and death
* Sobek - The god of rivers
* Sobek - The god of rivers
* Taweret - The goddess of fertility
* Thoth — The god of wisdom
* Thoth — The god of wisdom
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}

==Other versions==
In the pages of "[[Ultimate Invasion]]", [[Maker (character)|Maker]] traveled to [[Ultimate Universe|Earth-6160]] and remade it into his own image. Lord Ra and Lord Khonshu are depicted as members of the [[Illuminati (comics)#Ultimate Universe|Maker's Council]], serving as the [[theocratic]] rulers of the Upper and Lower Kingdoms of Africa. It s said that during meetings, Lord Ra speaks when the Sun is up and [[Khonshu (Marvel Comics)#Earth-6160|Lord Khonshu]] speaks when the Moon is up, as Emmanuel da Costa mentions this during a conversation with [[Howard Stark#Ultimate Universe|Howard Stark]].<ref>''Ultimate Invasion'' #3. Marvel Comics.</ref> Lord Ra and Lord Khonshu also work together under the name of Moon Knight where they soon face opposition from [[Black Panther (character)#Ultimate Universe|Black Panther]] as they intend on annexing [[Wakanda]].<ref>''Ultimate Black Panther'' #1-2. Marvel Comics.</ref> Just like in the mainstream universe, Bast is the patron goddess of Wakanda.<ref>''Ultimate Black Panther'' #3. Marvel Comics.</ref>


==In other media==
==In other media==
=== Marvel Cinematic Universe ===
=== Marvel Cinematic Universe ===
*The gods Bast and Sekhmet were both mentioned by T'Challa / Black Panther in the 2016 [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] film ''[[Captain America: Civil War]]'', with T'Challa explaining, "In my culture, death is not the end. It's more of a stepping-off point. You reach out with both hands, and Bast and Sekhmet, they lead you into the green [[veld]] where you can run forever."<ref>{{cite web |last=Sum |first=Ed |date=May 27, 2016 |title=Identifying Bast and Sekhmet in Captain America: Civil War, The Black Panther Movie Lore |url=https://otakunoculture.com/2016/05/27/bast-and-sekhmet-captainamericacivilwar/ |publisher=otakunoculture.com |access-date=June 14, 2017}}</ref> Bast is again mentioned in the prologue of the 2018 film ''[[Black Panther (film)|Black Panther]]'' as having helped the first Black Panther become king of [[Wakanda]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Armitage |first=Hugh |date=February 15, 2018 |title=Updated: 11 Black Panther Easter eggs and references to the wider Marvel world |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/black-panther/feature/a849586/black-panther-easter-eggs-mcu-references/ |publisher=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=February 19, 2018}}</ref> and later appears in person in ''[[Thor: Love and Thunder]]'' portrayed by Akosia Sabet.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Thor: Love and Thunder Photo Confirms Major Black Panther 2 Connection |url=https://comicbook.com/marvel/news/thor-love-thunder-spoilers-bast-black-panther-god-confirmed-new-photo/ |access-date=2022-06-01 |website=ComicBook.com |language=en}}</ref>
* The gods Bast and Sekhmet were both mentioned by T'Challa / Black Panther in the 2016 [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] film ''[[Captain America: Civil War]]'', with T'Challa explaining, "In my culture, death is not the end. It's more of a stepping-off point. You reach out with both hands, and Bast and Sekhmet, they lead you into the green [[veld]] where you can run forever."<ref>{{cite web |last=Sum |first=Ed |date=May 27, 2016 |title=Identifying Bast and Sekhmet in Captain America: Civil War, The Black Panther Movie Lore |url=https://otakunoculture.com/2016/05/27/bast-and-sekhmet-captainamericacivilwar/ |publisher=otakunoculture.com |access-date=June 14, 2017}}</ref> Bast is again mentioned in the prologue of the 2018 film ''[[Black Panther (film)|Black Panther]]'' as having helped the first Black Panther become king of [[Wakanda]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Armitage |first=Hugh |date=February 15, 2018 |title=Updated: 11 Black Panther Easter eggs and references to the wider Marvel world |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/black-panther/feature/a849586/black-panther-easter-eggs-mcu-references/ |publisher=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=February 19, 2018}}</ref> and later appears in person in ''[[Thor: Love and Thunder]]'' portrayed by Akosia Sabet.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Thor: Love and Thunder Photo Confirms Major Black Panther 2 Connection |url=https://comicbook.com/marvel/news/thor-love-thunder-spoilers-bast-black-panther-god-confirmed-new-photo/ |access-date=2022-06-01 |website=ComicBook.com |date=16 May 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
*[[Khonshu (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Khonshu]] appears in the live-action [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] (MCU) television series ''[[Moon Knight (TV series)|Moon Knight]]'', performed by Karim El-Hakim and voiced by [[F. Murray Abraham]].<ref name="ProductionBrief">{{Cite web |date=March 16, 2022 |title=Moon Knight Production Brief |url=https://lumiere-a.akamaihd.net/v1/documents/moon_knight_production_brief_rev_3-16-22_5ee41a2d.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325201532/https://lumiere-a.akamaihd.net/v1/documents/moon_knight_production_brief_rev_3-16-22_5ee41a2d.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2022 |access-date=March 27, 2022 |publisher=[[Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution]]}}</ref><!-- Obtained from https://dmedmedia.disney.com/disney-plus/moon-knight --><ref name="AbrahamKhonshu">{{Cite web |last=Leston |first=Ryan |date=February 15, 2022 |title=Moon Knight Adds F. Murray Abraham as Khonshu |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/moon-knight-f-murray-abraham-as-khonshu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215170316/https://www.ign.com/articles/moon-knight-f-murray-abraham-as-khonshu |archive-date=February 15, 2022 |access-date=February 15, 2022 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref><ref name="AbrahamMarvel" /> This version of Khonshu is an outcast amongst his fellow Egyptian gods for waging a "one-god war on perceived injustices", which necessitates him to find and use his avatar, [[Marc Spector (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Marc Spector]].<ref name="ProductionBrief" />{{rp|7}} Additionally, Khonshu was described by the series' [[head writer]] [[Jeremy Slater]] as an "imperious and sort of snotty and vengeful" deity, who is prone to temper tantrums and is dealing with his own insecurities,<ref name="USATodayMarch2022">{{Cite web |last=Truitt |first=Brian |date=March 10, 2022 |title=Oscar Isaac's 'Moon Knight' rises as a Marvel superhero with mental-health struggles |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2022/03/10/moon-knight-oscar-isaacs-marvel-hero-wrestles-mental-illness/9364968002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310152451/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2022/03/10/moon-knight-oscar-isaacs-marvel-hero-wrestles-mental-illness/9364968002/ |archive-date=March 10, 2022 |access-date=March 10, 2022 |website=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> adding he was more interested in a version of the character that had "his own moral failings and weaknesses" rather than one who was "always right and impervious to mistakes". Abraham called Khonshu "outrageous" and "capable of doing anything and charming his way out of it". As well, Abraham believed Khonshu was unselfish and willing to sacrifice himself the same way he demands sacrifice from others.<ref name="AbrahamMarvel">{{Cite web |last=Paige |first=Rachel |date=May 4, 2022 |title=Khonshu Speaks! An In-Depth Interview with F. Murray Abraham About 'Moon Knight' |url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/tv-shows/moon-knight-khonshu-f-murray-abraham-interview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505110821/https://www.marvel.com/articles/tv-shows/moon-knight-khonshu-f-murray-abraham-interview |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |access-date=May 7, 2022 |website=[[Marvel.com]]}}</ref>
* [[Khonshu (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Khonshu]] and [[Taweret (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Taweret]] appears in the live-action [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] (MCU) television series ''[[Moon Knight (miniseries)|Moon Knight]]'', with Khonshu performed by Karim El-Hakim and voiced by [[F. Murray Abraham]]<ref name="ProductionBrief">{{Cite web |date=March 16, 2022 |title=Moon Knight Production Brief |url=https://lumiere-a.akamaihd.net/v1/documents/moon_knight_production_brief_rev_3-16-22_5ee41a2d.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325201532/https://lumiere-a.akamaihd.net/v1/documents/moon_knight_production_brief_rev_3-16-22_5ee41a2d.pdf |archive-date=March 25, 2022 |access-date=March 27, 2022 |publisher=[[Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution]]}}</ref><!-- Obtained from https://dmedmedia.disney.com/disney-plus/moon-knight --><ref name="AbrahamKhonshu">{{Cite web |last=Leston |first=Ryan |date=February 15, 2022 |title=Moon Knight Adds F. Murray Abraham as Khonshu |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/moon-knight-f-murray-abraham-as-khonshu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215170316/https://www.ign.com/articles/moon-knight-f-murray-abraham-as-khonshu |archive-date=February 15, 2022 |access-date=February 15, 2022 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> and Taweret voiced and motion-captured by Atonia Salib.<ref name="SalibMarvel">{{Cite web |last=Paige |first=Rachel |date=April 27, 2022 |title='Moon Knight': Antonia Salib on Bringing Taweret to Life |url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/tv-shows/moon-knight-antonia-salib-taweret |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506100809/https://www.marvel.com/articles/tv-shows/moon-knight-antonia-salib-taweret |archive-date=May 6, 2022 |access-date=May 8, 2022 |website=[[Marvel.com]]}}</ref> Khonshu is an outcast amongst his fellow Egyptian gods for waging a "one-god war on perceived injustices", which necessitates him to find and use his avatar, [[Marc Spector (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Marc Spector]].<ref name="ProductionBrief" /> Taweret guides the souls to Duat and later briefly turns Layla El-Faouly into [[Scarlet Scarab]].<ref name="SalibMarvel"/>
* Bast appears in ''[[Thor: Love and Thunder]]'', portrayed by Akosia Sabet.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnhardt |first=Adam |date=May 16, 2022 |title=New Thor: Love and Thunder Photo Confirms Major Black Panther 2 Connection |url=https://comicbook.com/marvel/news/thor-love-thunder-spoilers-bast-black-panther-god-confirmed-new-photo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517015520/https://comicbook.com/marvel/news/thor-love-thunder-spoilers-bast-black-panther-god-confirmed-new-photo/ |archive-date=May 17, 2022 |access-date=May 16, 2022 |website=[[ComicBook.com]]}}</ref> She is a member of the [[Council of Godheads]] and is among its members that meet with [[Zeus (Marvel Comics)|Zeus]] in Omnipotence City.


=== Video games ===
=== Video games ===
Horus appears in ''[[Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2]]'', voiced by [[Colin McFarlane]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Characters|url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/lego-marvel-super-heroes-2/Characters|website=IGN Database|access-date=14 February 2018}}</ref> He is found in the Egypt area of Chronopolis and helps Captain America, Doctor Strange, and Thor fight an awakened [[N'Kantu, the Living Mummy]] while Captain Marvel works to free Hulk from the quicksand. After Loki is defeated, Horus sees to it that Loki puts right what he has wronged in Egypt.
Horus appears in ''[[Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2]]'', voiced by [[Colin McFarlane]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Characters|url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/lego-marvel-super-heroes-2/Characters|website=IGN Database|date=19 May 2017 |access-date=14 February 2018}}</ref> He is found in the Egypt area of Chronopolis and helps Captain America, Doctor Strange, and Thor fight an awakened [[N'Kantu, the Living Mummy]] while Captain Marvel works to free Hulk from the quicksand. After Loki is defeated, Horus sees to it that Loki puts right what he has wronged in Egypt.


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 04:14, 24 November 2024

Heliopolitans
Heliopolitans in Thor & Hercules: Encyclopaedia Mythologica #1 (September 2009). Art by Kevin Sharpe
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceMarvel Tales #96 (June 1950)
Created byStan Lee (Writer)
Werner Roth (Artist)
Characteristics
Place of originCelestial Heliopolis
Notable membersSee Members

Heliopolitans are a fictional group of gods, based on Ancient Egyptian deities, appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

Publication history

[edit]

Characters based on ancient Egyptian deities were first mentioned in Captain America Comics #20 (November 1942), published by Marvel Comics' predecessor Timely Comics, in which Captain America and Bucky investigate the murder of Colonel Fitzpatrick, who was studying the Book of Thoth while stationed in Egypt.[1] The Heliopolitans' first full Golden Age appearance was in the story "The Terror That Creeps" by Stan Lee and Werner Roth, published in Marvel Tales #96 (June 1950), and involves a man that fails to convince the public that the Great Sphinx of Giza is slowly moving to the edge of the desert, where it will be empowered by Set and destroy mankind.[2] The goddess Bast would later make her first appearance (as a totem) with the Black Panther in Fantastic Four #52 (July 1966), being called only Panther God, in Black Panther vol. 3 # 21 by Christopher Priest and Sal Velutto, it was revealed that the Panther God is Bast.[3][4][5] Many of the other deities, including Horus, Isis and Osiris, were introduced in Thor #239 (September 1975).[6] Khonshu, who became associated with Moon Knight, first appeared in Moon Knight #1 (November 1980).[7] Joseph Muszynski argued in his book Everything I Needed to Know About Life I Learned from Marvel Comics that the introduction of Egyptian deities "excited our tendency to enjoy variety" as the pantheon contained multiple gods and personalities as opposed to the Judeo-Christian religions.[8] Ed Strauss contended that Marvel was able to dive into ancient Egyptian religion because it "had long been retired into the realm of mythology" unlike Christianity.[9]

Fictional history

[edit]

The Heliopolitans were worshipped as deities by the inhabitants of the Nile River Valley from as early as 10,000 BC. According to Heliopolitan legend, the first of these were Gaea (as Neith), the Demiurge (as Nun), and Set (as Apep/Apophis). Neith and Nun sired Atum, the first of the Ogdoad — the old gods. As Neith went about creating mortal life, Set desired to destroy her creations. In turn, Neith called Atum for protection. Atum and Set fought for eons until Atum transformed into the Demogorge and drove Set off. After Set's defeat, Atum begot the Ennead — the new gods, took the name Ra and settled in the sun.[4]

The Ennead resided in the ancient city of Heliopolis until their king Osiris placed mortal pharaohs in charge so that the gods could become less involved with human affairs and relocated themselves to the extradimensional realm of Celestial Heliopolis, known to the ancient Egyptians as "Aaru."[4] A few, including Bast, Sobek, Sekhmet, Thoth, and Ptah choose to remain on Earth, integrating themselves into The Orisha, the pantheon of Wakanda.[10][11] Bast would eventually become the patron deity of Wakanda, while Sobek and Sekhmet became patrons of lesser influential Wakandan cults.[4] Eons ago during the First Blasphemy, Khonshu tries to avenge a prisoner that was killed by Varnae only for Bast to tell Khonshu to stay his hand. Varnae who stole Vibranium from the Fires of Ptah and planned to ascend to godhood. This attracted the attention of Khonshu who met with Bast, Eshu, Gherke, and Ptah during Ra's slumber. He wants the gods in the surrounding realms to be made aware before he retaliates. He gets their support alongside the support of Kokou the Ever-Burning. In the distant past, Bast and Gherke lead the Enneads and the Orishas against Varnae's forces. Kokou confronts Varnae in his temple. The prisoners are evacuated as Bast instructs the black panthers to take the prisoners west and wait for the news of victory.[12]

In Celestial Heliopolis, Seth murdered his brother Osiris in an attempted coup but Osiris' wife Isis, and his sons Horus and Anubis combined their powers to resurrect Osiris. Osiris then dispatched Horus to exact revenge on Seth in a battle that lasted for several hundred years, ending when Seth gained the upper hand and sealed the gods in a pyramid.[4] The trapped gods remained in the pyramid for several millennia until they managed to reach out to the Asgardian god Odin. With help from Odin's son, Thor, they defeated Seth, severing his left hand as they battled, and freed the Heliopolitans.[13] The Heliopolitans had captured a large creature called the Devourer, who later escaped and fought Thor and the Thing.[14]

Osiris later empowered Thor to revive Asgardians who were harmed by the Destroyer.[15]

The gods of Heliopolis, powerless and calling themselves "Lost Ones", joined Thor and Earth Force in fighting Seth and his forces again, and ultimately regained their powers after the apparent death of Seth.[16]

The pages of Moon Knight: City of the Dead reveals that Heliopolitan Taweret assists in the judgement of souls in Duat.[17]

Members

[edit]
  • Anubis — The god of the afterlife
  • Atum — The god of the sun
  • Bast — The god of pleasure, poetry and dance
  • Bes — The god of luck and probability
  • Geb — The god of the Earth
  • Horus — The god of the Sun
  • Isis — The goddess of fertility
  • Khonshu — The god of the Moon
  • Neith — The goddess of the Earth
  • Nun — The god of the watery abyss
  • Nut — The goddess of the sky
  • Osiris — The god of the dead
  • Ptah — The god of craftsmen and architects
  • Ra - The king of the Heliopolitans and god of the sun
  • Sekhmet — The god of war
  • Seth — The god of evil and death
  • Sobek - The god of rivers
  • Taweret - The goddess of fertility
  • Thoth — The god of wisdom

Other versions

[edit]

In the pages of "Ultimate Invasion", Maker traveled to Earth-6160 and remade it into his own image. Lord Ra and Lord Khonshu are depicted as members of the Maker's Council, serving as the theocratic rulers of the Upper and Lower Kingdoms of Africa. It s said that during meetings, Lord Ra speaks when the Sun is up and Lord Khonshu speaks when the Moon is up, as Emmanuel da Costa mentions this during a conversation with Howard Stark.[18] Lord Ra and Lord Khonshu also work together under the name of Moon Knight where they soon face opposition from Black Panther as they intend on annexing Wakanda.[19] Just like in the mainstream universe, Bast is the patron goddess of Wakanda.[20]

In other media

[edit]

Marvel Cinematic Universe

[edit]

Video games

[edit]

Horus appears in Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2, voiced by Colin McFarlane.[28] He is found in the Egypt area of Chronopolis and helps Captain America, Doctor Strange, and Thor fight an awakened N'Kantu, the Living Mummy while Captain Marvel works to free Hulk from the quicksand. After Loki is defeated, Horus sees to it that Loki puts right what he has wronged in Egypt.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Captain America Comics #20 (November 1942). Marvel Comics.
  2. ^ Marvel Tales #96 (June 1950). Marvel Comics.
  3. ^ Panther God at The Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe
  4. ^ a b c d e Anthony Flamini, Greg Pak, Fred Van Lente & Paul Cornell (w), Kevin Sharpe (p), Kevin Sharpe (i). Thor & Hercules: Encyclopaedia Mythologica, no. 1 (July 2009). Marvel Comics.
  5. ^ Fantastic Four #52 (July 1966). Marvel Comics.
  6. ^ Thor #239 (September 1975). Marvel Comics.
  7. ^ Moon Knight #1 (November 1980). Marvel Comics.
  8. ^ Muszynski, Joseph (May 7, 2017). Everything I Needed to Know About Life I Learned from Marvel Comics. Lulu. ISBN 978-1365686740.
  9. ^ Strauss, Ed (March 1, 2017). The Superheroes Devotional: 60 Inspirational Readings. Shiloh Run Press. ISBN 978-1634099639.
  10. ^ "A Guide to the Myths, Legends, and Gods of Wakanda". Marvel Entertainment. Retrieved 2020-01-31.
  11. ^ "Black Panther's Sequel Could Bring a New Mythology Into the MCU". 21 February 2018. Archived from the original on 2018-02-22. Retrieved 2018-02-22.
  12. ^ Black Panther: Blood Hunt #2. Marvel Comics.
  13. ^ Thor #240-241 (October–November 1975). Marvel Comics.
  14. ^ Marvel Two-in-One #23
  15. ^ Thor #301 (November 1980). Marvel Comics.
  16. ^ Thor #397-400 (November 1988-February 1989). Marvel Comics.
  17. ^ Moon Knight: City of the Dead #2. Marvel Comics.
  18. ^ Ultimate Invasion #3. Marvel Comics.
  19. ^ Ultimate Black Panther #1-2. Marvel Comics.
  20. ^ Ultimate Black Panther #3. Marvel Comics.
  21. ^ Sum, Ed (May 27, 2016). "Identifying Bast and Sekhmet in Captain America: Civil War, The Black Panther Movie Lore". otakunoculture.com. Retrieved June 14, 2017.
  22. ^ Armitage, Hugh (February 15, 2018). "Updated: 11 Black Panther Easter eggs and references to the wider Marvel world". Digital Spy. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  23. ^ "New Thor: Love and Thunder Photo Confirms Major Black Panther 2 Connection". ComicBook.com. 16 May 2022. Retrieved 2022-06-01.
  24. ^ a b "Moon Knight Production Brief" (PDF). Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution. March 16, 2022. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 25, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  25. ^ Leston, Ryan (February 15, 2022). "Moon Knight Adds F. Murray Abraham as Khonshu". IGN. Archived from the original on February 15, 2022. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  26. ^ a b Paige, Rachel (April 27, 2022). "'Moon Knight': Antonia Salib on Bringing Taweret to Life". Marvel.com. Archived from the original on May 6, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  27. ^ Barnhardt, Adam (May 16, 2022). "New Thor: Love and Thunder Photo Confirms Major Black Panther 2 Connection". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on May 17, 2022. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  28. ^ "Characters". IGN Database. 19 May 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
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