Entire History of Agatha Harkness

Summary

This video explores the extensive comic book history of Agatha Harkness, a powerful and ancient witch in the Marvel Universe. Initially introduced as a babysitter for the Fantastic Four, Agatha's story dates back to eons before Atlantis sank. She became a formidable witch, forming covens and surviving witch hunts, even manipulating the Salem witch trials. Her journey weaves through major historical events, mentoring powerful characters like Scarlet Witch, fighting wars, and becoming a key figure in mystical battles. Agatha's complex character evolution includes both heroic and morally gray actions as she navigates the magical world.

Takeaways

• 📜 Agatha Harkness first appeared in *Fantastic Four* #94, created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee.
• 🧙‍♀️ Agatha is an ancient witch, over half a millennium old before the sinking of Atlantis.
• 🌌 She met the cosmic entity Scrier, who promised to help her in times of need.
• 🧑‍🌾 Agatha formed a powerful coven during the 1400s, which included other mystical figures like Minoru and Zoric.
• 🔥 The Salem witch trials became a turning point where Agatha orchestrated the persecution of witches to help them grow stronger, revealing a darker side of her character.
• 👶 Agatha became Franklin Richards' nanny, which led to her aiding the Fantastic Four in several battles.
• 🧑‍🏫 She later mentored Wanda Maximoff (The Scarlet Witch), becoming her most influential teacher.
• 💔 Agatha mind-wiped Wanda to make her forget her magically-created children, which led to Wanda eventually killing her.
• 🌄 Agatha later helped found a mystical community in New Salem and fought to protect it from her son Nicholas Scratch and his children, Salem's 7.
• 📖 Recently, Agatha reemerged in Marvel's *Contest of Chaos*, attempting to create a new Darkhold and manipulating several heroes for her own dark plans.

Q & A

What was Agatha Harkness's first appearance in Marvel Comics?

Agatha Harkness first appeared in 'Fantastic Four' issue #94, created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee.

How old is Agatha Harkness in relation to historical events in the Marvel Universe?

Agatha is over half a millennium old before the legendary city of Atlantis was swallowed by the oceans, indicating she has existed for eons.

What was Agatha's relationship with the cosmic entity Scrier?

Agatha met Scrier, a mysterious cosmic entity older than Galactus, who promised to show up when she needed him.

What led to Agatha forming a coven during the 1400s, and what happened to one of her coven sisters?

Agatha formed a coven with other magic users to fight against the witch hunts of the 1400s. One of her coven sisters, Jette Lavo, sacrificed another sister, Karina, to summon the Lord of Decay, Valtor, leading to Agatha’s guilt after failing to revive Karina.

What role did Agatha play during the Salem Witch Trials?

Agatha secretly approved of the Salem Witch Trials, believing that adversity would help magic users grow stronger. She even tasked her coven with assassinating weaker magic users to prepare for a war against humans.

Who was Firestar, and how did she challenge Agatha during the Salem Witch Trials?

Firestar, a mutant transported back in time, opposed Agatha's plan during the Salem Witch Trials and ultimately fought and defeated Agatha. She convinced Agatha to abandon her war preparations.

What was Agatha's role in the creation of New Salem, and who became her primary antagonist within it?

Agatha created New Salem as a sanctuary for magic users after the witch trials. However, her son Nicholas Scratch and his children, Salem’s Seven, later became her enemies, branding her a traitor and taking control of New Salem.

How did Agatha Harkness become involved with the Fantastic Four?

After World War II, Agatha became a nanny for Reed Richards and Sue Storm’s son, Franklin. She proved her magical abilities by defending the Fantastic Four from the Frightful Four.

What significant role did Agatha play in Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch)’s life?

Agatha became Wanda’s mentor, helping her hone her magical abilities. However, Agatha later erased Wanda’s memory of her children, leading Wanda to eventually confront and defeat her mentor.

What was Agatha Harkness's role in the Marvel event 'Contest of Chaos'?

In 'Contest of Chaos,' Agatha attempted to forge a new Darkhold, tricking Wanda into helping her. She mind-controlled superheroes to participate in a tournament, but her plans were thwarted by Clea and the Avengers.