What Does Knull Need With Earth?
Knull, the God of the Symbiotes, views Earth as the ultimate prize in his cosmic crusade: a symbolic and strategically vital location to solidify his dominion and extinguish the light of creation. Earth represents not just another planet to conquer, but a lynchpin to his overarching goal of plunging the universe back into the primordial darkness from which he emerged.
Knull’s Unholy Crusade: An Overview
Knull isn’t driven by a simple lust for power. His motivations are rooted in profound resentment and existential rage. He hates the Light of Creation, the spark that brought existence into being after his reign of nothingness. He sees the universe, filled with life and vibrance, as a blasphemy against his original domain. Earth, with its rich history of heroes, its connection to the Symbiote mythos, and its symbolic representation of hope, stands as a beacon of that Light.
Knull desires to snuff out this beacon, to corrupt it, and to use it as a staging ground for spreading his influence throughout the cosmos. He doesn’t just want to conquer Earth; he wants to desecrate it, to turn it into a monument to his triumph over creation.
Understanding the Symbiote God
Knull’s power stems from his unique connection to the Living Abyss, a sentient darkness that predates the universe. He forged All-Black the Necrosword from this abyss, a weapon capable of slaying gods. This sword, and the subsequent symbiotes spawned from it, are extensions of Knull’s will, tools in his crusade against existence.
His control over the symbiotes isn’t merely dominion; it’s a direct neural link. He experiences their triumphs and failures, their pain and joy. This connection makes Earth particularly important, as many symbiotes have bonded with Earthlings, creating a deep, intrinsic link between Knull and the planet’s inhabitants.
Earth: The Strategic Prize
Earth’s strategic value for Knull can be broken down into several key factors:
1. Symbolic Victory
Conquering Earth represents a significant blow against the forces of good and order in the universe. It’s a psychological victory as much as a physical one. He wants the universe to know that even the most cherished worlds are vulnerable to his power.
2. Symbiote Propagation
Earth is fertile ground for symbiote propagation. The planet is teeming with hosts, capable of bonding with and amplifying the power of Knull’s creations. By flooding Earth with symbiotes, he can create an army of unparalleled might.
3. Gateway to Other Worlds
Earth is strategically located near several key cosmic entities and worlds. From Earth, Knull can launch incursions into Asgard, other dimensions, and even target celestial beings. It provides him with a staging ground for galactic conquest.
4. Corrupting the Heroic Ideal
Earth is home to countless heroes who embody the spirit of hope and resistance. Knull wants to break their spirits, to corrupt them, and to turn them into weapons against their own kind. He seeks to dismantle the very idea of heroism, replacing it with despair and nihilism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Knull and Earth
FAQ 1: What is the Living Abyss and why is it important to Knull?
The Living Abyss is a sentient darkness that existed before the universe, a void of pure nothingness. It’s the source of Knull’s power and the foundation of his hatred for creation. He sees it as the true state of existence, a state that was unjustly disrupted by the birth of the universe. The Abyss fuels his symbiotes and grants him near-omnipotent abilities.
FAQ 2: How does Knull control the symbiotes?
Knull doesn’t just control the symbiotes; he is connected to them. They are extensions of his will, formed from his own living darkness. He has a direct neural link to every symbiote, allowing him to influence their actions, experience their senses, and even inhabit their bodies.
FAQ 3: Why is Venom so important in the fight against Knull?
Venom, particularly Eddie Brock, represents a challenge to Knull’s control. Eddie’s strong will and the unique bond he shares with the Venom symbiote make him resistant to Knull’s influence. Venom’s ability to evolve and adapt makes him a vital weapon against Knull’s overwhelming power. He is a symbol of resistance and a potential key to defeating the Symbiote God.
FAQ 4: What are the “Codex” in relation to Knull?
The Codex is a collection of genetic memories and experiences left behind by symbiotes when they bond with hosts. These memories are stored in the host’s DNA and can be accessed by other symbiotes, including Knull. This allows Knull to gather information and influence potential hosts.
FAQ 5: Can Knull be killed?
Definitively killing Knull is an incredibly difficult feat. His connection to the Living Abyss grants him immense resilience and the ability to regenerate. He has been seemingly defeated before, but his power is deeply ingrained in the fabric of existence. It likely requires a force capable of extinguishing the Living Abyss itself to truly eliminate him.
FAQ 6: What role do the Celestials play in Knull’s origins?
The Celestials, ancient cosmic beings responsible for seeding life throughout the universe, inadvertently triggered Knull’s wrath. When they created the universe, their actions disrupted his primordial domain of darkness, leading to his hatred and desire for revenge. He sees them as the ultimate blasphemers.
FAQ 7: Is Knull a God in the traditional sense?
While often referred to as the “God of the Symbiotes,” Knull is more of a primordial force of nature, a being of immense power born from the void before creation. He doesn’t possess the same benevolent or overseeing qualities associated with traditional gods. He is driven by pure, unadulterated vengeance and a desire to return the universe to nothingness.
FAQ 8: What is the significance of the Necrosword (All-Black)?
The Necrosword (All-Black) is the first symbiote, forged by Knull from the Living Abyss. It is an incredibly powerful weapon capable of killing gods. Its power is directly linked to Knull, and it amplifies his ability to control and manipulate the symbiotes.
FAQ 9: Does Knull have any weaknesses?
Despite his immense power, Knull has vulnerabilities. His connection to the symbiotes can be exploited, and disrupting his control over them can weaken him. Also, intense light and energy, especially those derived from creation (the very thing he hates), can inflict damage upon him. A strong unified front and a refusal to surrender to despair can also weaken his psychological grip.
FAQ 10: What is the difference between a Symbiote controlled by Knull and a Symbiote with free will?
Symbiotes under Knull’s control are essentially extensions of his will, acting as puppets following his commands. Symbiotes with free will, like Venom, have developed their own consciousness and independent goals, often fueled by their bond with a host. This independence makes them resistant to Knull’s influence.
FAQ 11: How does Knull’s threat compare to other cosmic threats the Marvel Universe has faced?
Knull’s threat is arguably more profound than many other cosmic threats. While others may seek conquest or domination, Knull aims for complete annihilation, a return to the nothingness that preceded creation. His connection to the Living Abyss and his control over the symbiotes make him a uniquely dangerous and existentially terrifying foe.
FAQ 12: What is the ultimate goal of Knull’s “King in Black” event?
The “King in Black” event represented Knull’s ultimate attempt to plunge Earth, and potentially the entire universe, into eternal darkness. He sought to cover the planet in a symbiotic shroud, enslaving its inhabitants and turning it into a monument to his victory over creation. The event was a culmination of his long-term plans to desecrate the Light and reclaim his dominion over nothingness.
In conclusion, Knull’s interest in Earth stems from a complex web of strategic, symbolic, and personal motivations. He sees the planet as a vital component in his overarching goal of plunging the universe back into the primordial darkness from which he came. Understanding his motivations and the nature of his power is crucial to combating his threat and preserving the Light of Creation.