Lamont Cranston, originally an evil smuggler and roustabout received his powers from Tibetan Monks who determined he should make up for his evil ways by fighting evil. He was taught by them to harness the evil he had done to allow him to cloud mens' minds, thus his catchphrase: "Who knws what evil lurks in the hearts of men...The Shadow knows"

The Shadow has had several incarnations ranging from that used in his origianl radio shows through various comic book depictions.