Question: Have you ever heard of the Rain Queens of Balobedu? They were/are (There’s been some drama as of 2005) a royal, matrilineal bloodline in Africa that were said to be able to control/influence weather, and thus, bring rain (get the name?). Believe in their power, or don’t. But these women gained the respect of not only the great warrior king, Shaka Zulu, but also the widely known activist Nelson Mandela...their throne was/is(the aforementioned “drama” hasn’t been resolved yet) 200+ years old, and can only be inherited by the reigning Queen’s eldest daughter…no men allowed
Now, I’m sure you’re asking yourselves “What does this information have to do with Storm?” The answer is fairly simple, as well as intriguing:
Marvel Comics has their own version of the “Rain Queens”, and Ororo Munroe, a.k.a. Storm, is the latest descendant of this ancient, royal line of Queens, Priestesses, and Mutants
Juicy, right? Let’s go a bit further into exploring the known history of these QPMs
Q= Queens
Unlike their real-world counterparts, these Queens haven’t been around for a few hundred years. They’ve actually been around since the dawn of humanity. Their history predates writing, and their knowledge is passed on verbally. Political power (along with other spiritual/latent mutant power) is inherited from mother to daughter
P= Priestesses
Now, here is where things get interesting, and complicated.
First, for the interesting. Two Goddesses have been tied to Storm’s bloodline: Oshtur, and Gaia
Of these two deities, Oshtur is the one most frequently mentioned by not only Ororo, but also her ancestors.
Clearly worship of “The Bright Lady” is a very important part of Storm’s heritage, which would also explain her frequent references to a female deity. The first Priestess known to Storm’s bloodline wasn’t simply a “Priestess”. She was the Sorceress Supreme of the earth dimension, Ayesha of Balobedu (<---Real World connection in a fictional comic. Gotta love it). Another Priestess known to Storm’s bloodline was the High Priestess known as Ashake, who worshipped and loved Ma’at (Oshtur), and was able to cast a great many spells for effects such as invisibility, illusions, protective shields, clairvoyance, and the summoning of mystical beings and items. Illyana Rasputin (Magik) received training from an alternate version of 616 Storm, who was trapped in Limbo, and had enough mystic and mutant power to hang with/duel Belasco.
Now for the complicated part.
We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Storm’s royal/mystic power gets passed down from mother to daughter, but is having cat-like blue eyes and snow white hair ESSENTIAL for a Queen or Princess to have these mystical abilities? If the answer isn’t “maybe”, then the answer is a flat out “No”. Surprised by this? I’m not. Let me explain
It was never said that the traits Ororo possesses are an absolute necessity for inheriting the “female-only” gifts of sorcery and mutant powers. These traits could simply be a “ genetic reminder” of sorts that tag this bloodline every few generations, and nothing more. The last wind rider before Ororo very likely had brown eyes, and brown hair. Andreas de Ruyter and a few of his flunkies confirmed this. It’s mentioned that Storm’s ability to channel lightning at such a young age was proof that she was more powerful than the wind rider who came before her, and de Ruyter’s pilot told a 12 year-old Ororo that that same wind rider evaded capture…30 years ago (30 minus 12 = 18). Not 80, not 70. 30. That’s not a “Grandmother’s” age range...it’s N’Dare’s. Though her alleged powers were certainly never “seen” on panel, it was clearly stated (on panel) that N’Dare rejected her role of power, because she felt that it was forced on her, and wanted to choose her own life and her own destiny....
M= Mutants
Now this one, ya’ll already know. Lightning bolts, hurricane winds, torrential rains…Storm’s powers. A non-canon Storm (from the Black Panther Annual #1) told her son a canon story of Wakanda’s history, in which she reveals that some slavers were simply unable to counter the firepower within certain African villages…Enter this awesome chick…
Ashake also appeared to possess the power of flight in Mystic Arcana #6. However, it’s also worth noting that, even though these powers are most likely the mutant side of Storm’s heritage, the other women were unable to be tested the way that Storm was. Thus, like Selene, one must wonder where the mutant powers end, and the mystic powers begin…..which makes me jolly with glee
Feel free to use this thread to discuss Storm’s ancestry…you know…ask questions
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