Mordred (comics)

Mordred the Evil or Modred the Evil is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is based loosely on the Mordred of Arthurian legend.

Publication history
He first appeared in Black Knight #1 (May 1955).

Fictional character biography
Mordred is the traitorous, illegitimate son of King Arthur Pendragon of Camelot and his sister Morgause, born somewhere in the Orkney Isles of Britain. He was one of the Knights of Camelot in Britain of the 6th Century, A.D. Merlin warned Arthur that Mordred would be responsible for the end of Camelot, but before Arthur could put the baby to death, he was rescued and raised in anonymity. Mordred was an insurrectionist, and his many conspiracies against his father were foiled by his constant foe Sir Percy of Scandia (the original Black Knight) and others until finally Mordred's forces defeated Arthur's on Salisbury Plain. Arthur and Mordred fatally wounded each other, and before dying, Mordred mortally wounded the Black Knight as well. Mordred was taken to Castle Scandia, where he died.

In modern times, Mordred's spirit has been allowed by the evil Celtic "Nether Gods" he serves to become active on Earth. His first opponent was fittingly the new Black Knight, Dane Whitman. He transformed former knife-thrower Paul Richarde into Le Sabre and sent him against the modern Black Knight, but was defeated. Mordred took human form in 12th Century Europe, where he formed an alliance with Prince John against King Richard the Lion-Hearted. Mordred was opposed by the reincarnated Black Knight. Mordred encountered the Defenders, and was defeated by the time-traveling Prester John. Mordred again was commanded by the Nethergods Mandrac and Necromon to prevent the arrival of Black Knight and Captain Britain in Otherworld. Mordred was defeated by Merlyn when the heroes finally arrived in Otherworld. Angry with Mordred's failure, Necromon sent him to his deepest dungeon.

Mordred's spirit was drawn into the netherworld by Morgan le Fay, and they became lovers. He plotted with her to change the Earth into a realm of black magic. With Morgan, he sent the Dreadknight against the Black Knight, Doctor Strange, and Victoria Bentley. With Morgan le Fay, he sent Balor of the Fomor against the Black Knight, Doctor Strange, and Valkyrie (Victoria Bentley). With Morgan le Fay, he send the Fomor and "Wicker Man" against the Black Knight, Doctor Strange, and Valkyrie. Mordred was defeated and returned to the netherworld by the Black Knight. Mordred later assisted Morgan in a scheme involving the Twilight Sword, which reunited the Avengers.

Powers and abilities
Mordred was an athletic man, and was an expert swordsman and horseman and proficient jouster; skills he had developed at Arthur's court. He typically wore battle armor, and carried a sword, dagger, and lance, as well as a dagger carved from the same meteor fragment as the Black Knight's Ebony Blade.

The ability to assume an astral form was conferred upon his spirit after his death, by the Celtic "nether gods." In this form, he is able to confer certain powers and abilities upon living beings who serve him. He is also able to take on human form in time periods outside his own lifetime.

In other media

 * Mordred appeared in the Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends episode "Knights and Demons."