Snakeroot (Marvel)
The Snakeroot is an organization that features in Marvel Comics.
Contents |
History
The Snakeroot were a dark clan of ninja that had deep ties to the Hand and shared in their worship of the Beast. (Daredevil v1 #322)
After the Chaste refused to aid her, Elektra established her own ryu (Translation: order) with the purpose of opposing the Snakeroot. At this time, they were about to conduct a ritual of purification of their totem Sakki. (Elektra: Root of Evil v1 #2)
Lord Daito committed seppuku, ritual disembowelment via Sakki, the sword that was the power behind the Snakeroot, effectively corrupting and weakening both it and then. Tekagi assumed the role of new leader, decried Daito, and revealed the need to perform the ritual of purifying Sakki via innocent blood. (Elektra: Root of Evil v1 #1) The Snakeroot outlined their three targets: Father Peter Nova, a priest working the inner city; Navajo activist, Singer Tsilkali; and Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Dr. Aaron Sokoto of Aradenni. Tekagi met with a youth, Max, and led the Snakeroot to slay Max's antagonist as they prepared to take down Father Nova. Elektra organized her own Ryo, or Order--Impact, Lynch, Masquerade, Niko, Salvo, and Target, to defend their targets. However, the Snakeroot's first assault took out two of her order, Niko and Target, and Elektra took Nova and fled. (Elektra: Root of Evil v1 #2) Elektra fought off and slew Doka, Feruze, and Genkotsu, while Tekagi slew Masquerade, Salvo, and Impact, and then slew Nova, as well. Tekagi then left Elektra behind to pursue his next target. Tekagi regrouped with his resurrected agents, assuring them that he had no loyalty to Elektra, and he slew an approaching tiger with his bare hands, offering it as a feast to his warriors. To restore her dedication, Elektra traveled to the Chaste Mountain fortress at the top of the world (Elektra: Root of Evil v1 #3) Doka, Enteki, and Feruze tracked Elektra to the Chaste Fortress, but fell into her traps and were all killed. Elektra next traveled to Arizona, where she slew Osaku, stopping her from capturing Singer Tsilkali. She then left a first aid kit with note by Tsilkali's side and drove Tsilkali's truck, duping Tegaki and Genkotsu into thinking she was Osaku long enough to smash into them. Genkotsu was paralyzed and the crash, while Elektra confronted Tegaki directly. There battle was even, but Elektra wore a suit of armor soaked in tree-frog venom. As they were wounded, each began to feel the effects of the poison. Prepared, Elektra took advantage of this, stabbed Tekagi repeatedly, and then skewered him with Sakki. This not only slew Tekagi, but also completed the corruption of Sakki, rendering it impotent, making resurrection no longer an option for the Snakeroot. Shortly thereafter, Singer Tsilkali revived, read the note, and drove to Elektra's side, applying the antidote to the poison. (Elektra: Root of Evil v1 #4)
When Daredevil became the Hand's new Shogun, the Snakeroot operated within the organization where they were secretly the leading Daimyo that served as regional warlords and were secretly planning to corrupt Matt Murdock so that he could fulfil their plans in being the groups new leader. (Daredevil v1 #507)
Using Hand magic, Wilson Fisk came to take control of the Spirit of Vengeance which he dispatched to Japan to the stronghold in order to eliminate the Snakeroot clan. The Ghost Rider Johnny Blaze had no choice but to fulfil his order where he succeeded in killing the leaders of the Snakeroot. (Shadowlands: Ghost Rider v1 #1)
Overview
In appearance, the Snakeroot were a hidden clan that were said to represent the inner circle of the Hand where they also served the Beast. (Daredevil v1 #322) It was also known as Those Who Walk the Left Hand Path. (Daredevil v1 #506) They were regarded as the world's most ferocious shadow warriors. Some claimed that this group were even worse than the likes of the Hand. (Elektra: Root of Evil v1 #2) No place was said to be safe from their influence. (Daredevil v1 #319)
Weakness was said to hold no place in the Snakeroot. Death was said to be something very different for members of the clan. (Daredevil v1 #322)
A key artefact of the clan was Sakki that was known as the Force of Killers that was a legendary blade which was their symbol. (Elektra: Root of Evil v1 #2)
Members
- Daito : High Lord of the Snakeroot Clan who was a ninja in service to the demon god known as the Beast. (Elektra v1 #1)
- Tekagi :
- Budo :
- Doka :
- Enteki :
- Feruze :
- Genkotsu :
- Osaku :
Notes
- Snakeroot was created by D.G. Chichester and Scott McDaniel where they made their first appearance in Daredevil v1 #319 (August, 1993).
In other media
Video games
- In Marvel: Avengers Alliance, the Snakeroot were referenced in the Facebook video game in the Hand's Dossier Entry. They were an ancient clan whose patron was the demonic Beast and the Snakeroot were responsible for corrupting the Hand shortly after its founding in 1588 where they imparted their mystical knowledge to the cult.
- In Marvel Heroes, the Snakeroot were referenced in the setting in the MMORPG video game. An artefact called the Relic of the Snakeroot Clan was present for player characters and its description said that the Hand fell under the control of the demon-worshipping members of the Snakeroot Clan.
- In Marvel: War of Heroes, the Snakeroot Clan were referenced in the card game in the card Snakeroot Spy White Tiger that referenced them.
Appearances
- Elektra: Root of Evil v1: (1993)
- Daredevil Annual v1:
- Daredevil v1:
- Shadowlands v1:
- Shadowlands: Ghost Rider v1:
External Links
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