Chaos Magic
Doctor Strange ~~ Sorcerer Supreme in this dimension ~~ once believed that chaos magic didn't exist. He thought the unpracticed, haphazard nature of chaos magic made it anathema to sorcerers in light of "true" magical disciplines. He has since rectified his understanding. He knows better now ~~ knows that it is actually the oldest form of magic. That it was the first. The earliest primordial glint of cosmic understanding and happenstance. The improbable, impossible spark of life flaring up ~~ that was chaos magic. Chaos magic is neither purely constructive nor destructive ~~ it's not limited by good or evil. It's the possibility of both, neither and everything in between. A die you cast. A balanced wheel moving between life and death.
Chaos magic is the oldest form of magic. Once believed to be nonexistent, it is so potent that it can construct and deconstruct the very fabric of reality, potentially leading to the destruction of the multiverse.[1] However, it is later revealed that chaos is not merely a force of destruction but an ancient, fundamental aspect of creation itself—the very first building block of existence. Contrary to previous beliefs, chaos is neither purely constructive nor destructive; it embodies the possibility of both, neither, and everything in between.[2]
According to the Beyonder, unchecked possibility is the essence of pure chaos, arising from an infinite number of "what ifs" becoming their own "what is." This idea was further expanded by Cloud, who described unchecked possibility as ultimate freedom. Cloud noted that even beings as powerful as the Beyonders have limits, unable to fully perceive chaos in all its infinite forms, as its vastness exceeds even their comprehension.[3][4]
These insights were later reinforced by the Scarlet Witch during her confrontation with the Wizard, an agent of the Griever at the End of All Things. She declared that chaos represents life and freedom, defying both the Grand Design and the Quiet Math of Creation.[5][6] The Queen of Nevers, the embodiment of possibility, affirmed Wanda's command over Primordial Chaos, confirming that chaos wields possibility itself. She also revealed her own alignment with Chaos, opposing the control and finality sought by the Griever.[7]
Clea Strange further explained that all magic and life inherently require chaos, emphasizing that chaos magic is simply the act of directing and organizing Chaos to contain its immense power and destructive potential. Additionally, Spider-Man likened chaos magic to entropy, an ever-present force pushing reality toward a state of disorganization.[8]
Scarlet Witch using chaos magic to rebuild Lotkill
In ancient times, the Elder God and arch-demon Chthon ruled the Earth as the self-proclaimed "God of Chaos," wielding chaos magic to impose his will. However, Earth's mages banded together to end his reign through deception, declaring: "There is no God of Chaos. And there is no chaos magic."[9] Chthon was subsequently sealed within Mount Wundagore, which would later become the birthplace of Wanda Maximoff. At birth, Wanda was touched by Chthon's hand, linking her to his power and granting her the ability to control chaos energy, enabling her to reshape reality itself.[10]
It was later revealed that Chthon intended for Wanda to serve as his vessel, planning to possess her once she had reached her full potential.[11] Under the guidance of Agatha Harkness, Wanda learned to harness chaos magic beyond her innate hexes, mastering a vast range of abilities.[12] However, wielding chaos magic carries both risks and skill requirements. Wanda once accidentally zombified the dead of Genosha and doubted her ability to raise the dead due to this experience ever since.[13][14]
Trivia
- Wanda Maximoff teaches the Elements of Chaos Magic at the Strange Academy.[15]
- Chaos magic as described here differs from the tradition known as "chaos magick". Chaos magick refers to the modern tradition of uniting traditional occult practices with post-moderist ideals.
- In Avengers/JLA #2 it was stated that chaos magic is much more powerful in the DC Universe than in the Marvel Universe, usually wielded by users such as the Lords of Chaos and Trigon. When Wanda Maximoff visited the DC Universe in crossover events, she stated that she felt a much more potent magical force in the DC Universe, and felt that her powers were spiraling out of control due to the greater influx of chaos magic coursing through her body. However, it is important to note that various retcons have been made about the subject ever since the comic's publication.
- On X (formerly Twitter), Steve Orlando, the writer for Scarlet Witch (Vol. 3), Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver, and Scarlet Witch (Vol. 4) questioned if there is a "full power" for someone who wields the power of possibility itself.[16]
Links
References[]
- ↑ Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver #2
- ↑ X-Men: The Trial of Magneto #5
- ↑ Defenders: Beyond #2
- ↑ Defenders: Beyond #4
- ↑ Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver #1
- ↑ Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver #2
- ↑ Scarlet Witch (Vol. 4) #2
- ↑ Fantastic Four Annual (Vol. 3) #1
- ↑ Mighty Avengers #21–23
- ↑ Avengers #185–187
- ↑ Avengers #187
- ↑ Avengers #127–128
- ↑ Empyre: X-Men #1
- ↑ Scarlet Witch (Vol. 3) #10
- ↑ Strange Academy #2
- ↑ Orlando, Steve (September 5, 2024) Steve Orlando on X: "I'd add this--and thank you for your enthusiasm!--I'd question whether there is such a thing as "full power" for someone who wields possibility itself. Anything, quite literally, is possible." X. Retrieved on September 9, 2024.