Ereshkigal

Origin

A member of the Deviant race, the species seeded by the Celestials, much like the Eternals, Ereshkigal is extremely long lived and is over several millennia old. Shrewd and power hungry, she has on many occasions impersonated several other beings, most notably the Mesopotamian Death Goddess Ereshkigal to gain advantage. At some point in her life, she became aware of the being the Living Tribunal, during travels and exploration of the Universe. This knowledge affected her profoundly and she felt dissatisfaction at this new knowledge, of how the multiverse worked. Ereshkigal set about accumulating the power and means of liberating herself from the cosmic cycle she felt trapped within. With time and cunning, Ereshkigal managed to acquire the extremely powerful Star Brand weapon. A weapon that grants virtually any and all power to its user. With such a weapon she was able to gain audience with several powerful abstract beings including the Living Tribunal. Perhaps with not enough power to force their hand, but enough power to make them apprehensive about dismissing her threats, a tournament with representatives or champions of Living Tribunal and Ereshkigal would compete, with the respective champions winning sealing the fate of who they were to represent. Quasar foiled Ereshkigal's plan however as her champion, realizing the consequences of his victory, he threw his match with the Silver Surfer.

Creation

Ereshkigal was created by Roy Thomas, John Buscema and Chic Stone in 1979 and first appeared in Thor # 284. In the Marvel Universe, Ereshkigal is both the name of a Sumerian Death Goddess and that of a Deviant posing as her. Since they are drawn identically the difference is subtle.

Major Story Arcs

Thor Deviant Saga

The Deviants are in dire states, with no more births and much the male population impotent, the future of the Deviants looks uncertain and several power struggles for leadership break out. Cunning and as opportunistic as ever Ereshkigal plots to win the favor of her people and authority over them in this troubled state. As such Ereshkigal seeks powers and artifacts in the ruins of Asgard, attracting the Asgardian Thunder god, Thor's attention. After finding herself attacked by several Asgardian mystic defense systems, Thor must ward them off. With Thor preoccupied with ensuring her safety, Ereshkigal steals a mysterious and small orb like device, that turns out to be the Unbinding Stone of Oshemar. Not realizing its true destructive nature she attempts to use it to bid favor with fellow Deviants. Her lack of know how on the device proves her failing as she is rejected in favor of the Deviant Kro. Dejected, she retreated to try and unlock the secrets of her stolen device, still unaware of its extremely destructive nature. Approached by Kro who triggers its power, a deadly consuming destructive force is unleashed, eventually halted by the efforts of Thor and the Eternal Phastos.

Powers & Abilities

Ereshkigal is a Deviant and has powers as such. Superhuman strength, speed, durability, senses, and healing. She possesses an extremely long life span. She can alter her form with shape-shifting. She also has two large bat like wings that grant her flight. Whilst in possession of the Star Brand she was one of the most powerful beings in existence.

Physical Characteristics

Height: 5'8"

Weight: 157 lbs

Hair: Black

Eyes: Red