Taranis (Earth-616)

Origins[]

Taranis was a Celtic deity and a prominent member of the Tuatha de Danaan.^[3] Presumably born in Tír na nÓg, the Otherworld,^[5] he was revered as the "Great Thunderer,"^[2] a god of storms,^[1] thunder,^[6] wisdom,^[4] and the elements.^[6] Taranis was the brother of Caber, the swift-footed god, and was believed to be the son of Ogma, the god of eloquence, and Etan.^[7]

The Druidic Pact[]

In the 1st century AD, during a Roman attack on their village, the Celtic druids Taliesin and Moiragh were mortally wounded. As they lay dying, they offered themselves as sacrifices to three powerful Celtic gods: Taranis, Morrigan, and Cernunnos. They prayed for a champion to rise and bring vengeance upon evil. In response, the three gods imbued Moiragh's wooden staff, later known as the "Oak Staff of the Druids," with mystical power. This act bound the gods to empower a future champion of justice.^[8]

Modern Age[]

In modern times, the sorceress Morgan Le Fay summoned corrupted versions of Morrigan, Cernunnos, and Taranis from the Netherworld to attack Arizona.^[2] Doctor Strange identified these entities as ancient demons and Fomorians. Through his efforts, Strange successfully banished the corrupted gods back to the Dark Realm.^[9]

Taranis's Champion[]

The true Taranis, alongside Morrigan and Cernunnos, later chose Kyllian Boddicker, an American mob enforcer, as their instrument of justice. The three gods simultaneously possessed Boddicker, granting him mystical tattoos and magical abilities. Taranis proclaimed that Boddicker's deeds would elevate him to the ranks of Earth's greatest heroes. However, the overwhelming influence of the gods drove Boddicker to the brink of insanity, leading to a confrontation with Doctor Strange, who sought to sever their control. Recognizing the futility of resisting their will, Boddicker ultimately agreed to serve as their champion—but only under the condition that the gods respect his free will and intervene only when summoned. With their pact sealed, Boddicker, now known as Wildpride, took up the Oak Staff of the Druids and embraced his role as the gods' chosen warrior.^[8]

Superhuman Strength: All Celtic gods possess superhuman strength. However, they are physically weaker than some other pantheons of gods on average, such as the Olympians and Asgardians. The average strength for a male member of the breed is can lift around 25 tons.

Superhuman Speed

Superhuman Stamina: The advanced musculature of the Danaan Thuatha produces considerably less fatigue toxins during physical activity than the musculature of a human.

Superhuman Durability

Superhumanly Dense Tissue

Superhuman Agility

Superhuman Reflexes

Regenerative Healing Factor: Despite your body's great resistance to injury, it is possible for Celtic gods to be injured. All Celtic gods possess accelerated metabolism and the mystical energies of his divine life force allow him to rapidly heal damaged bodily tissue much faster and more extensively than a human is capable of. They cannot, however, regrow lost limbs or organs, at least not without the help of powerful, outside mystical forces.

Immortality: The Tuatha de Danaan stop aging after reaching adulthood. In addition, your body is immune to all known terrestrial diseases and infections.

Energy Manipulation: All Celtic gods and prominent goddess deities are able to control magical forces to a considerable degree in scale.