As we all know, Marvel will be releasing the new “Venom: The Last Dance“ on 25th October 2024. With this upcoming movie, fans are excited to see new characters debut, but everyone already knows Venom, one of Spider-Man’s top three enemies alongside Green Goblin and Doctor Octopus. Although Venom started as a villain, he evolved into an antihero, even assisting Spider-Man in his battles.
But what about Venom’s origins? Did you know who truly created him and where the symbiotes came from? The answer lies with Knull, the primordial god of darkness and the creator of the Klyntar, the symbiote species. Knull is a terrifying force feared by even the most powerful heroes. Here are 10 fun facts about this god of the abyss:
1. He killed thousands of Celestials
After the Celestials awoke Knull by creating the 7th iteration of the cosmos—the Marvel Universe—he viewed their actions as a violation of his kingdom of darkness. Declaring war on them, Knull used his powerful Necrosword to kill a Celestial and then utilised the Celestial’s severed head to forge symbiotes, blending their essence with the cosmic energies of the head. This head would later become the space station known as Knowhere, a key location in Marvel’s cosmic stories, often visited by groups like the Guardians of the Galaxy.
2. He is unstoppable
The god of darkness has existed for at least 13.7 billion years, predating even the concepts of life and death. Emerging from the void before the universe was born, he survived the Big Bang and has endured through the ages as a relentless force of destruction. Despite being disintegrated by Eddie Brock (Venom) and severely injured, he recovered after centuries and continued his reign of terror.
3. His All-Black Necrosword empowered Gorr the God Butcher
After killing a Celestial, Knull encountered Gorr, a mortal seeking vengeance against the gods after the death of his family. When Gorr asked for Knull’s help in killing gods, Knull mocked him. Enraged, Gorr stabbed him, and the All-Black Necrosword bonded with him, granting Gorr immortality and many of Knull’s powers, turning him into the fearsome God Butcher.
4. He created the symbiotes from shadow
Knull realised he could manipulate the abyssal darkness to create living symbiotes. These parasitic entities could bond with hosts, enhance their abilities, and spread their influence across the universe. Symbiotes could also manipulate their forms and read the minds of those they touched, making them dangerous and versatile weapons.
5. He fought Silver Surfer
In the “Silver Surfer: Black” miniseries, Knull battled the Silver Surfer, overpowering him with his symbiote powers. He attempted to engulf the Silver in darkness, but the hero resisted by channelling cosmic energy. After a fierce struggle, the Silver Surfer managed to escape Knull’s grasp, though the encounter left a lasting impression on both.
6. He created a planet
Though Knull is credited with creating the symbiote homeworld, Klyntar, it was not intentional. When a large number of symbiotes rebelled against Knull’s control, they bonded together to imprison him. This collective became the planet-like structure known as Klyntar, meaning “cage” in their language, a permanent prison designed to contain their creator’s influence.
7. He fought Thor
When Knull’s minions arrived on Earth, they encountered Thor, the God of Thunder. Thor struck one of Knull’s dragons with a powerful blast from Mjolnir, leaving the symbiote dragon adrift in space. This encounter was key to the symbiotes eventually rebelling against Knull, seeking new hosts to expand their influence, and ultimately imprisoning him on Klyntar.
8. He once controlled the Avengers
During the “King in Black” storyline, Knull invaded Earth with his symbiote army. During his conquest, he managed to infect and control several powerful superheroes, including members of the Avengers. Iconic heroes like Captain America, Thor, and Hulk fell under his influence, becoming pawns in his plan to spread darkness across the planet.
9. He is worshipped by a cult
In ancient times, Knull sent a massive dragon-like symbiote called Grendel to Earth to spread destruction. Grendel’s overwhelming power and connection to Knull led to the formation of a fanatical cult that worshipped the creature as a god. Known as the Cult of the Grendel, its members engaged in horrific practices, including cannibalism, to honour and appease the symbiote dragon.
10. He killed the Sentry
Knull’s most shocking act during his invasion of Earth was his battle with the Sentry, one of the most powerful heroes on the planet. The Sentry, who possesses the power of “a million exploding suns,” attempted to destroy Knull’s symbiote Celestial. However, Knull swiftly countered by grabbing the Sentry and ripping him in half, mirroring the way the Sentry once killed Carnage.
