With the Eternals making their debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the near future, it's important to take a look at their comic book origins. Druig is one of the most important members of the group, but perhaps also one of the least trusted of the team.
Known for getting involved in human affairs and even betraying his own family on several occasions, Druig's ambitions are almost limitless. Across his life in Marvel Comics, he has carried out many nefarious schemes and has found himself both on the side of evil and fighting against it. Comic book fans will know of many of his schemes and some of his less than savory characteristics.
Mind Control Expert
All of the Eternals have a range of incredible abilities, which will be touched upon further later. They are in many ways Gods, the kind the MCU have teased already. Each has an expertise, though, and Druig has often been known for his mind-control capabilities.
It's often a power he resorts to quickly, taking great joy in manipulating his enemies and even controlling his allies. His brainwashing skills have allowed Druig to rise to great power within human society and has often painted the Deity in villainous lights.
Other Abilities
Much like the other Eternals, Druig boasts a whole host of abilities. Across his comic book career fans have seen him use super strength and stamina, read minds and count on his telepathic abilities as well as fly and cast illusions to trick his valiant opponents.
What's more, as the team name suggests, Druig is an eternal being, with his resurrection having happened time and time again. He can be killed but his soul is Immortal, with even his body being re-formed from being completely disintegrated by other Eternals.
Issues With His Father
Druig grew up resenting his father. Their relationship was always strained, but considering his dad was the All-Father and one of the most powerful Deities Valkin, Druig had a lot to live up to. His ambition to become a leader stemmed partially from wishing to get his father's approval.
When his dad took in the orphan Ikris a closer bond between Valkin and his nephew began to form. Druig was even more resentful of this, jealous of the relationship that he never got to have. It's partially the reason why he is so cold towards the rest of his family, who seemed to support his isolation.
The Mongol Invasion
The son of Ghenghis Khan, Ögedei once took his Mongol army and marched on Europe, looking to conquer its people. The violent warpath that the group went on was seemingly encouraged by Druig, who took great pleasure in partaking in this ruthless invasion.
The Eternals even became suspicious that Druig was interfering in human affairs and perhaps brainwashing the leadership to create his desired conflict. Yet, Druig ever the manipulator claimed to be doing scientific research and was still acting as an objective party. If he was controlling the whole army he would possibly be one of the Eternals' most powerful members.
The Vorozheika Revolution
Vorozheika is a Soviet Kingdom within the Marvel Universe which has had many dictators over the years. The fictional country was perfect for Druig, who wanted to let his influence be felt upon the human race. He, therefore, devised a plan to create a revolution within the Kingdom.
He took advantage of the chaos and became the new ruler of Vorozheika. He'd already previously been Prime Minister but had sought to have a more permanent controlling influence upon the country. As part of his plan, he used the nation to build an army and even entered into an arms war with the Celestials and neighboring civilizations.
Brainwashing Eternals
Druig didn't realize the full capabilities of his powers until he began to brainwash other Eternals. The group went into a kind of stasis and as they awoke they would be very susceptible to his mind control abilities. This was exactly the sort of advantage that the corruptor needed.
Druig's times as a leader and level of influence and power were only heightened by having the Eternals on his side. His followers continued to grow, although he could not maintain this forever, with his mind tricks receding eventually due to the level of power of the Eternals themselves.
Time With The KGB
Druig's interference with humanity seems to have no end. He once joined the KGB and took great pride in his role with them. During his time there he began to take part in routine tortures, of which he learned that he had a unique talent for. He increased his workload finding that he enjoyed the process.
He even developed and took weapons designed for inflicting the kind of pain he loved to toll out. He would turn these abilities on some of his own family, actually torturing Ikaris during his time with the group. It's a story fans should perhaps read to truly learn the dynamic amongst the brothers.
Exploiting Weaknesses
Although it's not a super-power of the character, Druig has a sadistic talent of being able to exploit a weakness within someone after carefully identifying it. It's the reason he is so proficient at torture and it's something that has become useful when brainwashing his subjects.
It's not the kind of power that a Marvel hero is well known for, but since comic book fans know that the character is often portrayed more like an antagonist, it's possible the cinematic adaptation may also paint the personality with many different darker shades.
Teaming With Thanos
Throughout his journey in the galaxy, Druig has come across the Mad Titan Thanos, who he has actually supported in battle. The Eternal location of Polaria is one of the group's most sacred stops and the team assumed that it was Druig who had put the area in danger.
When Thanos attacked he also attacked Druig though, alleviating suspicions on the manipulator, but it turned out the duo were working together, leading to one of Druig's biggest power trips yet. It seems even the Infinity Stone collector can be tempted by the Eternal's manipulations; a fact that would have shifted the MCU entirely.
Leading Polaria
Druig used the advantage of Thanos's attack to become the new leader of Polaria. This is one of Druig's biggest roles to date and the kind of conflict which could play out within the Marvel Cinematic Universe and become the status quo for the future of the franchise.
Druig's lust for power therefore comes full circle, as the character's ambition continues to put him in positions of great power. He is far from a benevolent leader, but he understands when best to use his influence to hang on to the control he currently has.