In the pantheon of X-Men villains, Apocalypse has a privileged place. As one of the most ancient and powerful mutants of all time, he is a crucial part of the Marvel universe as a whole. Indeed, his influence goes beyond X-Men storylines, even if he is most famous for his antagonistic role towards Charles Xavier's team.
Apocalypse is one of the most well-known mutants in Marvel, but there are still plenty of things about his complex backstory that only the most devoted comic book fans know. Most mainstream audiences might know him for his role in the now-iconic Rise of Apocalypse storyline, but there's more to him than just an age.
His Nickname, "The Morning Light"
Apocalypse was born 5000 years before his first appearance as a member of a small tribe in Akkaba. Because of his unusual appearance - gray skin, blue lines across his face and lips, etc. - he inspired fear from the villagers, who left him to die in the scorching desert.
The villagers soon died at the hands of the Sandstormers, a roaming group of raiders. The leader of the raiders, Baal of the Crimson Sands, found and rescued Apocalypse, giving him the name En Sabah Nur, meaning "the morning light."
His Mindset That Only The Strong Survive
X-Men: Apocalypse isn't as bad as people think. It may not be the best entry in the X-Men cinematic universe, but it's far from the trainwreck that is Dark Phoenix, for example. Furthermore, the movie does a good job illustrating Apocalypse's mindset.
En Sabah Nur believes that only the strong should survive. This mindset came from the Sandstomer's cruel ways, as well as the mistreatment he suffered because of the way he looked. His beliefs were further confirmed when he and his mentor, Baal, became trapped in a cave with no food or water. Ball died from starvation, while Apocalypse survived because of his mutant physiology.
He Fought And Defeated Kang The Conqueror
During Apocalypse's time in ancient Egypt, Pharaoh Rama Tut, one of Kang the Conqueror's most powerful variants, ruled the kingdom. Tut traveled back in time to find and submit Apocalypse, knowing him to be the most powerful mutant ever to exist.
Apocalypse rejected Tut's offer to become his successor and challenged him to a battle. Tut attacked Apocalypse with the weapon he previously used against the Fantastic Four and left him for dead. However, Apocalypse survived and rechallenged Tut, but the Pharaoh preferred to escape to the future.
He Created The Brotherhood Of The Shield
At one point, Apocalypse joined forces with priest and architect Imhotep to create the Brotherhood of the Shield, an organization destined to protect the Earth from alien invaders. In fact, in 2620 BC, the Brotherhood prevented an invasion from the Brood.
Apocalypse's involvement with the Brotherhood is a matter of controversy; some claim that while he did indeed help Imhotep fight the Brood, he didn't join the Brotherhood at all. The group kept going, evolving along with the times. Several historical figures were members, including Archimedes, Michelangelo, and Galileo.
Nur & The Celestials
En Sabah Nur began hearing a voice in his head while building a Sphynx-shaped ship. The voice belonged to one of the Celestials, Eson the Searcher, who guided Apocalypse in using the technology available in the ship.
Comic book fans know the Celestials never do anything for free. Indeed, Eso warned Apocalypse that he would one day return to claim payment for the gifts bestowed upon him. He agreed to the partnership and began his plan to take over and create a world where only the strong survived.
His Children Were His First Horsemen
Throughout the years, Apocalypse had multiple children who served as his enforcers. They made up his personal army, Clan Akkaba, an organization that survived all the way to modern times, acting as a cult to Apocalypse.
At some point, Apocalypse met the almighty mutant Genesis, a woman so powerful that he considered her an equal. Together, they had four children, who became the first Horsemen. They, along with their mother, perished defending their land, Okkara, from an invasion. Apocalypse built a pyramid to honor them and continued to visit it over his long history.
He Once Defeated Thor
Thor has had his fair share of powerful enemies in the comics. As one of the mightiest beings in Marvel, the God of Thunder constantly battles dangerous threats, proving his worth time and again. However, he isn't invincible, and Apocalypse bested him more than once.
They first fought in the 11th century, when Apocalypse sent his Horsemen to kill an ancestor of Wolverine. Thor defeated the Horsemen but was no match for Apocalypse. The second time they fought, Thor received help from the Avengers, whose combined strength managed to push the powerful mutant back.
He Created Mister Sinister
Apocalypse and Mister Sinister are so intrinsically tied together that many fans actually confuse them. Indeed, they have a somewhat similar design and play prominent roles in each other's journeys. In fact, Apocalypse is the one who granted Nathaniel Essex his powers, turning him into Mister Sinister.
Sinister would then spend a great deal of his time devising ways to escape from Apocalypse's hold. He would eventually manipulate Scott Summers to marry Madelyne Pryor so that Nathan Summers could be born. Essex believed Nathan would be the one to kill Apocalypse finally. Mister Sinister has a rich and complex story in the comics, and it all begins with Apocalypse's touch.
The Hulk Acted As One Of His Horsemen
The mutant known as Onslaught is one of the most powerful and divisive in Marvel lore. A combination of Professor X and Magneto's psyches, Onslaught is a being of pure evil that wreaked havoc across the larger Marvel universe. He committed many atrocities, but one of his most random acts was separating Bruce Banner from the Hulk.
Apocalypse then recruited Hulk and turned him into one of his Horsemen, War. He sent the Hulk to fight against the Red Skull's New World Order, and the green beast fought and defeated Juggernaut and Absorbing Man. Hulk was eventually strong enough to break free from Apocalypse's control, but not before severely harming Rick Jones.
He Has An Array Of Different Powers
Apocalypse's whole shtick has to do with evolution, so it makes sense that his powers are in a constant state of change. His original mutation allowed him to control his molecular structure. After being enhanced by Celestial technology and adapting to several techno-organic viruses, Apocalypse acquired various abilities.
Aside from being immortal and possessing superhuman strength, speed, and durability, Apocalypse can also teleport, fly, biomorph, heal himself, increase his size, and manipulate and transfer energy. He is also a gifted telepath with telekinetic powers. Lastly, he can connect with most pieces of technology and machinery.