- "There isn't a nation that wouldn't plunder Wakanda if given a chance. If we make an alliance, we can protect each other by striking them first. Then, when the threat of these nations has been eliminated, the scientist will be returned to Wakanda."
"And if Wakanda does not accept, what then?"
"The scientist will die. And Wakanda will be the first nation to fall." - ―Namor and Shuri[src]
The Talokanil-Wakandan War was a conflict between the people of Talokan and the people of Wakanda.
Background[]
Dangers of the Surface World[]
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In 1521, Conquistadores arrived in the Yucatán, bringing along illness with them that were deadly to the natives. As the natives began dying, a shaman was given a vision by Chaac, who led him to the Talokanil Herb, a plant which could save the people. One pregnant woman, Fen, was worried of the effects on her unborn child, but still drank the herb.
Ch'ah Toh Almehen being born
The natives eventually woke up to find their skin had turned blue and they were unable to breathe oxygen. They all rushed to the water and jumped in, now being able to breathe underwater. The natives then left the surface, to form their own nation underwater called Talokan. Eventually, Fen gave birth to her son, whom she named Ch'ah Toh Almehen. Almehen became the first Talokanil born in the water, but also a mutant, notably having wings on his feet.
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Namor orders the burning of the settlement
Years later, Fen grew older and missed the surface world. She eventually died of a broken heart, so the new king, Almehen, took his mother to the surface world to bury her. However, he was not prepared to see the Conquistadores and their way of life, including slavery on their plantations. Seeing this, Almehen ordered his men to destroy the plantation as he watched. A scared settler cursed him, calling Almehen "El Niño sin Amor".[3] Almehen adopted this name, but also learned the dangers of the surface world and how he had to protect his people.[1]
Revealing Vibranium[]
During Erik Killmonger's Revolution, T'Challa had stopped the madness that unfolded as Erik Killmonger got many groups of Wakandans to rise up and use their vibranium to fight the rest of the world. Despite Killmonger's death, his purpose spoke to T'Challa as he realized that they had the resources to help the unfortunate across the world. However, for centuries they sat in the shadows. Therefore, T'Challa spoke at the United Nations and revealed Wakanda's access to vibranium.[4]
Untimely Death[]
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T'Challa's funeral
Having been through enough with the death of her father and the Snap, Shuri's hardships continued as T'Challa revealed that he was very sick. Despite Shuri's efforts and research, she was unable to save her brother as she could not recreate the Heart-Shaped Herbs, which Erik Killmonger destroyed. T'Challa soon passed and Wakanda held a funeral for him. Shuri's grief started to overwhelm her as Ramonda took position as queen.[1]
Attack on the Harvey Sub-Sea[]
Unbeknownst to T'Challa, the reveal of vibranium fractured the safety of another nation known as Talokan as with many power-hungry countries looking after vibranium, Talokan was almost discovered. On one particular night, the American's Harvey Sub-Sea used a Vibranium Detector, made by Riri Williams, to find the metal underwater. However, with this metal belonging to the Talokanil, the Talokanil Armed Forces attacked the Harvey Sub-Sea.
The Talokanil reveal themselves
With no knowledge of the Talokanil, the Americans watched as their own people became entranced by the Talokanil's hypnotic call and walk into the water. Smitty was able to save Henderson, only for Attuma to throw his spear at Smitty, killing him. As the Talokanil took control over the ship, Graham tried to get away in a helicopter, but Namor struck them down, making their presence known.[1]
Ambush at the Wakandan Outreach Center[]
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Battle for vibranium
Meanwhile, the Wakandans were in their own trouble from the reveal of vibranium. At one of their outreach centers, the French attacked. Luckily, the Dora Milaje were there and battled the French, easily disposing of them. Later, Ramonda talked at the United Nations and brought out the French, demonstrating to everyone that even with the Black Panther gone, they were still alive and well.[1]
Conflict[]
An Ultimatum[]
- "I have more soldiers than this land has blades of grass. And they have incomparable strength. I would hate to come back under different circumstances. When you have the scientist, blow into this... place it in the ocean. I'll be there shortly afterwards. For your own sake, don't mention anything about me to anyone outside of Wakanda."
- ―Namor to Ramonda[src]
On the anniversary of T'Challa's death, Namor decided to infiltrate Wakanda. He eventually found Ramonda and Shuri on the water's edge, having a ceremony for T'Challa. Namor approached them and startled the two women.
Namor's ultimatum
Namor calmly introduced himself and explained how T'Challa's actions had caused Talokan to become endangered. Therefore, he wanted Wakanda to redeem themselves by helping him find the woman responsible for creating the Vibranium Detector, Riri Williams. He then told them to blow into a Conch Shell when they have her, threatening war if they reveal him to the world.[1]
Chase of Riri Williams[]
Everett Ross reveals secrets to the Wakandans
- "They were blue. And they had superhuman strength. And they came from the water on the backs of whales. I struck down three of them with blows that should've killed them, but they rose again. I wish to leave immediately to retrieve our princess."
"Okoye, you will be stripped of your rank as General of Wakanda's armies, and your status as Dora Milaje." - ―Okoye and Ramonda[src]
Having discussed with the Tribal Council, Ramonda decided to send Okoye to Cambridge to retrieve Riri Williams, but to save her, instead of turning her over to Namor. Okoye soon convinced Ramonda to bring Shuri as well. Before going to Cambridge, Shuri and Okoye visited Everett Ross, who told them who Williams was, a teenage student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
At MIT, Shuri and Okoye scouted out Williams and eventually infiltrated her room. Although Williams was frightened, she eventually calmed down as she realized who Shuri was. Later, Williams brought them to her garage to grab her stuff before leaving. There, they saw that Williams had built an Iron Man-style armor. Suddenly, the FBI arrived outside, having trailed Shuri. An angry Williams suggested they split up and started burning her blueprints before allowing Shuri to take her car and Okoye to take a motorcycle. Shuri asked what Williams would use and she showed them her armor.
The Hydrobombs detonate
A high-speed chase began as the three women evaded the FBI. During the battle, Williams noticed a drone following them. She flew up high with her armor and began running out of oxygen. However, she was still able to blast the drone and allowed it to perfectly crash land in front of the FBI so the three of them could escape. When all seemed well, a Hydrobomb came out of nowhere, blasting the women off of their vehicles.
With Shuri and Williams unconscious, Okoye gained her bearings to see a gigantic whale emerge and Talokanil jumping off. Attuma and Namora faced Okoye. As Namora went on the kill the witnesses and ordered Attuma to kill Williams, Attuma took the opportunity to take care of himself. The Dora and Attuma engaged in a one on one battle where although Okoye got hits in, Attuma's physiology proved greater. Okoye soon lost her Vibranium Spear, but instead of killing Okoye, Attuma taunted her by giving the spear back.
Shuri is taken
Eventually, Namora returned and scolded Attuma for playing around. She then threw Attuma a Hydrobomb and he deflected it towards Okoye. Okoye took her spear and slashed it, causing the bomb to ignite, blasting her over the edge of the bridge and into the Charles River. The Talokanil then gave Shuri and Williams a Talokanil Rebreather and took them to Talokan while all Okoye could do was yell and flail in the water.
Okoye is stripped of her rank
Returning to Wakanda, Okoye faced the council, explaining just how powerful the Talokanil were. However, Ramonda did not care as she stripped Okoye of her rank despite protests. As Okoye broke down in tears, she said that she had given everything. M'Kathu backed her up, saying she raised her spear to her husband for Wakanda. An angry Ramonda claimed that she could see W'Kabi whenever she wanted, but her own husband was dead. Ramonda then spoke to everyone, yelling how she was queen of the most powerful nation in the world and her entire family was now gone. She asked if she had not given everything.[1]
Escape from Namor's Cenote[]
Shuri woke up in Namor's Cenote and was greeted by Namor, who was peaceful to her. The two talked as Namor shared the story of his mother and his distain for the surface world. Meanwhile, Ramonda enlisted the help of Nakia, who was living in Haiti. Nakia started to look for possible leads on Shuri. At the cenote, Namor decided to show Shuri Talokan. Having dressed up in an underwater suit, Shuri followed Namor to the deep ocean and witnessed the underwater nation in awe of their advances, use of vibranium and power.
Upon returning to the cenote, Namor explained now that Shuri had seen his nation, she understood what he would do to protect it. Namor tried to appeal to Shuri, talking about T'Challa's passing, mentioning him overhearing Shuri talk to Ramonda about how she wanted to burn the world. Namor said they could burn it together and only the most broken people can make great leaders. He asked Shuri once again to allow him to have Williams. Shuri grew tense, saying that she could not give him his wish of Williams, not his wish of fighting the world. Namor grew very serious, telling Shuri that if that is so, Wakanda would be the first nation to fall.
Suddenly, Namor was interrupted as Ramonda had asked for him miles away. As Namor arrived to talk with Ramonda of a deal, Nakia made her move and infiltrated the cenote. She found Shuri and Williams and had them escape with her. However, Shuri began being threatened by a young Talokanil guard, forcing Nakia to shoot her, much to Shuri's worry and begging as she knew what Namor would do for it.
Meanwhile, Ramonda argued with Namor to have Shuri and Williams back. However, Namor was not budging and leaned in close, telling Ramonda that if she told the world about Talokan or if there was ever a Wakandan ship in the ocean, he would kill Shuri. Once Namor left, Ramonda flew a Royal Talon Fighter to a location and picked up Nakia, Shuri and Williams.
Namor vows revenge
Ramonda and Shuri embraced each other just as Namor returned to see Shuri and Williams gone and the same young female guard dead. Namor vowed to make it right. He called upon all of Talokan and spoke to them of his false hopes of being allies with Wakanda. From then on, there will be a war against it, and the Wakandans would never think of approaching Talokan again.[1]
Attack on Birnin Zana[]
A flooded Wakanda
Knowing what could happen next, Wakanda started preparing for war. Suddenly, the water rose in Birnin Zana, indicating the Talokanil had arrived. M'Baku jumped into the water as a flood took over the city. He watched as whales approcahed him. Coming to the surface of the water, M'Baku announced that there were invaders.
Okoye and Nakia started helping civilians get to safety as Shuri and Aneka started manning the Sunbird, to pick up civilians out of the water. Ramonda and Riri Williams also helped by controlling the machines from the Citadel. The first responders ran to their ships only for the Talokanil to use their hypnosis to force them to jump into the water. The Dora Milaje, now led by Ayo, ran into action, taking a grenade and launching it into the water at the Talokanil.
Namor then made it to the surface as M'Baku jumped from behind to attack. Much to M'Baku's shock, Namor resisted the attack and in one move, he punched M'Baku so hard, he went flying across the water. Many Dragon Flyers then attacked, only for Namor to fly up at them and take all the ships down. Now that defenses were away from the Citadel, Namor flew there and met Ramonda at the window. He then threw Hydrobombs, shattering the glass and flooding Williams and Ramonda.
Ramonda drowns
Ramonda fought and was able to get Williams up to the surface, but not herself. Nakia and Okoye ran into the room to find Ramonda drowned. They tried to revive her as Shuri arrived in tears. M'Baku held Shuri back, but Okoye was unable to revive Ramonda. Namor then floated there, telling Shuri to mourn her losses as she was queen and if Wakanda did not join Talokan, they would be destroyed.[1]
Take Care of Business[]
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Nakia at the funeral
- "Don't mentioned my brother. You're the reason why he's dead. You burnt the Herb, left us with no protector. Then Namor struck and killed my mother. Their blood is on your hands."
"Nah, That ain't on me. And don't you dare take that away from your mother. She sacrificed her life to protect a young girl from the lost tribe. Your father, he was a hypocrite. He would've killed that girl. Shit, he killed his own brother. T'Challa was too noble. He let the man who murdered your father live. And here you stand. Are you gonna be noble like your brother... or take care of business... like me?" - ―Shuri and Erik Killmonger[src]
A funeral was held for Ramonda. Shuri stayed in her place alone after the reception. M'Baku approached Shuri, who asked why he was there, not wanting to talk. M'Baku told her that he promised T'Challa to provide her with counseling and protection. He asked for her permission to provide protection in Jabari Land for the people. Shuri coldly asked him if he would take orders from a child who scoffs at tradition. M'Baku simply told her she had lost too much to be considered a child.
M'Baku then asked what way she was leading as it was in the interest of the people. She gave him her blessing to provide protection. M'Baku then asked which way her heart was leading. Shuri said that she just buried the last person who understood her and her heart was buried with her. Although still grieving, Shuri decided to finish her work in recreating the Heart-Shaped Herb in order to get the Black Panther back.
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Riri Williams working
With the help of Riri Williams, Shuri resumed work and the two figured out that Namor's body was vulnerable to heat as his skin absorbed water. They the fit the Royal Talon Fighter to combat this. Williams also began work on a new Ironheart Armor. Okoye also checked in and reluctantly agreed to wear the Midnight Angel Armor with Aneka as Shuri convinced her she needed a fresh start away from the Dora Milaje. Eventually, Shuri was able to run a successful test and asked to print out the synthetic herb. Upon printing, they saw the herb glow, meaning it was live. However, a step still remained.
Shuri consumes the Heart-Shaped Herb
Shuri laid down on a bench and prepared to consume the herb. Nakia performed the ritual and Shuri drank the herb, sending her to the Ancestral Plane. Shuri found herself in the flooded Citadel facing a throne. Shuri grew excited as she went to see her mother, who was on the throne. However, much to her shock, it was not Ramonda, but Erik Killmonger. Shuri asked how, but Killmonger told her that was not as important as "why".
Erik Killmonger taunts Shuri
Killmonger started talking and brought up T'Challa, much to Shuri's anger as she believed Killmonger was at fault for the death as if he did not burn the herb, T'Challa would have survived and so had her mother. Killmonger told her it was not on him and also told her not to take that away from Ramonda. The real fault was T'Chaka, who was a hypocrite. Killmonger then talked about how T'Challa let the man who murdered T'Chaka live because he was noble. So, he asked Shuri if she was going to be noble, or take care of business like Killmonger. Shuri awoke from the plane and walked over to the Panther Habit's revealing her own.[1]
Wakanda Lives[]
The Black Panther
- "Was my mother's life not worth eternal war?"
""Of course it was. Of course she was. But it is not what she would have wanted for you. And it is not what I want... for my people."
"You speak of my mother as if she's still here. Of what she would've wanted for me. Her hopes and her dreams. But she's dead. She's gone! Namor drowned her, right in front of me! So, her dreams... her goals, her hopes for me... it doesn't exist. It doesn't matter anymore. What matters is what I want... and what I want is Namor dead!" - ―Black Panther and M'Baku[src]
Back in Jabari Land, the elders argued over how to proceed until a Royal Talon Fighter emerged above. As the hatch opened, a being fell out and landed: it was the Black Panther. As everyone watched, Shuri revealed herself under the mask. Everyone started rejoicing as M'Baku tested her strength. As he approved, he announced that the Black Panther lived.
Black Panther orders M'Baku
Shuri then talked with M'Baku alone, who was worried about Shuri's desired path of revenge. He believed she should not be leading the people into Namor again and it was not what Ramonda had wanted. Shuri then snapped, telling M'Baku that her mother was gone so her dreams for her did not matter and what mattered was her own dreams, which is to have Namor dead.[1]
Ambush on the Talokanil[]
M'Baku on the Sea Leopard
Now leading the Wakandans, Black Panther brought them out to sea on the Sea Leopard and planted the Vibranium Detector in the water, to lure the Talokanil. Once they got there, the Talokanil were greeted by shock pulsing, forcing them to the surface. There, the Sea Leopard decloaked, revealing itself. The Talokanil then attacked, starting a battle. Namor flew around the air and fought Ironheart until she lured him into the Royal Talon Fighter.
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Ironheart in battle
Once in there, Black Panther jumped in and met Namor, preparing to fight as she turned on the heat. Meanwhile, with Namor and Shuri gone, the Wakandans prepared to turn the ship around only for the Talokanil to use Hydrobombs and destabilize the Leopard, leaving them stranded and unbalanced. Therefore, the Wakandans called in their backup, the Midnight Angels, who flew in and started blasting of the enemies on the side of the ship.
The Midnight Angels
On the Talon Fighter, Namor began to become weak and desparately slashed at the walls of the fighter, eventually causing it to explode, sending them flying onto a nearby island. Namor and Black Panther engaged in a one-on-one where Namor started beating up Shuri. However, she eventually sliced off his one of his wings and grabbed at it, tearing them apart. Meanwhile, the Wakandans struggled against the Talokanil.
Black Panther was able to get the upper hand on Namor and approached him to finish him off. However, Namor was able to grab his spear and impale Shuri in the chest. Instead of finishing of Shuri, Namor knew he needed water and walked slowly to the ocean. As he did so, Shuri heard her mother calling for her, telling her to show him who she is. Shuri mustered the strength to break free and approached Namor, jumping over him.
Namor is caught in the explosion
She then stood between him and the water. Namor stood his ground, saying "Imperius Rex". Shuri then said "Wakanda Forever" which was a signal to blow up the rest of the rubble of the Royal Talon Fighter. The explosion caused a fire which reached Namor and charred his back. Namor fell over in pain as Shuri approached him with a spear. She put it to his head before hesitating.
The Talokanil surrender
Shuri envisioned all of the pain she had suffered and the pain not only the Wakandans had, but also the Talokanil. She decided to lay down her weapon, telling Namor to call off his army. Out of respect, Namor surrendered. The two then flew back to the Sea Leopard where Namor told his army to stop. They obeyed and Shuri yelled "Wakanda Forever", which the rejoicing Wakandan army repeated.[1]
Aftermath[]
Talokan[]
- "Kaxtbil luxikubao'b de'caach ma'taal thex'sel tili'goshka... Chint'il b'tuul koi' binshi'kol tu'tanye Wakandan el'locho..."[7]
Dus Boox Báalam'o hochtal baax tu u la yan u kinsik t'anken. Baax ten teeche’ tukul ts'ook ma tobui yetelo’? Dus Boox Báalam'o yan taak'in pinu mai'het en wini'ki de tu la'tal le'da ha'eiton e'nooknumo jaan'no komilo. Baale’ menan o'hmo anulte. Behlae’ tunni uch-ik och'ki u ti’ le enale'al Talokan. Yetel lok doc'tiknetah, Talokan bin il-aak'heh hachamu'gachon'ta meyhish donchi. Lith'ka hoo chon'choo komilo chenu'vadi khoo Wakanda, Wakanda tuni enu'koti kot ondee. Ooks'houudin.[8]" - ―Namor and Namora[src]
Back at Talokan, Namor began painting a mural of his fight against the Black Panther. Namora hesitantly approached him, asking him why he would kneel to the Wakandans. Namor told her that Black Panther had every reason to kill him, but she did not do so. She is the most powerful person in the most powerful nation and being allies is beneficial. When the surface comes for Wakanda, she will come to Talokan.[1]
Wakanda[]
A New Monarch[]
M'Baku challenges for the throne
- "The Black Panther sends her regards, but she will not be joining us today. I, M'Baku, leader of the Jabari Tribe, son of Wakanda, wish to challenge... for the throne."
- ―M'Baku[src]
While rebuilding Wakanda, Shuri planted the first Heart-Shaped Herb in years, reintroducing the ancient cycle. She then wished Riri Williams on her way, but did not allow Williams to take the Ironheart Armor. Next was the incornation. As the Royal Talon Fighter approached, everyone got confused as they saw M'Baku walk out. M'Baku announced that Shuri would not be joining them and instead, he was challenging for the throne.[1] Nobody disagreed, making M'Baku the king.[9]
The End of the Mourning Period[]
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- "My name is Prince T'Challa, son of King T'Challa."
- ―T'Challa II[src]
Not attending the incornation, Shuri decided to leave Wakanda in order to heal. She arrived in Haiti at Nakia's House. She then went to the beach and burned the funeral garments for both T'Challa and Ramonda's funerals. She then remembered her brother as she shed a tear, bringing an end to her long mourning period. Suddenly, Nakia approached her, revealing a young child named Toussaint. Toussaint said he had a secret. A confused Shuri asked who he was, and he replied that his real name was T'Challa, son of King T'Challa.[1]
References[]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Deleted Scene
- ↑ Translates from Spanish to: "The child without love".
- ↑ Black Panther
- ↑ Translates from Yucatec Maya to: I was blinded by hope of partnership. And... I have compromised all of us. Talokan will not move again. Namora. Attuma. When we are done with them, they will never think of approaching Talokan!
- ↑ Translates from Yucatec Maya to: "I yield."
- ↑ Translates from Yucatec Maya to: "I looked forward to fighting alongside you my entire life... The thought of you kneeling to the Wakandans..."
- ↑ Translates from Yucatec Maya to: "The Black Panther had every reason to kill me. Why do you think she didn't go through with it? The Black Panther is the most powerful person in the most powerful nation on the surface. But she has no allies. Now she has empathy for the people of Talokan. With this alliance, Talokan will be stronger than ever. The surface will come for Wakanda, and Wakanda will turn to us. Trust me."
- ↑ Marvel Studios on Instagram- November 17, 2022