Agatha Harkness, the seemingly sweet-natured neighbor from WandaVision, revealed herself to be a powerful and ancient witch with a dark past. Her acquisition of the Darkhold, a grimoire of dark magic, is a key element to understanding her motivations and actions. While Marvel hasn't explicitly detailed exactly how she obtained it, we can piece together a likely scenario based on her established character and the lore surrounding the Darkhold itself.
Agatha Harkness: A History Steeped in Dark Magic
Agatha's vast magical knowledge and experience suggest a long and winding path to acquiring the Darkhold. She’s not a novice; she’s been practicing magic for centuries, possibly millennia. This longevity allows for several plausible acquisition methods:
1. Inheritance and Lineage:
Agatha comes from a long line of powerful witches. It's entirely possible the Darkhold was passed down through her family, perhaps hidden and protected for generations. This aligns with the book's secretive nature and the established tradition of powerful magical families hoarding such artifacts. This would explain her intimate knowledge of the Darkhold's contents and its inherent dangers.
2. Acquisition Through Dark Deals and Coven Activities:
Given Agatha's involvement with various covens and her willingness to engage in morally questionable practices, securing the Darkhold through a clandestine deal or ritual seems plausible. Perhaps she traded a significant magical item or service, or even made a pact with a dark entity to obtain it. This aligns with her character's willingness to utilize unethical methods to achieve her goals.
3. Stealing or Conquest:
Agatha's cunning and manipulative nature suggests she might have simply stolen the Darkhold. This would be in line with her actions throughout WandaVision, where she manipulates and deceives others to serve her purposes. Perhaps she seized it from another powerful sorcerer, or infiltrated a protected location where it was being kept.
4. Discovery and Unearthing:
The Darkhold is often hidden and forgotten. Agatha, with her extensive magical knowledge and possibly the aid of divination, might have discovered its hidden location and unearthed it herself. This aligns with the book's mystical properties and its tendency to "choose" those it deems worthy (or unworthy).
The Darkhold's Significance in Agatha's Story
Regardless of the exact method, the Darkhold’s acquisition was pivotal for Agatha. It amplified her powers, fueled her ambition, and ultimately led to her downfall (at least temporarily). The book's influence is clear:
- Increased Power: The Darkhold significantly boosts the user's magical capabilities, allowing Agatha to manipulate Wanda and Westview.
- Dark Knowledge: The book provides forbidden knowledge and spells, which she used to enhance her own power and control over others.
- Corruption: The Darkhold is notoriously corrupting, twisting the user's intentions and leading them down a dark path. This is evident in Agatha’s actions throughout WandaVision.
Conclusion: The Mystery Remains… But the Possibilities are Intriguing
The precise method Agatha Harkness obtained the Darkhold remains a mystery, purposefully left ambiguous by Marvel. However, considering her character, her history, and the Darkhold's nature, the possibilities are thrilling and contribute to the ongoing fascination with this compelling character. The ambiguity allows for fan speculation and further exploration within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ultimately, the how is less important than the impact – the Darkhold's influence dramatically shaped Agatha’s story and continues to resonate within the wider Marvel multiverse.
