Where is Wakanda? Is Wakanda a Real Place?
Wakanda is a fictional-state that was created by Marvel Comics. It first appeared in the 1966 Fantastic 4 movie which was created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. The fictional-state has featured in numerous media adaptations like the Avengers: Endgame, Captain-America: Civil War, Avengers: Black Panther, and Avengers: Infinity War. Wakanda is supposed to be the only African state that has never been colonized. Wakanda has advanced technologically due to the presence of Vibranium (the world’s most durable metal).
Where Is Wakanda?
Even though its exact location varies in the comics, Wakanda is believed to be in East Africa. Various sources place the fictitious state on the northern side of Tanzania while others place it between Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan. The Black Panther and the Marvel Atlas volume 2 stipulates that Wakanda on the northern end of Lake Turkana. Wakanda is bordered by other fictitious nations, including Narobia, Canaan, and Azania. Ryan Coogler, the director of Black Panther, claimed that his depiction of this fictitious state was inspired by Lesotho.
The Fictional History Of Wakanda
Prior to the emergence of this fictitious state, some mystic beings referred to as the Originators, who were expelled from the area by the Wakanda’s pantheon consisting of Bast, Kokou, Mujaji, Ptah, and Thoth. The region was later hit by a huge meteor that is composed of Vibranium (sound-absorbing element). Knowing that other communities will try to attack and dominate the area for its valuable and rare mineral, T’Chaka concealed Wakanda from the world. The leaders only sold a portion of Vibranium and sent their best scholars in the country abroad. The current Black Panther, T’challa became the leader of Wakanda after T’Chaka, his father, was killed by Ulysses Klaue.
The people of Wakanda experience a high mutation rate because of the mutagenic characteristics of the mound of Vibranium. The Vibranium radiation has affected a vast percentage of the fauna and flora, including the white Gorillas that are consumed by the White-Gorilla cult. The radiation also permeated the Heart-Shaped Herb consumed by the Black Panther cult.
Wakanda Cults
Wakanda is home to numerous factions that are devoted to the Heliopolitan gods and goddesses who came from Egypt during the era of Pharaohs. Some of these cults include:
Panther Cult
The primary deity of the region is Panther Goddess known as Bast. After a meteor fell on Wakanda, many people mutated into demonic spirits and started attacking the Wakandans. The first Black Panther known as Bashenga managed to close the mound and formed a cult to protect the mound and also keep the demonic spirits from taking over the state. The leader of the Panther Tribe is known as the Blank Panther and as part of their culture; he is allowed to consume a heart-shaped herb which enhances his abilities.
Other Cults
The White Gorilla cult is led by M’Baku, one of the country’s greatest warriors. The Lion cult members are devoted to Sekmet (Lion Goddess) while the Crocodile cult members believe in Sobek. The Crocodile cult is one of the ancient Wakandan deities that are somewhat forgotten.
