Khonshu: The Flawed God of ‘Moon Knight’
Marvel’s latest Disney+ series has flawlessly established itself as one of its best and most interesting, and it is not falsity to say that Khonshu, the flawed god of Moon Knight, is one of its key reasons.
Moon Knight has delivered fans with one of its most interesting and engaging projects to date; tackling a brand world of supernatural beings, while also delving deep into the character study of a man on the brink of constant suffering.
Source: Marvel Studios
The series premiere introduced fans to Steven Grant, a mild-mannered, now former gift shop clerk, whose life is falling apart due to his uncontrollable dissociative identity disorder.
Grant quickly endeared himself to audiences, and is the perfect main character for which viewers travel along this journey with him; a journey made even more interesting by the introduction and development of his alternate personality, Marc Spector.
Source: Marvel Studios
Everything gest even more complicated when Grant learns of Spector’s service to the Egyptian moon god Khonshu, something that requires the former mercenary of Spector to dress in white armor and slay everything in his path; a reality that is not okay with the more humane and empathetic Steven.
Yet, what makes the series so fantastic isn’t just the exploration of Marc and Steven, or their dynamic as one person, it is the entity that is partially driven by their madness; Khonshu, the flawed god of Moon Knight.
Source: Marvel Studios
One of the most intriguing developments of the series’ second episode is the illuminating reality that Arthur Harrow– the series’ main antagonist- was a former avatar to Khonshu.
A fact that is explored more in the final moments of episode 3, in which Harrow tells Khonshu, in no uncertain terms, that it was his harshness and manipulation that has driven him to seek judgment upon the entire planet.
Source: Marvel Studios
And, while Khonshu peaks of moral righteousness and vengeance, we can’t help but understand a little of what Harrow is saying; after all, the interaction between Spector and Khonshu concluding episode 2 was, essentially, a lesson in abuse and manipulation.
Khonshu is a flawed character, as even his peers cast him out, disapprove of his methods, and don’t take him seriously; while he takes any chance he can to berate Steven and any identity that is not Marc Spector.
Source: Marvel Studios
The series is building an evolution for Khonshu, with his development as a character- as the latter moments of episode 3 point to him working with Grant, as opposed to talking down to him- likely leading audiences to more sympathy, and strengthening the bond and agreement between him and his avatar.
Although Khonshu is, presently, undoubtedly a flawed god, the series’ commitment to the character should give us an arc for him as interesting as any.
Source: Marvel Studios
