History[]
King Vortigen is a character from The Black Knight and Captain Britain. He is the leader of the Six Proud Walkers, pathfinders who perceive the pathways connecting the mystic realms and guide travellers through them. Originally there were twelve, but six (including Cormac) were corrupted by the Nether Gods and their paths then led only to madness and death.
Vortigen and his constant companion Lupe the wolf resided for centuries in Otherworld, but were sent back to Earth by Merlyn to aid the Black Knight and Captain Britain in their quest to find the tomb of King Arthur and defeat the forces of Mordred and Necromon. During this quest, Vortigen smashed a milkman's bottles and stole food from his float because he didn't understand that in the twentieth century travellers are expected to exchange money for their sustenance. He took the poor old milkman's request for payment as a mortal insult.
Shortly afterwards, Vortigen was reunited with his old friend Moondog the elf. He deferred to Moondog's superior tactical skills in battle, and seemed to get on easier with him than with the twentieth-century men Merlyn had commanded him to assist. Working together, the two of them managed to defeat Cormac after he kidnapped Moondog, and cause him to de-materialise.
Vortigen then spent an unspecified period of time crafting a new rowan staff, as his old one had been broken by one of Cormac's monsters. As soon as it was finished, Herne the Hunter summoned him to help defend Camelot against Necromon's army with the help of the other Proud Walkers. When Moondog died in Vortigen's arms, having been hit by an arrow, he was so enraged that he killed Necromon's aide Scartac the warlord with a single blow. He then defied Scartac's deputy Balor by grasping the blade of Balor's sword in his bare hand (see quotes). Although Camelot was destroyed the forces of Necromon were defeated and Vortigen offered his realm to King Arthur as a place where the new Camelot might be built.
Years later, Vortigen attended Merlyn's funeral on Otherworld. He didn't speak, but he was seen carrying Merlyn's coffin and later talking with an elf.
Powers and abilities[]
Powers
Placing a 'spell of encirclement' on somebody to stop them running away; casting a 'spell of white fire'; sensing the working of evil magic; casting a spell of banishment; hydrokinesis.
Abilities
Armed combat.
Strength level
He's strong enough to smash through a stone wall using only his staff.
Weaknesses
Unaware of twentieth-century traditions, expectations and etiquette.
Paraphernalia[]
Equipment
Rowan staff.
Transportation
He walks. It's in the job description.
Weapons
Dagger; sword.
Notes[]
The other five Proud Walkers are:
- Herne the Hunter
- Gwent (wears a crown)
- Gamael
- Bran
- Gael
Trivia[]
When separated, Vortigen and Lupe the wolf communicate by emitting mighty howls.
Links[]
- Appearances of Vortigen
- Character Gallery: Vortigen
- Images that feature Vortigen
- Fan-Art Gallery: Vortigen
- Vortigen quotations
Discover and Discuss[]
- Search News for: The Proud Walker · Vortigen · Vortigen