#magic users in the mcu

[lokiinmediasideblog]

This are some good points. Loki is clearly the more seasoned expert. Though I do think the MCU does tend to relegate Loki to "knife guy" a bit too much (even in situations where it'd have helped to not just be "knife guy"). I also think societal perceptions of magic in Asgard's warrior culture might play some role in this? If in Asgardian society, his magic is seen as "just tricks", wouldn't that mean Loki would be discouraged from using magic far too freely?

og trilogy HC/thoughts:

Something I've been thinking about is how people see Loki's magic and possibly misunderstand the role it plays. As some of you know I do have my extensive ideas of how magic works, particularly the one seen in relation to Asgard, but this will be more in the general sense.

In canon, both Thor and Loki are the princes of Asgard and there is no doubt that, that must have come with a life-long training that probably started out similarly but branched differently as they got older and found their preferred areas of both combat and their overall skillset.

Where I'm going with this is that with Thor it's obvious; while I do think, that he absolutely did undergo training more similar to Loki's chosen type in his youth, it changed as he found what was natural for him early on. He is a warrior, (whether he can or cannot access magic is up for debate depending on how you interpret his relation to Mjölnir and the power it lets him wield as well as his parents and their relation to magic given that he is a biological son). That said, he obviously doesn't rely on stealth, speed or his mind as much as his brother.

You can say both of them use a traditional way of combat as well as magic, but while Loki IS a skilled fighter, it looks different and he is an active magic user on top of that, in the sense that his power comes from within him rather than some external object he carries. Generally speaking, he relies on more subtle and calculated techniques and his magic is an addition to that; an active extension of his skills that he has the option not to use as his only means of defence and attack.

A notable observation about this is, that Loki doesn't use his magic unless necessary or perhaps serving as a way of personal entertainment. This is different to how we see magic users on Midgard overuse their magic for frivolous tasks that (in my opinion) betray their lack of confidence in its use as well as their short life spans. Loki knows he can rely on his powers if needed and doesn't feel the need to be proving that to himself or the people around him.

In addition to that, I truly do not see him using it primarily as the means of attack. He has his speed and his blades for that. (He also probably prefers to reach for weapons first because of the nature of his culture and their connection to a warrior identity + the associations around magic). That is not to say he wouldn't know how to weaponise it, he obviously would and it probably is an area he studied extesively, but it is not his first choice. What he does is, that he uses it for illusion, disguise; if we continue with that pattern (given we only saw a sliver of his life), you would probably get subtypes such as manipulation, conjuration, alteration, restoration, protection, the list goes on before you reach destruction.

This also adds to what we see in the palace - the healers; all the ways the realm and the city within it operates. Magic in Asgard is not used for destruction as its primary benefit.

So no, when I see people write him the way they do Wanda or Strange, I disagree. His own experience and skill is beyond that and it gave him the space to choose. It's much like when an expert will seem less knowledgeable explaining a topic because they don't blurt out the first thing that comes to their mind and actually take time to give you a proper explanation using their knowledge.

[thewitchesineveryuniverse]

♦️ at this point i actually think it would be funnier if mephisto didn't exist as we know him in live action & doesn't appear because “mephisto” is in fact, a myth, a legend perhaps based off of some beef agatha once had with a peasant back in the day.

[annachum]

Sigyn Ivarrsdottir of Alfheim - Lady, Magic User, and Warrior

[quillinhand]

wanda has a secret third brother hes name is david and he is like if you put 300 versions of wanda into only one wanda then gave her the horrors (mental illness)

oooh. So David is me?

[blueboybot]

I NEED someone to tell me what is the deal with witches and crowns in the mcu. In the comics I'm pretty sure they're there for just fashion, but, in the mcu most of the important witches have them and it makes me wonder what does it mean?

If a crown appears because a witch is really powerful then it would explain why witches such as: Wanda, Billy and Rio have them. The formers are capable of controlling chaos magic to warp reality to their whims, and Rio is literally death, the orginal green witch. However, if this was truly the case Agatha should already have a crown aswell. She's been alive for a long time and has had acess to the darkhold which overtime corrupts the user but also gives them the means to use powerful magic.

Another reason a crown manifests may be to signify mastery over one's ability to the point where they have complete control over their own magic as seen with witches like: Evanora (Agatha's Mother) and Rio. The former being alive for so long which gave her a lot of time to truly master her own magic, and once again Rio who is a living concept and the original green witch. But, if that truly were the case Wanda and Billy should not have gotten their crowns so soon and Lilia should have gotten one at the end of her trial. Until Agatha came along Wanda didn't even know she was using magic and after realising who she was meant to be did the crown fully appear. Billy's crown just fully manifested after he used magic to control Jen and Lilia to push them along with Agatha off the road, no mastery whatsoever. Meanwhile Lilia has been alive for a long time, has shown to have lots of knowledge about the way of witches and the way magic works. Her crown appearing like a construct of light like Wanda's did in Wandavision before it fully manifested would have amplified this theory.

One more theory I have is that crowns manifest for witches who are important to the mcu's timeline so Wanda, Billy, Rio and Evanora having crowns is justified. But again that leaves out Agatha who is arguably more important than Evanora in the mcu and Jen (although I'm not 100% sure) who was the first witch to survive the witches road and get her prize which was her powers returning to her. Maybe we'll see her in another mcu project and she'll have a crown with her new outfit but that's a big maybe.

[multifandom-rec-station]

MCU Masterlist

Nothing here is written by us, we're a recommendations blog, these are all pieces written by other creators

If there's anything you think we've tagged incorrectly/you have a users tumblr where we don't/a link is wrong or broken - please let us know and we can adjust it

Feat. content about Thunderbolts, Avengers, Asgardians, Mystic Arts Users, Spidermen

Reader insert and canon/canon content ahead

✅ - SFW Content

🔞 - NSFW Content

Thunderbolts

✅ James? by @you-have-a-metal-arm Bucky/F!Reader

🔞 Comfort after nightmares by @daydaydayrk420 Bucky/M!Reader

✅ Before I could say it by @fawniswriting Bucky/GN!Reader

🔞Lined up by @buckysleftbicep Bucky/F!Reader

✅ What's left behind by @buckysleftbicep Bucky/GN!Reader

✅ My girl looks so pretty tonight by @unluckilyimnot Yelena/F!Reader

🔞 Never have I ever by @fanficgirl429 Bucky/F!Reader

✅ The Bomb by @lonely-moons Bucky/F!Reader

✅ Congressman Bucky Barnes headcanons by @salty-tang Bucky/GN!Reader

✅ How the Alpha Avengers react to their pups being born by @fatkish Bucky, Bruce, Steve, Loki, Thor/GN!Reader

🔞Eighteen Hours by @buckyseternaldoll Bucky/F!Reader

✅Resting My Eyes by @lil-lexington Yelena/GN!Reader

✅ First "I love you" by @magicalqueennightmare Clint, Tony, Steve, Sam, Thor, Loki, Joaquin, John, Bucky, Bob/F!Reader

✅ A date by @lucimaaie Bob/GN!Reader

✅ Eternal Sunshine by @honey444moon Bob/GN!Reader

✅ He's so hot by @imsebastiansta-n Bucky/GN!Reader

✅ Keep your secrets by @fireinmoonshot Bob/GN!Reader

🔞 Off Record by @cursedheartsclub John/F!Reader

Avengers

🔞 Facefucking by @luvlyycy Clint/F!Reader

✅ Clint getting jealous when you have a date by @fandomlit Clint/F!Reader

🔞 Marks by @bullet-prooflove Clint/AFAB!Reader

✅ How the Alpha Avengers react to their pups being born by @fatkish Bruce, Steve, Bucky, Loki, Thor/GN!Reader

🔞 The New Guy by @bluebirdsboi Clint/M!Reader

✅ First "I love you" by @magicalqueennightmare Clint, Tony, Steve, Sam, Thor, Loki, Joaquin, John, Bucky, Bob/F!Reader

✅ Time for bed by @bruisedboys Steve/F!Reader

🔞 Social Media by @bugzzybabe Steve/GN!Reader

Asgardians

✅ Dating Loki by @shadyfestivalperfection Loki/GN!Reader

🔞And Still, I Chose You by @cursedheartsclub Loki/F!Reader

✅ How he likes to toy with you: Loki Laufeyson headcanons by @charlie-shmarlie Loki/GN!Reader

🔞Empty Threats by @writingfics-passingtime Loki/F!Reader

✅ To choose you again by @shadyfestivalperfection Loki/F!Reader

✅ How the Alpha Avengers react to their pups being born by @fatkish Bruce, Steve, Bucky, Loki, Thor/GN!Reader

✅ First "I love you" by @magicalqueennightmare Clint, Tony, Steve, Sam, Thor, Loki, Joaquin, John, Bucky, Bob/F!Reader

✅ Insecurity by kortsitron on AO3 Loki/M!Reader

Mystic Arts Users

🔞 You're Strange's rival and a magical mishap leaves you barely able to keep your hands off each other by @random-imagines-blog Dr. Strange/GN!Reader

✅ A Strange Jealousy by @marvelouslytrekking Dr. Strange/GN!Reader

Spidermen

🔞Bedside Drawer - Tom by @yasministration Peter/F!Reader

🔞 The Spinner’s Night Song by black_feather_fiction on AO3 Loki/Tony Stark

[thatsmybook]

Some of my thoughts since the last episode of Agatha All Along:

The most earnest show of religion in an MCU property is being done through a queer kid. I like that the wider world is learning about the intersectionality of identity. I believe that Billy is as Jewish as William because a) the only family he knows has 'raised' him Jewish and b) his love of witchcraft and ritual and finding ways to explain his world intersect with the rituals and traditions of his faith. Even William was deeply fascinated with magic and witchcraft and journeys of discovery.

Marvel fans are aware that Wiccan is a strong character. The fact that this symbol of masculine strength can be found in a witch boy who is raised to be strong in his sense of self by women in his coven, is awesome. He is drawn to feminine strength as inspiring instead of looking for male heroes. He is attracting feminine forms of protection (Alice), feminine disruptors of the status quo and stereotypes (Lilia), strength in the feminine aesthetic and belief in your innate power (Jen), feminine quest for knowledge and ambition (Agatha). He is being shadowed by death (Rio), but even death gives life in its reincarnation (as we return to earth and feed the earth with our life-force to continue on in new forms).

I believe that Wiccan is/can be as important to the MCU as Spiderman is. Spiderman is a teenager who could be any and everyone. Spiderman looks up to Iron Man, especially but also seeks male role models and approval. (A big part of Iron Man's humanity and softness came from mentoring Peter Parker - I see parallels between Agatha Harkness and Iron Man in this way too).

I believe Wiccan is a version of masculinity to teens that can see that women hold the depth of knowledge and power that he is more interested in unlocking and that their experiences with adversity will be better guides for him as he grows to be the most powerful magic user in the MCU. He is also chosen as a witch and not a sorcerer/wizard/warlock.

Will we be getting little boys and girls and theys aspiring to be wiccans and spidermen equally?

[sanvcnblvd]

I have a headcanon that there is an AU where Henry Fox is the Scarlet Witch.

The story being that Henry is an accomplished magic user, and having worked, and trained (and fell in love) with Alex—who is that universe’s Sorcerer Supreme—he learned about the Darkhold.

After the death of his father, Arthur Fox, he felt like a part of himself was gone forever. However with the Darkhold, he can use dark magic to find another universe where he can speak to his father again.

Anyways, i’m obsessed with the MCU, and love Scarlet Witch in particular, and I have a hyperfixation with Taylor Zakhar Perez and grey streaks in his hair like Dr. Strange.

[thewitchesineveryuniverse]

♦️i always take rumours with a pinch of salt, especially about live action wanda & this makes me kind of upset because i know how this ends & i think it's sad to get hopes up when probably nothing at all will happen for her character. personally i think it will be the agatha & billy ending because unless they are doing a second agatha all along season or making a wiccan series, it will continue & end the story with billy finding tommy (assuming tucker is tommy) although i think tommy will want to stay near vision unless the kaplans' take him (rebecca & jeff i love you <3) in.

♦️ i don't personally think they'll find the other young avengers as this version of billy doesn't seem like he'd fit in a team as he's been given a more scarlet witch like role. i do think that at the end of visionquest we'll get a final, definite confirmation that live action wanda is 100% truly dead & gone for good & vision, tommy, billy & agatha reunion will potentially lead into doomsday where it has already been rumoured that doom is looking for reality altering powers & the only character with powers like that is billy, so i think we'll see vision, agatha & tommy together trying to keep him safe from doom.

♦️ also i think it's more likely we'll see agatha & billy as from what i have read, kathryn hahn & joe locke speak positively about their continued roles & want their stories to continue whereas, elizabeth olsen doesn't seem keen to carry on.

♦️leaving it to all of you to tell me your thoughts on this rumour

[lokigodofaces]

Season 4 is my favorite season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and there's a lot of reasons. I'm not going to go into all of them, and most of them you probably know. Everyone loves Ghost Rider, LMDs, and the Framework. Everyone knows the writing was amazing.

But this season demonstrates really well one of the things that first caught my eye about the MCU. I love the concept of magic and science being the same. This has always just clicked with me. The MCU is by no means the first to approach this (it full on quotes a fictional author) because if you think about it really makes sense. If you don't have the knowledge to explain something, it looks like magic. And the Thor movies in particular have demonstrated this well, but every movie with magic phases 1-3 has at least one mention of magic being advanced science.

But Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. took that concept and used it in a different way than normal which I found fascinating. Every time before when this concept was brought up in the MCU, it's because you have some magic user like Loki that we can't possibly understand how his magic works and we were told what he did was advanced science. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. doesn't start with a sorcerer. There's not a singe "magic wielder" in AoS s4, only a magic item. We're shown that the Darkhold shows the reader what it will understand, and since the only people to read the Darkhold are scientists, we never think of the Framework for example being magic. At the beginning the stuff with Eli seemed magical, but it was soon explained what he was doing. The entire season they have a book of dark magic used to create evil science experiments that are clearly scientific in the audience's eyes.

Other writers would have chosen to throw in Agatha Harkness or whoever they want to introduce the Darkhold and make it a story about a handful of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents stopping a sorcerer.

But no, I would argue that s4 is the best done example of magic and science being the same thing. There never is any doubt that the Darkhold readers are doing science, only a lack of understanding. I think it shows the concept so well because it's never questioned.

Then there's Ghost Rider, the resident magic person for the season. Makes it even better because he's made a deal with the devil and the Darkhold is dark magic so there's more of a connection. Between him and bits spoken by Aida and Ivanov, we know more about what the Darkhold did that draw on fantasy elements (they say that Aida post-Framework wasn't created out of nowhere, but rather she came from elsewhere which is part of the danger). But since we've seen the Darkhold being used scientifically, it only adds credibility to what Ghost Rider says.

I'm sorry, this is late so this probably makes no sense. But I just love their concept of magic and science being the same in season 4.

[rita-repulsa-ke]

Ritual of the Rose - Ch2

Agatha crossed her arms, but Rio could see her evaluating, calculating, deciding how she was going to get herself out of this one. She softened, ran her fingers through her hair in a way that, despite herself, caught Rio's attention, made her press her teeth into her bottom lip. "Come on," Agatha said, eyes downcast, pouting ever-so-slightly. "You don't really want to hurt me, do you?"

Fic Summary: Changes the events of the last episode. Instead, Agatha swears a vow and prepares to go on one final adventure with Death.

Part 3

I feel like I should say at this point that I know next to nothing about the mcu, so this fic will be taking only the events of Wandavision and Agatha All Along as canon and then just making things up.

Chapter 2 - Rio Bites

Death returned. She did not come on black wings or holding a scythe. She was neither robed nor skeletal. Between one breath and the next, she was simply there.

"Hi, baby," she said, sprawling in Agatha's yard, looking around with interest. "You know, I kind of like it? It's a little overgrown, little wild, clearly tended by someone who has no idea what they're doing, but that makes it feel so much more authentic. Like a real person lived here, though of course, that hasn't really been true for a while, has it, Detective?”

Agatha gave her a deeply unamused look, and she laughed, too sharp, too loud, not even particularly amused, and then twisted her head around at a wholly unnatural angle to meet Agatha's eyes with hers. "So what's the plan, Agatha? Where's the catch?" She reached out, started to prod Agatha's cheek and the other woman came to standing before she could make contact.

"No catch," Agatha said, not looking at her and that was so funny that all she could do was snicker.

"There's always a catch," she said, as she watched Agatha. She never stopped watching Agatha, except for a very unpleasant time when Agatha had used the Darkhold to hide from her. She had still looked, of course, looked and looked and looked. She would never give up on Agatha.

And eventually she had found her, in trouble as always, and freed her. Did she get any thanks for that?

Of course not. Agatha Harkness didn't know how to say thank you. It simply wasn't in her vocabulary. "Out of curiosity, how are you planning to wriggle your way out of this one?" Rio asked, coming to her feet without bothering with knees. She’d never quite gotten the hang of knees.

Agatha glanced back at her, head tilted slightly, a smile tugging at her lips like it wasn't sure whether it wanted to stay. "If you're so sure I'm going to wriggle out of it, why'd you agree?"

Rio closed the distance between them in less than a breath, her hand cupping Agatha's cheek. "Because I love you," she reminded the other woman. And then, because she did love Agatha, but there was only so much anyone could take, cruelty spanning centuries, she added, "I love you enough to gift you time."

The blast of purple magic that hit her in the chest was honestly nostalgic, and she skidded backwards without ever quite making contact with the ground. "I do like you more like this," she admitted. "I've missed your powers. It makes you feisty. So what did you tell the kid?"

"Oh you know," Agatha said, waving her hand through the air with lazy, dismissive contempt. "Sentimental stuff. Be good, don't do anything I wouldn't do, that sort of thing."

"Wow. That is not even a good lie. You aren't even trying," Rio said and she's surprised to find that she's a little annoyed about that, too, that Agatha didn’t feel the need to put in any effort in her lies.

"Why should I? You wouldn’t believe me regardless,” Agatha said, turning and strolling into the house. "Anyway, forget the kid. We've got a year to find and defeat one of the most powerful magic users alive so I can get my book back."

Rio followed, as she had for many years, Death always one step behind Agatha Harkness. "And then what? You run again?"

"The ritual doesn't work like that and you know it. It will kill me even if you can't. And then I'm all yours," Agatha said.

That was how it should work, on paper, in magical theory. There was no way Rio was trusting that. Agatha always lied. "So where's the catch?" she repeated, perching on the arm of Agatha's couch.

"Believe me or don't, but you agreed to it and your part is null and void if you don't help," Agatha snapped. "So can we get on with it, please?"

For a moment, nostalgia threatened to choke Rio. This was Agatha as she remembered her, impatient, demanding, moving from one objective to the other, always seeking power, always hungry for more. She found herself caught by it, leaning forward, and remembering one more of Agatha's endless series of manipulations, Agatha's bleeding fingers across her lip. "When I left you with the boy…"

"Hmm?" Agatha said, pretending innocence. Rio stared her down and she held up her fingers, trying and failing to look even slightly regretful. "Oh, the bleeding stopped. What a shame."

Rio's knife was instantly in her hand. "I could fix that."

Agatha's fingers crackled with power. "Try it," she crooned. "I'm not so vulnerable anymore."

Rio slipped to her feet, sauntered forward. "Do you really want to do this, Ags? Without the Darkhold, you know you can't beat me. We can play it out though, if you like. I owe you, after all. Maybe one cut for each year you disappeared on me?" She spun the knife in her hand, comfortable, familiar. She very much did want to hurt Agatha, to seek weregild in blood for all the suffering her beloved had inflicted on her over the centuries.

Agatha crossed her arms, but Rio could see her evaluating, calculating, deciding how she was going to get herself out of this one. She softened, ran her fingers through her hair in a way that, despite herself, caught Rio's attention, made her press her teeth into her bottom lip. "Come on," Agatha said, eyes downcast, pouting ever-so-slightly. "You don't really want to hurt me, do you?"

"No, Ags, I don't really want to hurt you. What I really want, you won't give me. Hurting you isn't a terrible consolation prize, though."

Agatha huffed, her arms going tighter around herself. She was afraid, a coward as always. She'd never liked anything that could touch her, get past her defenses.

And, more simply, she didn’t like pain.

Well, neither did Rio, but that hadn't stopped Agatha from wounding and scarring her for centuries.

"Can we maybe talk about it?" Agatha suggested, always her way out. Agatha's battlefield was words, endless words, all of them lies.

"What else is there to say, hmm? What different, exciting new ways of saying you hate me have you come up with this time?" she'd stopped in front of Agatha, and she could feel herself smiling, a big grin she noticed Agatha didn't seem to want to look at for too long.

Agatha hesitated, shrugged, then stepped forward, reached out and here was Agatha's most potent weapon, the way her fingers brushed through Rio's hair and her hand closed on the back of Rio's neck, tugging her closer. And of course, Rio could have used the knife here, with so little space between them, but Agatha's other arm had looped around her waist and she was so close, so alive, so warm, so much herself, that instead of stabbing the other woman, the sensible, sane decision, she found that she was nuzzling against Agatha's neck, trying to bury herself in this sensation before it went away again.

Agatha tilted her head back, moaned softly and that sound undid Death entirely, a soft whimper escaping from between teeth she seemed to be clenching. Agatha petted her soothingly—

And then yelped as Rio's teeth bit and twisted hard enough to draw blood. Rio ran her tongue over the wound, gathered her beloved's lifeblood, the familiar, intimate taste of Agatha in her mouth, copper and magic and relentless will, then pulled back to smile humorlessly up at Agatha. "There," she said. "Price paid."

Agatha glowered at her, hand clapped to her neck even though the wound had already healed. "Savage," she murmured and Rio burst into shrill hysterics.

"You. Should. Talk," she said, sprawling on Agatha's couch, tossing her knife from hand to hand. "So. The book."

Agatha nodded, pulling up a kitchen chair with magic, perhaps to remind herself that she could. "Wanda has it."

"The Scarlet Witch. Destroyer of worlds," Rio murmured. "So where is she?"

"I was hoping you would know," Agatha admitted.

"She's not actively destroying any worlds, I'm afraid. I don't keep track of most mortals, they generally come to me." She gave Agatha a smile. "Mostly just you."

Agatha faked gagging and that, too, was painfully familiar. "All right, so first step is we find her."

"Didn't she kick your ass last time?"

"Yes, but I didn't have Death on my side," Agatha said, favoring Rio with a smile of her own, a smile that hinted at a promise Rio knew she would never fulfill. "Still, even for both of us, she's going to be a lot to handle, especially with the Darkhold."

"So where's the kid figure in, Ags?"

Agatha didn't flinch, but it was there, a tightening of her jaw, a tug at the edge of her lips. "Insurance. If everything else fails, we can always trade the boy."

"Very you," Rio approved. "But you let him go. Why?"

Agatha considered, then got up and paced over to sit next to Rio. Rio felt herself go overly still, less certain how to handle Agatha in such close proximity, even more so as Agatha's hand settled on her knee, intimate and nostalgic. "Because, Rio, my darling, if you need someone to trust you at a critical juncture in the future, sometimes you have to pretend that you’re on their side."

Rio rolled her eyes, but it was a weak response, all of her attention fixed on that hand and that word, darling, rolling off Agatha’s lying tongue. She knew exactly what Agatha was doing. It still worked every time. "Nothing to do with the fact that you're attached?"

Agatha snorted loudly. "Me? To that boy? No. He's useful, though. The son of the Scarlet Witch."

"Still an abomination," Rio said, and thought, I bet you want me to forget that. I bet you want me to forget that there's another one. I haven't.

But I don't need to play my whole hand at once either.

"Sure, sure, but can we deal with what's more important here first?"

"Your plan?"

"That's right. My plan," Agatha said as she leaned too close, her smile wicked and crazed and so, so beautiful. Self-centered as always, Rio thought, unable to suppress the wave of affection that accompanied that thought.

With Agatha so close. Rio couldn't resist, she darted in to steal a kiss, then howled with humorless laughter as Agatha jerked away, her expression that of someone who'd turned the corner and made eye contact with a dead mouse. "You, you, you," Rio singsonged. "Who else would Agatha Harkness think of, other than herself?" She tossed her knife up, caught it too close to Agatha's face and wasn't sure whether to be happy or sad when it made the other woman scoot back, putting more space between them. "But you know, there isn't only one Darkhold."

"Of course I know that," Agatha said. "But the others are lost to—" she paused, realized where this must be going. "…Rio, you wouldn't lie to me, would you?"

"Not about this," Rio said, amused at the implication she'd ever been the one who lied. "I agreed to help, didn't I? Aid given freely."

"…You never mentioned this before."

"I didn't know when we were together. After that, I had a vested interest in not giving you powerful artifacts filled with dark magic. …Also, it is rumored to drive people mad."

"Weak people," Agatha said instantly. "Sheep. Do I look mad to you?"

Rio didn't try to stop herself from laughing. "Nooo comment."

Agatha fixed her with a long-suffering look. "Yes, yes, you're very funny."

"You know you love it," she said and Agatha did the fake-gagging thing again, which only made her giggle. "You already used that one twice," she pointed out and Agatha—

It wasn't fair of Agatha to smile like she meant it, a reluctant tug of her lips into a very pretty shape. "Oooops. I'll have to vary it up. Wouldn't want you to get bored with my disgusted reactions."

For a moment, their eyes met and no time had passed at all.

I love you, Agatha Harkness, Rio thought. And I know you still love me.

Then Agatha's lip curled in a sneer and she looked away, settling with her head on her hand on the far end of the couch. "Another copy of the Darkhold? Really?"

"Really. If you don't want to tangle with the Scarlet Witch."

"I'm not scared, you know," Agatha clarified, suspiciously like someone who was scared. "But she's not going to be easy. So, if there's an easier way—"

"Of course. You're the bravest person I know," Rio said, sprawling across the couch toward Agatha, fully expecting Agatha to run, because Agatha always ran.

Then, somehow, her head was in Agatha's lap.

She stared up and Agatha glanced down, gave her a twisted grin and a shrug, then looked away again, still brooding. "Tell me about it. The other one."

Right. Words. Rio knew how to do words. "The usual. Cursed cave in a treacherous mountain protected by ancient guardian spirits from some long-dead order."

Agatha's glance at her this time was brimming with disbelief. "You've got to be kidding me," she said. "Come on, really?"

Rio shrugged. "I don't make the rules."

"Seems too easy."

"How'd you get it the first time?" she asked and was surprised when Agatha went too still. There was a story here, one she didn't know.

From the way the other woman’s pulse flicked in her throat, one Agatha didn't want to discuss. More and more interesting.

"Something very similar," Agatha said, a little too fast. "Ancient crypt, all these terrible magic traps…"

"Riiiight," Rio said, doubtful, but not inclined to push yet, because—

Well, because her head was in Agatha's lap.

"Anyway, doesn't matter now. You're sure it's there?"

"No," Rio admitted. "But several people told me it was, after they died trying to reach it. …This will be dangerous, you know."

Agatha's fingers carded through her hair and she couldn't stop herself from exhaling, eyes falling shut. "You'll help keep me safe, won't you?"

Manipulative monster, Rio thought, with something akin to pride. "Mm, I have to. But I can't say I'll be devastated if anything happens to you." Her eyes flicked open and she smiled humorlessly. "After all, I get my prize either way."

Agatha stared down at her, then tugged her hand out of Rio's hair and wiped it perfunctorily on the side of the couch before standing up, spilling Rio off her.

"Oooh, touchy," Rio said, giggling from her new spot on the floor.

“You wish,” Agatha snapped. “Fine, we have a year. We’ll try it your way first.”

“Our last big adventure.”

Agatha gave her a crooked, vicious smile that would have made anyone doubt the other woman’s sanity. “Don’t say it like that,” she said, pretending to sulk, but the tone too obviously mocking. “You might get what you want yet.”

Rio came to her feet, too close. “What I want, Agatha, is you dead.” Almost as much as she wanted Agatha's fingers back in her hair.

“And what happens after that?” Agatha asked, a question she'd asked a hundred times.

Rio answered the same way she'd always answered. "Come and see."

"Not yet," Agatha said, dismissive. "I'm not done yet. Now, tell me where this cave is."

If you'd like to read more stuff I've written for Agatha All Along, I'm just going to link to the tag on my blog, there's a bunch at this point.

[isagrimorie]

“What I love about episode 9 is that we go all the way to her truth,” Schaeffer says. “This is a character that was introduced as a walking lie. The show is in many ways a lie: It’s very theatrical, and so much is performative and about wearing masks and costumes. So at the top of [episode] 9, [I loved] to have Kathryn’s performance be so raw and unobserved. The way we approached it was that she always feels watched, like there’s always an audience. But this would be the one time that she doesn’t feel the audience.”

“Something that struck me so early in the development process was the idea that Agatha’s truth would be something very small and very human,” she explains. “It would be the pain of losing a child, and there wouldn’t be any MCU or supernatural magic on top of it. It would just be a human woman and a human child that had died, and that’s the end of the story. And that is tragedy enough to fill the universe.”

Schaeffer says that she always knew the series would end with Agatha’s death and return as a ghost — a plot point from Marvel Comics. “It wasn’t about killing off the character,” Schaeffer says. “It was about the evolution of this character: What is her next phase?” As for what the future might hold for everyone’s favorite scheming purple-magic user, Schaeffer is remaining tight-lipped. But the narrative possibilities, she says, are endless. “I still feel like there’s more road to explore with Agatha as a ghost,” Schaeffer teases. “Get ready.”

---

(All emphasis mine)

So, I suspect that Ghost Agatha is something Marvel wanted Jac and Co., to do since the start. One of the checklists Marvel handed over for the team to do.

And this is far from Agatha's last story. She used evolution to describe this as a jumping-off point for Agatha's next phase.

[doctorofmagic]

I have a few questions to ask...

What are the best Shuma-Gorath stories, in your opinion? Be it single issues or whole arcs?

What is Doctor Strange and the Sorcerers Supreme, exactly? Is it a What If about Billy Kaplan becoming Sorcerer Supreme? It looks like him and Wanda get involved, I think, based on what I saw when I was doing a quick search through your blog, and my partner is a huge fan of those two characters (along with Loki and Agatha Harkness) (he is very passionate when he talks about his immense dislike of DS2 for how it treated Wanda), so I wonder if he would like the series, even if he's neutral on Strange himself.

Do you know of other blogs similar to yours? Like, Marvel comics focused blogs with in-depth knowledge that don't really talk about the MCU, be it focused on the comics in general or on specific characters/teams?

Sorry for the barrage of questions, just... curious and tumblr's search function sucks

*deep inhale*

Okay, beware the long post!

1) Best Shuma-Gorath stories hummm... Well, assuming I only know the stories that feature Stephen, of course, I'd say the whole arc of the Ancient One's death is pretty neat and paves the way to Stephen becoming the Sorcerer Supreme (Marvel Premiere #2-10).

I know Duggan is controversial as a writer, but I also really enjoyed Savage Avengers (the whole volume, basically). Conan isn't an appealing character to me, personally speaking, but when you make a team with Doctors Doom and Strange plus Magik (my top three characters lol), of course I'll appreciate the effort haha.

2) DS and the Sorcerers Supreme is basically a story set in different eras, including a possible future where adult Billy is the Sorcerer Supreme. It also features Nina, a brazilian (yay) Sorcerer Supreme from the 60s, along with debuting character Kushala, a native american who turns out is also a spirit of vengeance (and we love her!). Plus young Yao (Ancient One) and even Newton for some reason (?). They were gathered by Merlin to battle a foe called the Forgotten. That's basically it.

Wanda doesn't have a role in this story, I'm sorry to inform. Maybe you're referring to Last Days of Magic, tho? That's an amazing arc very dear to me in which a foe called Empirikul destroys and kills magic and its users across the dimensions/universes. He basically depowered every magic user at that time, although the real consequences were only felt in the Doctor Strange books (for more on this arc, check Doctor Strange v4 #1-10 by Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo). Lastly, yeah, MCU!Wendy is.... *sighs*. Every little thing about her is wrong and I'm with you and your partner there, we do not appreciate her in this house. If you want stories featuring the two of them (and those who were not written by Hickman because we know how he treats Wanda...), I have a list, actually! (cause I'm insane and have a guide for literally everything)

Green heart is a good characterization and/or good portrayal of their relationship. Broken heart is, you know.... bad vibes. You can find more team-up guides here (but it's still under construction simply because I forgor, I'm sorry 😭)

3) Lastly.... I could never forget to recommend the best Magik blog on the internet, @dailydamnation. There are a few I follow focused on Doom and Nova but it's not an in-depth analysis, more like random panels and posts. I wish I knew more blogs focused on comics here but overall the fan accounts are spread over twitter and we all know how much of a hell that place truly is. But if someone else would like to leave recs and promote your blogs, please feel free to do so!

And no need to apologize, I really to rant about comics so thank YOU for the opportunity yippie 😊

[infiniteeight8]

Could we get a sequel to "who bound your magic?" (And if you've already written a sequel and I just haven't seen it yet since I usually read your fic on AO3 instead of here, could we get ANOTHER sequel? :-D ) Sequel could be what happens next, or one of the other characters' POV of what's already happened.

I have not yet done a sequel to this one!

The original ficlet is here: who bound your magic?

And now onto the sequel! Uh, quick warning that my knowledge of Teen Wolf druids is a bit fuzzy and largely remembered from fic, so if anything here is super wrong… just consider it a casualty of merging the MCU and Teen Wolf magic systems. LOL

-

Doctor Strange—talk about a kick ass name for a magic user—takes Stiles and Peter to his home base by portal. Just… puts on a ring, waves his hand, and steps through a hole in space time and into a completely different place.

“Welcome to the Sanctum Sanctorum,” Doctor Strange says, and Stiles can’t help turning in a circle, taking in the space with wide eyes. Now this is what a wizard’s home ought to look like! Deaton had always been so… mundane. “Wong!” 

Stiles jumps when Doctor Strange shouts. He glances at Peter, who just shrugs, though he’s on high alert.

After a moment, another man appears at the top of the staircase. He’s Asian, dressed in robes similar to Doctor Strange’s but in darker colors. “There’s no need to shout,” he says, descending the stairs. “If I am here, the Sanctum will alert me. If I am not, I won’t hear you.”

“I think you’ll be interested to examine Stiles here,” Doctor Strange says, gesturing at Stiles.

Wong reaches the bottom of the stairs and approaches Stiles. “With your permission?”

“Yeah, sure,” Stiles says, nodding.

Wong waves his hands around, and suddenly there’s a glowing pattern floating in the air between them. He examines it, and Stiles through it, with a frown. Eventually he waves it away. “Someone did not want you doing magic,” Wong says.

Stiles blows out a breath. “That’s what Doctor Strange said. I’ve only met a few people who knew about magic at all. Most of them were bad guys, so I guess it could have been one of them…” he trails off and looks over at Peter.

“But?” Doctor Strange prompts. 

“There’s a druid who’s supposed to be helping us,” Peter says, “and he’s never mentioned any problem with Stiles’ magic.”

“A ‘druid’?” Doctor Strange raises his eyebrows and turns to Wong.

“Hmm. A minor sect of sorcerers that broke off from the order in Ancient Greece,” Wong says. “I’m surprised they’re still around; they’re focus was… narrow.”

Stiles snorts. “They’re not only around, they act like they’re the final authority on all things magic. They say it’s their job to ‘keep the balance.’”

“Balance?” Wong huffs. “There’s no such thing. Not magically, anyway.”

“There is a price to pay for magic,” Stephen points out. “That might be where they got the idea.”

“Possibly,” Wong allows. To Stiles, he says, “I can remove the block on your magic, but you will require immediate training. Despite the block, you have clearly been reaching for your power. To do so without training is dangerous, for you and for the fabric of reality.”

“I am totally down for training,” Stiles says, bouncing a little on his toes. 

“I’m staying,” Peter says flatly.

“Of course,” Doctor Strange says. Both he and Wong look surprised. “We’d never ask you to leave your bonded, especially not with the energies he’ll be handling.”

“Bonded?” Stiles squeaks. Peter looks just as startled.

Wong sighs deeply. “Druids.”

[captainjonnitkessler]

Hmmm. Wait.

Magic user

Snarky and sarcastic

Doesn't play nice with others

Kind of evil with a hidden spark of good

Has an extremely complicated love-hate relationship with his simple but good-hearted warrior brother, who he has tried to kill on at least one occasion

Became the runaway fave of the fandom

MCU Loki fans you need to be introduced to Raistlin Majere right fucking now

[watchnrant]

Agatha All Along Episode 8: Easter Eggs & References

Rio’s Green Crown – Secrets and Symbolism of the Witches’ Crowns

The introduction of Rio’s green crown in Agatha All Along takes us deeper into the hidden, intricate language of magic in the MCU. Crowns aren’t just fancy accessories here; they’re like a magical badge of honor, whispering of power, hierarchy, and elemental essence. So far, we’ve seen three colors that definitely mean something more than just fashion-forward witchcraft:

Green for Earth (Rio): With its verdant shade, Rio’s crown could signify an intimate connection to earth magic—a form of power rooted in the physical world, healing, and the natural balance. This aligns with Rio’s characterization as both a guiding and exacting force, wielding a magic that’s as restorative as it is relentless. Her role as an enforcer of life’s cycles suggests she’s grounded in sustaining the magical world’s natural order, holding life and death in delicate balance.

Red for Chaos (Wanda/Scarlet Witch): The red crown embodies chaos, a force that defies predictability and wields the raw power to alter reality itself. Wanda’s crown reinforces her as a disruptor—a rare breed of magic user who shapes and bends existence. This chaotic energy contrasts with Rio’s steadying earth magic, placing Wanda in a realm of unpredictability that other witches may fear, envy, or even revere. Hers is a magic that’s volatile, the element that unhinges the ordered universe.

Blue for Spirit/Reality (Evanora, now Billy): Evanora’s blue crown, which has passed to Wiccan (Billy Maximoff), hints at an ethereal and introspective power. Blue suggests a connection to spirit and the intangible, reaching into realms of consciousness and transcendence. For Billy, this could symbolize his potential to wield reality-bending powers in ways that are cerebral, meditative, and spiritual. As his journey continues, the blue crown might signal his path toward becoming the Demiurge—a being with the power to mold reality but tempered by insight and wisdom.

Crowns as Magical Hierarchy and Balance

Could it be that each of these crowns actually holds a critical piece of the magical puzzle? Here’s the theory: these crowns symbolize fundamental forces—earth, chaos, spirit—striking a delicate cosmic balance. Witchcraft, in this view, isn’t some hodgepodge of spells and power struggles; it’s an intricate system where each crown designates an essential role. Think of these magical headpieces as more than just bedazzled adornments; they’re the hidden blueprint of the power structure. Who wears what crown may reveal how power flows in their world, shaping everything from who holds sway to how magic itself manifests.

Agatha Was the Culprit Behind Binding Jennifer’s Magic

The Past Always Comes Back Around

In Episode 8 of Agatha All Along, we’re hit with a twist that’s been brewing for centuries: Agatha herself unknowingly set the stage for Jennifer’s magical binding. Turns out, a century ago, Agatha struck a deal with a Boston doctor, selling a binding spell that’s kept Jennifer’s powers locked away for decades. This revelation taps into Agatha’s past as a “witch-for-hire,” exposing how her morally grey business choices ripple across time in ways even she couldn’t foresee. Jennifer reclaiming her power isn’t just a personal victory—it’s a stark reminder that Agatha’s past, with all its transactions and compromises, holds lasting consequences that won’t stay buried.

The whole setup mirrors Agatha’s role in WandaVision, where her meddling led to facing her own share of fallout. But in Agatha All Along, Jennifer’s journey digs into themes of autonomy and freedom from old bonds, marking a transformative path to reclaim her magic. Here’s a closer look at what this scene unpacks:

Themes of Power, Binding, and Liberation

The Binding Spell as a Metaphor: Jennifer’s binding isn’t just some ancient spell—it’s a metaphor for societal chains, especially those placed on women who dared to stand out. Agatha’s stint as a “witch-for-hire” feeds into this narrative, framing Jennifer’s journey to break free as a powerful statement on autonomy and resilience.

Redemption and Reclamation: Haunted by past losses, Jennifer sees breaking the binding as a form of redemption, a way to honor those she couldn’t save. Her unbinding ritual symbolizes a deeper mission to reclaim herself and the memories of her past.

Symbolism of the Road

The Road as Transformation: The phrase “The Road gave her what she was missing” goes beyond a physical journey; it represents Jennifer’s personal transformation. In storytelling, roads often signify self-discovery, and here, “The Road” becomes Jennifer’s path to inner freedom.

Character Dynamics and Conflicted Relationships

Jennifer and Agatha’s Complex Bond: The tension between Jennifer and Agatha runs deep, charged with betrayal and a shared struggle against societal pressures. Agatha’s remarks about the 1920s and “the patriarchy’s orders” hint at her own complicated relationship with these systems, adding layers to their dynamic.

Identity, Self-Worth, and Jennifer’s Stand

Identity Crisis and Empowerment: Realizing her life has been governed by a binding spell, Jennifer faces a profound crisis. Her line, “if that’s true, that means I’ve wasted the last century of my life,” hits home for anyone who’s built their self-worth around something they couldn’t control.

Empowerment Through Affirmation: Jennifer’s mantra, “You hold nothing,” is more than just words—it’s a spell of self-liberation, a purging of years of external control. With every chant, she sheds layers of doubt and fear, culminating in a powerful release of her true self.

Existential and Mystical Undertones

Cosmic Design of Her Journey: The line “The Road gave her what she was missing” suggests a cosmic resonance to Jennifer’s path, as if her struggles were always leading her to this moment. It adds an existential weight to her journey, framing her transformation as part of a greater design.

Liberation Beyond Reality: Jennifer’s disappearance at the end hints at something beyond mere escape—it feels like transcendence. Her repeated line, “You hold nothing,” serves as a final act of self-definition, freeing her from the bonds of the physical world.

Historical and Cultural Subtext

Critique of Historical Oppression: Agatha’s role in binding Jennifer a century ago resonates with the cultural pressures of the time. Her complicity in such oppressive mechanisms highlights the complexity of navigating power within a patriarchal system, giving historical weight to her conflict with Jennifer.

This scene serves as a reminder of how deeply ingrained societal structures can limit and define people, often without their awareness. Jennifer’s evolution from a bound figure to a liberated individual encapsulates a powerful journey of reclaiming identity and autonomy, leaving us with lingering questions about freedom, self-worth, and the cost of liberation. Through this complex relationship, the episode critiques systems of control, celebrates resilience, and explores the transformative power of self-empowerment.

Lights Out: The Countdown Intensifies

Every Flicker Signals the Clock is Ticking

Another trial, another ticking clock—but this time, it’s overhead grow lights doing the countdown work. In Agatha All Along Episode 8, the stakes are dialed up with each panel of ceiling lights flickering off as time slips away. It’s a fresh spin on the series’ signature countdown devices, building on past episodes where we’ve seen a kitchen timer, a metronome, a retro Casio G-Shock, and an hourglass. This time, instead of hearing the seconds slip away, we see it—making the tension even more visceral.

The grow lights add an eerie atmosphere that ramps up the suspense with each flicker, reminding us that in Agatha’s realm, time is as powerful as any spell. Every dimming panel adds another layer of urgency, tying the trials together and adding to the overall sense of looming danger. This creative approach to a countdown isn’t just functional—it’s a reminder that, in this world of magic and mystery, every second matters. It’s sharp, immersive, and keeps us right on the edge of our seats.

White & Blue Shoes For Tommy

A Nod to Speed’s Color Scheme

In a chilling, gut-punch of a scene, Agatha walks Billy down memory lane, taking him back to those final, innocent moments with Tommy in Westview when they were just ten. It’s a quiet memory—a heartbeat in time before everything spiraled out of control. Billy clings to the rhythm of Tommy’s breath as they drifted to sleep, a memory so raw and real that Agatha taps into it to help Billy focus his power, channeling enough energy to bring Tommy back.

As the memory intensifies, Agatha pushes Billy to drown out the present noise, guiding him back to a world already in ruins. She whispers about lost souls—kids stuck in their own kind of purgatory, barely hanging on. Billy, caught in this emotional storm, senses a young boy—abandoned and drifting—shoved into a pool in a cruel prank, clinging to life. The boy’s loneliness pierces Billy, and he mutters, “He has no one to love him.” It’s a line that cuts deep, a nod to Tommy’s comic origins as Tommy Shepherd, who grew up with abandonment and the harsh reality of juvie life.

And here’s the twist: Billy, feeling the weight of his choice, turns to Agatha, asking, “Am I killing this boy so my brother can live?” Agatha’s response is as haunting as it gets: “No, Billy. Sometimes, boys die.”

For the eagle-eyed fans, the boy’s gray and blue shoes are a hidden gem—a visual nod to Tommy’s future as Speed, echoing his Young Avengers colors. It’s a subtle, spine-tingling homage to Tommy’s destiny, a reminder that every choice in this world carries a price, especially when it’s between two brothers separated by fate. This moment is layered with intensity, honoring Tommy’s journey while underscoring the brutal stakes that hang over every decision.

Agatha’s Dandelion Seed in the Locket

Episode 8 Plants the Seeds of Resilience and Renewal

In Episode 8 of Agatha All Along, there’s a deeply moving moment where Agatha finds a hidden dandelion seed nestled behind a lock of her son’s hair in her locket. It’s more than just a sentimental token—the seed represents hope, resilience, and a quiet determination that’s become Agatha’s core. With a single tear, she plants it in a crack in the floor, embracing themes of survival and transformation that define her journey.

Throughout the series, the dandelion has been Agatha’s quiet symbol, embodying the beauty of life’s small, unbreakable moments. By planting the seed, she’s making a choice to nurture and protect what she loves, even in the face of grief and loss. This act marks a turning point for her character, showing that she’s ready to grow beyond past pain while holding onto the memories that shaped her. In Episode 9, we’ll see Agatha and her son Nicky blowing dandelions together—a poignant reminder of wishes, innocence, and the fleeting yet powerful nature of memory.

This scene nails Agatha’s journey, loaded with layers of symbolism that cut straight to the heart of her character:

Memory and Nostalgia: Agatha’s locket, hiding that tiny dandelion seed, holds memories of love and loss. It’s her link to the past—a fragile reminder of moments she can’t release and a nod to the delicate, lasting impact of memories.

Isolation and Desperation: Agatha’s dim, solitary surroundings heighten the contrast between her despair and the life symbolized by the dandelion seed, amplifying her yearning for renewal.

Loss and Mourning: Her single tear as she plants the seed isn’t just emotional release—it’s her grief given form, a moment of vulnerability that feels as raw as it is transformative. It’s that crucial step in her journey, showing she’s ready to face the past to make way for a future.

Resilience and Survival: The dandelion isn’t your average flower; it’s a symbol of grit and survival in the toughest places. Just like Agatha, it embodies endurance, showing that even in the harshest environments, there’s strength to be found.

Transformation and Growth: As the seed takes root, it mirrors Agatha’s journey from darkness to a spark of light. It’s her emotional rebirth, an embodiment of her evolution, and a sign of the hope she’s starting to feel for what’s ahead.

This scene says it all about Agatha’s path, showing us that even in the bleakest times, there’s always a spark of resilience that can lead to growth, proving the strength in simplicity.

Billy Maximoff’s Wiccan Debut: Stepping Into His Destiny

A Moment of Power, Legacy, and Transformation

In the intense final moments of Agatha All Along Episode 8, Agatha finds herself face-to-face with Rio, the embodiment of Death, on her own rooftop. Just when it looks like the scales are tipping against her, Billy makes his entrance, fully suited up in the red-and-blue Wiccan attire that fans know from the comics. Gone is the Halloween costume from WandaVision—this is Billy in his true form, embracing every ounce of his power and legacy as Wiccan.

This isn’t just a costume reveal; it’s a rite of passage. Billy stepping into his Wiccan gear marks his transformation from a young sorcerer under Agatha’s wing to a powerful, self-assured figure, ready to stand as her equal. His costume is the final touch in his journey along the Witches’ Road, embodying the power, legacy, and independence he’s claimed for himself. For fans, this moment is electric—it’s the Wiccan we’ve been waiting for, fully realized and finally stepping into his place in the mystical world.

Agatha’s Return to Her Witchy Wardrobe: Power, Sacrifice, and Redemption

A Look That Defines Her Evolution

Just as Billy channels his power into Agatha, we see her snap back into her full magical form, complete with that dark, layered costume from the WandaVision finale—the outfit that embodies Agatha Harkness at peak strength. But let’s be clear, this isn’t just any wardrobe change; it’s Agatha reclaiming her identity as a witch, embracing the legacy and raw power that have defined her.

This return to her witch’s robes goes deeper than just the look; it’s a full-circle moment and a symbol of the stakes she’s ready to face. Dressed in her signature dark attire, Agatha makes the ultimate sacrifice, putting herself between Billy and Rio, the embodiment of Death, who demands a soul to restore balance. In stepping back into this costume, Agatha accepts everything she’s been and the consequences of her choices. Her final act, dressed as the powerful, unapologetic Agatha we met before, closes out her arc from self-serving sorceress to a mentor willing to sacrifice it all for Wiccan’s future. This visual is loaded with meaning, showing us just how far she’s come and leaving a lasting impact for fans who’ve been rooting for her transformation all along.

Kiss of Death… Literally

A Defiant Goodbye That Redefines Sacrifice

In a jaw-dropping turn, Agatha’s “Kiss of Death” with Rio flips the classic phrase into something far more powerful. When Billy brings up her son, Nicholas, it reignites Agatha’s maternal instinct, and she decides in that moment to sacrifice herself for Billy, defying Rio—Death itself—to keep him safe. With a fierce resolve, Agatha turns and plants a kiss on Rio, accepting her fate while bending it to her will. This isn’t just a goodbye; it’s an ultimate act of rebellion, transforming the “Kiss of Death” from a fatal end into a bittersweet choice powered by the love she once had for Nicholas, now directed at Billy.

This moment nails the episode’s themes of sacrifice and the complexities of motherhood, showing how deeply loss and love are woven into Agatha’s journey. Her decision to face Death head-on for another harks back to the tragic hero’s redemptive sacrifice, and she leaves her locket with Billy as a final “mother’s kiss”—a symbolic parting gift that ties him to her legacy. It’s an emotional, layered move that packs a punch, leaving fans with a lasting image of Agatha’s transformation and what she’s willing to give for those she loves.

Billy’s Departure from Westview Mirrors Wanda’s Farewell

The Legacy of Power and Loss Passed from Mother to Son

Billy’s departure from Westview is a visual callback to Wanda’s own emotional farewell in WandaVision. With hoods pulled up as they walk away, both Maximoffs embody the weight of loss and the heavy responsibility that comes with their powers. This isn’t just a stylistic echo; it’s a powerful symbol of the connection between mother and son, showing how Wanda’s legacy is woven into Billy’s journey. For both, Westview represents a place they tried to protect, yet had to leave behind. Their hoods become symbols of both protection and solitude as they step into unknown futures, fully aware of the isolation that comes with wielding great power.

Earlier, we see another callback as Billy descends to aid Agatha against Rio, paralleling Wanda’s descent after her battle with Agatha in WandaVision. Both hover mid-air, showcasing their mastery over magic and shared instinct to protect. Wanda’s descent was her acceptance of her identity as the Scarlet Witch, while Billy’s descent marks his first steps as Wiccan, driven by duty and love. This mirrored descent emphasizes their command over chaos magic and commitment to wield it responsibly.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen Billy mirror Wanda. Back in Episode 5, Billy first donned his Wiccan headband, a visual echo of Wanda’s Scarlet Witch crown. While Wanda’s crown marked her acceptance of her full powers, Billy’s headband signifies his own step into his magical destiny. These visual callbacks draw a clear line between mother and son, building a narrative of loss, resilience, and the weight of inherited power. Billy’s path becomes a natural extension of Wanda’s, linking their journeys through blood and the shared burden of chaos magic, uniting them in a legacy of strength, sacrifice, and the delicate balance of power and responsibility.

Billy’s Imagination Brought the Witches’ Road to Life

A Journey Inspired by Childhood Symbols

Billy uncovers a game-changing revelation: he unknowingly created the Witches’ Road using his own powers, crafting a mystical path that’s even “better than he pictured it.” Looking around his room, he spots the familiar elements that inspired this creation—the yellow brick road from The Wizard of Oz, the multicolored trees and leaves, and even a painting of the ocean house from earlier in the series. These seemingly innocent details from his childhood have seeped into his magic, transforming the Witches’ Road into a space that’s both deeply personal and fantastical.

This moment also confirms Lilia’s earlier tarot reading, which hinted at Billy’s power of creation—the ability to “turn his goals into reality.” Her reading foreshadowed Billy’s untapped potential, revealing just how much influence he holds over the world around him. By connecting to the Witches’ Road, Billy isn’t just tapping into his potential as Wiccan; he’s showing a rare power to turn imagination into reality, weaving his inner world into existence in a way that would impress even the most seasoned witches. This journey along the Witches’ Road is more than just a path—it’s a living, breathing reflection of Billy’s creativity, ambition, and immense potential.