Symbiotes

*"Though we are a benevolent species, there is no literature on my my home planet. And though it is our goal to make the universe better, we create no art, no music, no culture. At least, not as other civilizations would understand it. All we have are our **hosts** -- the beings we join with -- to forge through the cold and unforgiving cosmos with. The bond between a Symbiote and its host is sacred. They give our lives context and our existence meaning. They give us history. All we have are our hosts to tell us who we are."*
―Venom[src]**Symbiotes** comprise an extraterrestrial species characterized by their inorganic, amorphous nature, originating from the "living abyss" that emerged during the universe's inception. This unique life form was forged by the primordial deity Knull, who harnessed his shadow to manifest a sword of living darkness named All-Black. With this formidable weapon, Knull waged a devastating campaign, utilizing it to annihilate Celestials and various other deities. This momentous event marked the inception of the symbiotes as a distinct species.

## History

### Creation

*"**Ha**! You are a simple and trusting host, Edward Brock. I see why my child adores you so. But you have been lied to for so very long. What you think of as their homeworld, their planet... is nothing more than the largest horde of symbiotes in the galaxy trying desperately to keep their greatest secret. An infinity of them churning and roiling endlessly around the one thing that binds them all... the hive mind they cannot do without. Do you see the shape of it now? Do you understand? There is no **Planet of the Symbiotes**. **Klyntar is their word for cage**. That is where I am right now, host. Where I have been sleeping for eons. I am there. **Imprisoned**."*
―Knull to Eddie Brock[src]
The precise inception of Knull's creation of amorphous parasites from the Living Abyss remains shrouded in ambiguity. While present on Earth in the 21st century, Knull disclosed that he initiated experimentation with his powers during a period of isolation on a barren planet after losing All-Black to Gorr. During this time, he began bonding these parasites to lesser beings, molding them into predatory creatures. Notably, the Silver Surfer encountered parasitic symbiotes when sent back in time to a period prior to Knull's loss of the Necrosword.

All-Black, symbiote dragons, Mister E, and Void Knight are sometimes categorized as *proto-symbiotes*, serving as experimental precursors to the parasitic symbiote species, distinct from symbiotes themselves. Further contributing to Knull's experimental pursuits, the Exolon emerged as imperfect symbiotes discarded within the Exoteric Latitude.

In addition, a more evolved category of 'cousin' species named 'Variants' also emerged at some point. These Variants exhibited a distinct feeding behavior, drawing upon bliss from their hosts without inflicting harm. This intricate web of creation and experimentation underscores the complex origins and development of the symbiote species under Knull's dominion.

#### Rebellion

Knull's ascent as the architect of a vast symbiote empire unfolded through the ages, where he harnessed the symbiotes to orchestrate a relentless campaign of conquest and annihilation spanning countless planets and civilizations over billions of years. Amidst these ventures, a pivotal moment emerged when the symbiotes ventured into the Microverse, their very presence manifesting as corrosive and toxic forces. They audaciously attempted to consume the Enigma Force itself, an audacious endeavor that was ultimately thwarted.

Traces of Knull's sinister influence reached Earth during the sixth century when two of his symbiote dragons descended upon Scandinavia. These creatures, known as Grendel and Big Mother, instilled terror as they ravaged the land. Thor Odinson's divine lightning struck down Grendel, severing Knull's direct connection to the symbiotes and precipitating a profound transformation. The destabilized symbiotes, stripped of their nexus, sought solace in forging connections with hosts, endeavoring to derive meaning and purpose from their existence.

Subsequent events unveiled a complex tapestry of symbiote rebellion against Knull's dominion. As symbiotes bonded with benevolent hosts, a noble strain emerged, poisoning the hive-mind with traits such as honor and nobility. This faction, driven by ideals antithetical to Knull's dark influence, ultimately revolted and imprisoned the primordial deity at the core of an artificial planetary construct in the Andromeda Galaxy, branding both their sanctuary and themselves as "**Klyntar**."

However, a faction of symbiotes remained steadfast in their allegiance to Knull, instilling a cult on Earth devoted to their deity's revival. This group fervently worshiped Knull, seeking to hasten his escape and restore his dominion.

In their quest for redemption and to counteract their ominous origins, the symbiotes of Klyntar propagated a fiction of innate benevolence. Striving to propagate harmony throughout the universe, they developed a hive mind attuned to the "voice" of the Cosmos. This visionary endeavor led to the establishment of the Agents of the Cosmos, an intergalactic peacekeeping consortium. This symbiotic initiative hinged upon transforming "worthy" hosts into noble warriors, an intricate symbiosis that hinged upon an ideal blend of moral and physical attributes.

Amidst these developments, the corruption endemic to some symbiotes persisted, resulting in their expulsion from the hive-mind. The afflicted symbiotes faced trials of "cleansing" and punishment, further underscoring the symbiotic species' dichotomous nature.

Regrettably, the corruption disseminated misinformation, tainting the symbiote species' reputation. Feral symbiotes resumed their predacious pursuits, overtaking planets and sowing fear and terror across the universe. These creatures, driven by an insatiable appetite, exhibited a penchant for influencing their hosts to commit cannibalistic acts, a grisly manifestation of their insidious power.

Within this intricate narrative, the symbiotes grapple with their origin, redemption, and the interplay of darkness and nobility—a saga that weaves through time and space, showcasing the symbiote species' complex evolution and multifaceted nature.

## Trivia

### Adaptation

1. ↑ *Silver Surfer: Black*
2. ↑ DONNY CATES on Twitter - June 25, 2019
3. ↑ *King in Black*
4. ↑ *Web of Venom*
5. ↑ *True Believers*