[History of the Sun God]
The image depicted in the picture was that of an ancient Egyptian mural, centered around a pyramid, with a sturdy blond warrior standing atop it.
His entire figure was radiant, holding a flame in his hand that emitted light and warmth, illuminating everything akin to the sun.
The old professor explained, "This is a well-preserved ancient Egyptian fresco, recounting the tale of the sun god banishing darkness."
Before he could finish, someone interjected, "Isn't the ancient Egyptian sun god called 'Ra'?"
The old professor clarified, "Ancient Egypt had numerous sun gods, with 'Ra' being just one. Ra's position was also succeeded by others, such as 'Aten'... Myths are often flexible and lack strict adherence."
"The sun god depicted here symbolizes the dawn sun, a role that rarely appears. To my knowledge, this depiction remains singular, with no known name."
He rose, placing Forseti photograph beside the mural on the table. "Look, doesn't the image of 084 resemble the sun god depicted here? Director Carter, you mentioned that 084 possesses potent flame abilities, much like those illustrated here."
"084" served as the Strategic Science Corps' special code, denoting unknown entities—objects or individuals alike. In future S.H.I.E.L.D. years, both Shockwave Girl and Thor's Mjölnir were designated as 084.
Moreover, in the current context, 084 clearly referred to their subject of investigation, Forseti
"Forgetting to mention, this mural dates back to approximately 300 BC, precisely two millennia ago," added the old professor.
Historians and Carter meticulously scrutinized the sun god portrayed in the fresco.
Though lacking the precision of modern artistry, the ancient fresco's preservation and clarity facilitated a detailed comparison with the adjacent photograph.
"Could 084 possibly represent the ancient Egyptian dawn sun god?" Discussion among the group promptly ensued.
"It's incredible to encounter figures from mythology in reality."
"I might switch careers to become a mythologist—history is so captivating!"
Carter inquired, "Is there additional information available about this sun god?"
The old professor shook his head, "This mural is the sole piece I possess."
"Yet, being a deity of such prominence as the sun god, additional information should certainly exist."
Carter nodded, "Let's proceed by investigating myths. Compile as much information as possible to confirm 084's true identity."
"Moreover, supplementary sources indicate that in addition to flames, 084 also wields golden light energy, capable of performing powerful magic—suspected even to resurrect. Magneto may owe his revival to him."
Thus, the historians temporarily transitioned into mythologists, embarking on a quest to extract obscure myths and legends, beginning with ancient Egyptian lore.
Within the day, an elderly historian excitedly presented a printed picture, his agile steps belying his seventy-odd years. "Look what I've found!"
The room's historians converged, their eyes widening.
"Amazing!" someone couldn't help but exclaim.
The elderly historian continued, brimming with excitement, "This is an artwork by the medieval painter Bugarini, portraying a deity using light to heal a patient during the Black Death."
"No doubt, this is 084!"
Compared to ancient Egypt, medieval artistry had advanced significantly, achieving lifelike representations.
Before the historians lay an exquisitely detailed image, closely resembling Forseti's photograph. The resemblance was unmistakable.
"The attire of this deity mirrors that of the previous Egyptian sun god, establishing a critical clue!"
"Absolutely, dawn is approaching, and soon, this sun god will emerge from the annals of history into modern human consciousness!"
Over the following days,
"Director Carter, I believe we're ready to present our findings to the Strategic Science Corps," the lead historian declared, still visibly enthralled.
Carter and Old Stark were present, listening intently.
The historian continued, "Following extensive research and analysis, we are confident that 084's true identity is that of the sun god, known by the name Forseti."
"Forseti..." Carter and Old Stark exchanged a glance, softly echoing the name.
Pushing up his glasses, the historian elaborated, "Throughout history, this sun god was remarkably active, appearing across various civilizations worldwide. We've traced at least a dozen depictions of this sun god."
"Forseti first emerged in ancient Egypt, employing light and fire to dispel 'darkness,' hence revered as the dawn sun god. The term 'darkness' here is likely metaphorical, though much detail remains obscured."
"Subsequently, Forseti surfaced in legends spanning ancient Celtic, Chinese, and Indian civilizations..."
"Notably, cumin—a spice for grilling—was first popularized by Forseti in ancient Hong Kong, renowned for its use in preparing formidable sea creatures. Hence, in many cultures, cumin is hailed as 'the sun god's spice,' honoring his culinary prowess."
Old Stark, taken aback, remarked, "Cumin?"
While less popular in the United States compared to Asia, cumin did originate from the United States, and naturally, Old Stark had grown accustomed to its culinary use.
Consequently, for Old Stark, the combined revelations paled in significance to this culinary tidbit.
"Remembering your fondness for spices?" Carter mused after a moment's thought.
"Perfect for grilling meats," Old Stark affirmed. "It's truly astonishing—I'd heard tales of cumin, but never expected to witness the sun god himself entwined within its legend."
The historian then revealed another image, saying, "Later, Forseti surfaced on the European continent. This oil painting by medieval painter Bugarini depicts him administering treatment during the Black Death."
"European lore and contemporary literature often mention 'paladins.' Previously believed to stem from Christian origins, our research indicates that the concept of paladins may trace back to this sun god—the foundation for the paladin's healer role dates back to his Black Death interventions."