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The Merchant Tribe Elder is a member of the Wakandan Tribal Council and the leader of the Merchant Tribe.
Biography[]
Incoronation of T'Challa[]
- "The Merchant Tribe will not challenge today."
- ―Merchant Tribe Elder to Zuri[src]
The elder attending T'Challa's incoronation
As the elder of her tribe, the Merchant Tribe Elder went to the Warrior Falls to attend the Incoronation of T'Challa. During the ceremony, she announced that the Merchant Tribe would not challenge T'Challa for the throne of Wakanda.
The elder attending a Tribal Council meeting
Later, the elder took part in a meeting of the Tribal Council, during which Okoye announced that the criminal Ulysses Klaue had resurfaced. The elder disagreed with the idea of T'Challa going to South Korea to chase Klaue himself, arguing that Wakanda needed a King more than it needed a warrior, but T'Challa decided to proceed with the mission nonetheless.[1]
Erik Killmonger's Revolution[]
The elder witnessing T'Challa and Killmonger's duel
With the arrival of Erik Killmonger, the elder had to return to the Warrior Falls to witness his duel against T'Challa. When T'Challa was defeated, the Merchant Tribe Elder reluctantly swore allegiance to Killmonger, and as such, was forced to help him carry on his plan to send Vibranium weapons all around the world. However, Killmonger was eventually overthrown by the returning T'Challa, and the elder once again got to serve the rightful King of Wakanda.[1]
T'Challa's Death[]
The elder attended T'Challa's funeral in 2024 when he sadly died of an illness, leading Ramonda to become Queen.[2]
Talokanil-Wakandan War[]
Namor's Infiltration[]
- "He wants us to deliver one American scientist? So he can kill them?"
- ―Merchant Tribe Elder to Ramonda[src]
The elder attending a Tribal Council meeting discussing Namor's ultimatum
A year later, Namor infiltrated Wakanda, giving Ramonda an ultimatum. The elders were called into an emergency meeting to discuss how to proceed, where the elder expressed her disbelief at Wakanda being threatened with war over a single American scientist. Shuri and Okoye set out for Cambridge to retrieve the scientist that Namor wanted killed but only Okoye returned, the princess having been kidnapped by Talokani soldiers during the mission. The elders then witnessed Ramonda's outburst at Okoye, furious and grief-stricken at the apparent loss of her one remaining family member before expelling the esteemed general from the Dora Milaje.[2]
Attack on the Golden City[]
Namor soon attacked Wakanda in retaliation for them rescuing Shuri and Riri Williams from Talokan; among the victims was Queen Ramonda, leaving the Council leaderless and in disarray. After Ramonda's funeral, M'Baku allowed the elders and the city's population to take refuge in Gorilla City as the main city was flooded. As the elders spoke with M'Baku regarding the issues of resettlement and the lack of a formal leader, an individual dressed as the Black Panther dropped into their midst. She revealed herself to be Shuri, who had sucessfully recreated the Heart-Shaped Herb, and the elder then stood and placed her hand on the young princess, hailing her as the new Black Panther.[2]
New King[]
After the battle and truce with Talokan, the elders arrived at Warrior Falls to witness Shuri's incoronation. Much to their surprise, Shuri did not show. M'Baku then walked out of the ship, taking the challenge and becoming king.[2]
Facilities[]
- Citadel: As a member of the Tribal Council, the Merchant Tribe Elder frequently attended meetings in the Citadel.
Relationships[]
Allies[]
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Enemies[]
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Behind the Scenes[]
- Dorothy Steel died on October 15, 2021. As a result, her reprisal as the Merchant Tribe Elder in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was posthumous.
