Wednesday, January 10, 2018

The Braddock Family Tree

Embarking on a journey through the annals of the Marvel Universe, we delve into the remarkable Braddock family tree. From the ancient Celtic warriors to their emergence as wealthy aristocrats, the Braddocks stand as a testament to a lineage bridging two realms—the affluent aristocracy of Earth-616 and the powerful and magical beings of Otherworld. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of the Braddocks, uncovering the mysteries that have shaped this extraordinary family.

The Braddock Family Tree

* The images depicting General Braddock and Sir James' Mother are merely illustrative.
They were never featured on panel.

THE CELTS 

The Braddocks can trace their origins to the Britons, with subsequent developments during the Anglo-Saxon period shaping the family’s name. Braddock Manor, situated in the town of Maldon, Essex, was built on land that has been a part of the Braddock heritage since before the Roman invasion of Britain, serving as evidence of the Braddocks’ distant descent from the Britons, the indigenous Celtic people of Great Britain. The specific territory, now Essex, was once inhabited by the Trinovantes, a notable Celtic tribe during the pre-Roman era. The Trinovantes’ capital, Camulodunum (modern Colchester), was one of the proposed sites for the legendary Camelot. Following the decline of Roman rule in the 5th century, Anglo-Saxon settlement in eastern and southern Britain began, leading to the cultural and linguistic fragmentation of the Britons. The Braddock name itself originated during the Anglo-Saxon period, deriving from Old English words—‘brad,’ meaning broad, and ‘ac,’ meaning oak—indicating a family’s association with a large oak tree. [Captain Britain v1 #9 / Celtic Britons / Trinovantes / History of Braddock name] 

POWER AND GLORY 

In the 17th century, construction of Braddock Manor commenced in 1685 by a victorious General returning from the European Wars. The General, potentially having participated in the Franco-Dutch War (1672-1678) given the historical timeline and England’s involvement in conflicts during that period, undertook the construction as a post-war endeavor. The manor, strategically built in the countryside, had an additional feature beneath its structure – a nexus of mysterious caverns. [Captain Britain v1 #9 / Mighty World of Marvel v2 #16 / List of wars involving England] 

In the 19th century, Lord Braddock, a descendant of the victorious General who built Braddock Manor, played a prominent role in the family’s legacy. Living during a time marked by wealth and power, Lord Braddock was a notable member of the English branch of the Hellfire Club and a contemporary of Mr. Shaw, who would later become the great-grandfather of Sebastian Shaw. As a longstanding member of the Hellfire Club, Lord Braddock quietly and effectively worked towards the club’s goals for years. In 1859, during a critical moment in the club’s history, the formidable En Sabah Nur sought an alliance with the Hellfire Club alongside scientist Nathaniel Essex. Lord Braddock dismissed Apocalypse as a lunatic and demonstrated a pragmatic approach that contrasted with the grand visions of the powerful mutant. [Further Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix v1 #2] 

John Braddock, potentially a grandson of Lord Braddock, emerged as a significant figure within the Hellfire Club during his initiation by the White King, Edward Buckman. Acknowledged for his notable achievements that elevated him above the common societal ranks, John claimed his position among the world’s elite and pledged unwavering allegiance to the Hellfire Club. Positioned as one of the architects shaping the trajectory of the new world, John Braddock was a contemporary of influential figures like Warren Worthington Jr., Howard Stark, and Sebastian Shaw. Their collective initiation into the Hellfire Club marked a pivotal moment, solidifying their interconnected roles within this exclusive and powerful society. In due course, John Braddock fathered a son whom he named James Braddock. During John Braddock’s lifetime, it’s plausible that, much like numerous ancestral estates, Braddock Manor had left the family’s possession due to financial strain. [X-Men: Hellfire Club v1 #4 / Excalibur v4 #4 / Mighty World of Marvel v2 #16] 

OTHERWORLD 

Sir James Braddock’s connection to Otherworld introduces intriguing possibilities, and two theories offer plausible explanations for his Otherworld lineage. 

In Theory 1, it is proposed that Merlyn orchestrated a complex plan involving a female from Otherworld sent to Earth-616 to influence the Braddock lineage, with John Braddock chosen as a suitable partner. Following the maiden’s pregnancy, she returned to Otherworld and gave birth to Sir James Braddock. This manipulation by Merlyn suggests a prolonged influence over the Braddock lineage. Through their Otherworld line, the Braddocks descend from the warrior caste of Otherworld, forging a unique connection that intertwines their earthly and mystical heritage. Confirmation of Sir James Braddock as the son of John Braddock from Earth-616 lends greater plausibility to Theory 1. [Excalibur v1 #55 / Excalibur v4 #4] 

In Theory 2, it is suggested that the Otherworlder Sir James Braddock assumed the role of his deceased Earth-616 counterpart, the son of John Braddock. In this scenario, James Braddock Sr. may have been a real person on Earth-616 with counterparts in other realities. The Earth-616 counterpart likely perished during a conflict, prompting Merlyn to intervene by sending the Otherworld version to fill the void and maintain the continuity of the Braddock lineage on Earth-616. [Marvel Atlas v1 #1] 

Both theories showcase Merlyn’s intricate manipulation and the intersection of Earth-616 and Otherworld within the Braddock family history. Sir James Braddock, renowned as a scientist, warrior, philosopher, and strategist, served as Merlyn’s chosen guardian within the Captain Britain Corps—a legion of heroes dedicated to protecting the Omniverse. Given his stature, Sir James was entrusted with a vital quest: to travel to Earth-616, select a carefully chosen mate, and father a hero surpassing even his own greatness. The genetically-compatible mate chosen for him was Lady Elizabeth Hartwood. Whether Lady Elizabeth was aware of Sir James' Otherworld origins remains unknown. Taking advantage of the post-war confusion, Sir James justified the absence of official records about him. The couple lacked any documented history prior to 1945. [Captain Britain v2 #1, #7 / Excalibur v2 #2, #3] 

AGE OF HEROES 

Upon Sir James Braddock’s arrival on Earth-616, he secured the means to reclaim Braddock Manor, successfully repurchasing the ancestral property in the 1940s. The strategic significance of the estate’s location to Merlyn’s plans becomes apparent, as the caverns beneath Braddock Manor would later serve as the developmental site for Mastermind, a computerized ‘node of the omniversal knowledge.’ This creation would function as a watchpost for Braddock’s new continuum. The union between James and Elizabeth resulted in the birth of three children, each bearing unique characteristics. The couple’s firstborn, James ‘Jamie’ Braddock Jr., exhibited mutant abilities devoid of any trace of Otherworld heritage. A decade later, Lady Elizabeth gave birth to twins, Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Braddock and Brian Braddock. Both inherited the Otherworld genes from their father, yet only Betsy manifested mutant abilities. [Captain Britain v2 #7 / Excalibur v2 #3 / Uncanny X-Men v1 #463] 

The Braddock siblings, each possessing distinctive abilities, embarked on divergent paths that would shape their destinies. Jamie, the eldest, grew into an omega-level mutant with reality-warping powers, but he grappled with mental health issues, making his abilities unpredictable. Betsy, on the other hand, evolved into the formidable Psylocke—a powerful telepath committed to safeguarding mutants in a world marked by prejudice and fear. As an esteemed member of the X-Men, she dedicated her life to the protection of her fellow mutants. The youngest sibling, Brian, assumed the mantle of Captain Britain, tasked with defending Britain as its champion and serving as the protector of the Omniverse. Together, Jamie, Betsy, and Brian Braddock navigated their individual paths, each contributing uniquely to the broader tapestry of the superheroic landscape. 

ENTER THE FAIRY 

Brian Braddock found love and companionship in Meggan Puceanu, the daughter of William and Mrs. Puceanu. Meggan’s origins can be traced to a lineage of Romanichals, belonging to an ancient race of travelers. Furthermore, hints of her ancestry suggest a connection to the faery folk, adding an enchanting dimension to Meggan’s identity. As an empath, metamorph, and elemental, her capabilities extend into the mystical. In joining her life with Brian’s, Meggan not only became an integral part of the Braddock family but also contributed her unique strengths to the dynamic world of superheroes and mutants. [Captain Britain v2 #8 / Excalibur v1 #12 / Excalibur v4 #16] 

After years of marriage, Brian and Meggan celebrated the arrival of their first daughter, Margaret ‘Maggie’ Braddock. From an early age, Maggie exhibited exceptional intelligence and the ability to articulate thoughts and ideas, surpassing the developmental milestones of her peers. As a Braddock, she inherits not only a legacy of strength but also a commitment to greatness. Despite her accelerated intellectual development, Maggie’s journey is just beginning, and as a Braddock, she undoubtedly holds the potential to evolve into a remarkable and accomplished young woman. [X-Men Gold v1 Annual #1]

12 comments:

K.A.T. said...

Per the Marvel Atlas #1, the Otherworldly Sir James Braddock replaced his deceased counterpart shortly after WWII. In Captain Britain II #1, it's mentioned that Sir James purchased Braddock Manor in the 1940s, and Inspector Dai Thomas mentions that no documentation existed for him prior to the end of the war, which kinda conflicts with the original Captain Britain series, as in Captain Britain Weekly #9, Braddock Manor is stated to have been built a 'quarter millenium ago' on land that's been part of the Braddock heritage since before the Romans came. This suggests that the Braddock family does back way before the arrival of Sir James from Otherworld--he seems to have attached himself to an existing family, and it's possible that the manor was sold off during or before the war, like so many stately homes were when family finances took a hit (possible during the Great Depression?). Sir James (the Otherworlder) could've bought it back when he arrived from Otherowlrd. It's also odd that Merlyn couldn't (or didn't) fake docs for him, so perhaps the 'destroyed in the War' excuse was actually the truth? OTOH, given the proliferation of Brians through out the Captain Britain Corps, , it's possible that Sir James (the Earthly one) could've died during WWII, and needing to have a Sir James on Earth 616, Merlyn 'fixed' things by sending the one from Otherworld to fill in the gap and sire the children. That would cover the ancestry, the 'in the family for generations' and the 'Black Bishop of the London Hellfire Club' and other bits n' bobs....

Personal speculation: I've sometimes wondered if Jamie (the reality warper) was the son of the "Earthly" Sir James and might not have been half-Otherworlder at all, given the vast age difference...? He's supposedly at least 10-12 years older than the twins, Elisabeth and Brian, and he would've been born in 1945-ish. Sir James (the Otherworlder) didn't show up on British documents until the Harrow (census) of 1947, according to Dai Thomas.... Just some food for thought! :)

Alias27 said...

@Kat that would've certainly been a twist. They really need to address how Sir James was born.

I personally like the idea that he had a human father (John) and an Otherworlder mother. It's simple and it ties up everything nicely.

By the way, I am furious that Psylocke wasn't even mentioned in regards to her niece. Can't believe Meggan and Brian chose three people they've barely interacted with in the past 20 years to be her godparents over Betsy!

K.A.T. said...

I was kinda surprised at that, too! That just ain't right...and I doubt they're going to revisit Sir James (the Otherworlder) anymore than Elisabeth's going to get her original, British body back...

Alias27 said...

It's a pity indeed because the Braddock heritage is fascinating. Imagine descending from celts, druids and magical sorcerers from Otherworld. Marvel could come up with such a big fantasy epic tale. But the reality is they wouldn't even bother bringing Betsy to meet her niece.

K.A.T. said...

Yep. Bloody disappointing, too. :( Maybe somebody'll fan-fic it?

Tazirai said...

How the Hell is Psylocke not in this? She's the freakin Aunt fro cryin out loud. His twin Sister. Meggans Sister in Law. Kurt bestie, Rachels Mentor, and almost molested Kitty's friend Doug.. Where is she?

Rahsaan said...

Tazirai,

I'm still smarting over the fact that Douglas and Elizabeth have not hung out at all even platonically now that he is alive again and a full grown man. No respect for history.

Rahsaan said...

For instance, I'd love to see his reaction to Betsy looking like a different person now that she has a different body. And a conversation about their feelings for one another now and how their friendship should go. To be honest, while completely inappropriate back then, I always felt she had more of a genuine-seeming bond with Doug then with Warren. Maybe that was due to Claremont's writing. Her relationship with Warren was begat by Lobdell or Nicieza, right? Both of whom were not good at writing the X-Men and she and Warren have always felt forced to me.

Psyloco said...

Things between Brian and Betsy are not very well after Jamie's death, but it doesn't excuses she'd been ignored here.

Finn said...

I ship Doug and Betsy.

Anonymous said...

Seriously great work here on the heritage of the family OP, props. Regards the question, why isn't Betsy mentioned in relation to Maggie? Knowing that Betsy was in London for unknown purposes from issue one of Astonishing X-Men. I take the approach that she's been back in the UK for some time since the end of Cullen Bunn's run on Uncanny X-Men knowing that Meggan was expecting, she's been helping them in the run up to the birth and it's simply not been mentioned to avoid ruining the surprise of X-Men Gold annual.

PB210 said...

As the Hyborian Age forms part of the world's history, the Britons have further history to add. They descend from a group of people called the Æsir living near the Vilayet Sea, subsequently the Caspian Sea.

http://www.chronologyproject.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3764&p=23874&hilit=Caspian#p23874

http://hyboria.xoth.net/history/hyborian_age.htm

*The blond Achaians, Gauls and Britons, for instance, were descendants of pure-blooded Æsir.
*The Cymric tribes of Britain were a mixed Nordic-Cimmerian race which preceded the purely Nordic Britons into the isles, and thus gave rise to a legend of Gaelic priority. The Cimbri who fought Rome were of the same blood, as well as the Gimmerai of the Assyrians and Grecians, and Gomer of the Hebrews.
*The Gaels, ancestors of the Irish and Highland Scotch, descended from pure-blooded Cimmerian clans. The original ancestors of the Gaels gave their name to modern Crimea.