How Does The Heart-Shaped Herb Work In 'Black Panther'

Marvel

Dec 23

Black Panther — Image Source: Wallpapersden.com

“He or she who consumes the heart-shaped herb becomes the Black Panther. Through a ritual that has existed for generations, fruit from the flower is offered to one who is worthy to claim the mantle.”
- Shuri

When the Vibranium meteorite struck the continent of Africa, it imparted special properties within the soil that cause mutation in a certain plant which then became THE heart-shaped herb. Over time, this special plant only grew in Wakanda. The Wakandans discovered that consuming the herb would grant them special powers. It was then decreed that only those who were considered worthy by the tribe would consume the herb.

The ritual is straightforward. In the Hall of Kings, the harvested herb is crushed with a mortar and pestle into a liquid paste. This paste is poured into the mouth of the waiting heir, who is then buried. The heir goes into a deep sleep and wakes in the Astral Sphere. In this state, the heir goes on a spiritual journey and is able to commune with his ancestors and the Spirit of the Black Panther. Through this communion in the Astral Plane, the newly created Black Panther acquires enhanced strength and powers and becomes the leader of Wakanda. The Black Panther then wakes up, and is reborn into his new role.

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However, it is not an easy journey to get to this point. At any point, any tribal or family member can challenge the Black Panther for kingship. Once the challenge has been made, the Black Panther must consume a special potion that strips away the power the heart-shaped herb gave him in order to insure a fair fight. The Black Panther and the challenger engage in ritual combat, with the victor winning the right to rule Wakanda.

Amazingly enough, it seems that the heart-shaped herb is actually based on a real ancient plant that grew in Africa under Roman occupation. This herb called silphium grew along the east coast of the region now known as Libya. Just like how the heart-shaped herb was found only in Wakanda, silphium grew only in this area. Somehow, when the Romans tried taking it home to Rome to grow, they were unsuccessful. Silphium was discovered after a mysterious “black rain.” Could these be remnants of a meteorite? Silphium was known to have many useful properties as well. It was eaten, used as a spice for other foods, and given to sheep to make their mutton tastier. Its flowers had medicinal purposes and could also be used as perfume. Unlike the heart-shaped herb, which is only given to the one who is deemed worthy, silphium was used in all of its forms by anyone and everyone who could get their hands on it. It became such an important part of life and the economy of the city-state Cyrene (modern-day Shahhat, Libya) that a picture of silphium was stamped into Cyrenian coins. Interestingly, silphium’s seeds were heart-shaped.

Unfortunately, the excessive over-harvesting of silphium lead to its extinction. Unscrupulous farmers did not follow ancient prescribed guidelines, and within a few decades, only one plant was found and was sent to Nero. This smacks of how the heart-shaped herb was ordered destroyed by Eric Killmonger so that no one would challenge him for the role of Black Panther. But, just as Nakia was able to save one of the miracle plants, perhaps the actual plant the heart-shaped herb is seemingly based on is also still somewhere out there.

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