- “For hundreds of years, that scarf has protected the identity of warriors willing to take on the mantle of the Red Dagger. Our function is simple. To protect our people from threats of the unseen.”
- ―Waleed to Kamala Khan[src]
The Order of the Red Daggers[1] is a secret organization of crimefighters, featured in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, that first appear in the Disney+ series, Ms. Marvel. They are based in Karachi, Pakistan, and their purpose is to protect their people from threats of the unseen. Within the organization, an individual is chosen to carry the mantle of the Red Dagger.
Kamala Khan encounters the group, after a brief skirmish with the current incarnation of Red Dagger, Kareem. She is brought her to their secret headquarters, where she is welcomed by the group’s leader, Waleed, and the two parties forge an alliance. When the Clandestines attempt to pursue Kamala, Waleed is killed in battle against them, by their leader, Najma.
Background[]
Development[]
The episode "Seeing Red" introduced the Order of the Red Daggers. Supervising producer, Sabir Pirzada, who co-wrote the episode, and had previously written for Ms. Marvel in the comics, was a fan of the original incarnation in the comics.[1]
The Red Daggers are a secret group of warriors within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while in the original Marvel Comics, Red Dagger was the adopted alias of an independent crimefighter, based in Karachi (created by writer G. Willow Wilson and artist Mirka Andolfo).
During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Sana Amanat revealed that the larger intention behind the organization, was to show that Kamala has been idolizing heroes in the Western world that look nothing like her, only to reconnect with her roots in Pakistan, and meet individuals who've just worked really hard to be good at what they are. She mentioned a line by the Red Dagger's leader, Waleed in which he states that the red scarf is for anyone who's willing to put it on, and explained how it doesn't really matter what you look like, or what code names, armor or clothes that you wear as long as you're linked to something much greater, which was the intention in bringing Waleed and Kareem into the show.[1]
History[]
The Order was founded hundreds of years ago, and established in Karachi, Pakistan. They were made up of warriors, who protected their communities, from the threat of the Unseen. They were taught to be knowledgeable on the subjects of otherworldly dimensions and the Noor Dimension in particular. Individuals originating from the Noor Dimension, knows as Djinns, and members of the Order, trained themselves to sense the presence of Noor, the light, contained within Djinn.[2]
The Order was named after a mantle, inherited by a selected warrior, within the organization. Various warriors had taken on the mantle of the Red Dagger through the years, and were gifted a red scarf, which was passed down to each chosen one, to protect their identity.[2]
The group learnt of Aisha, a Djinn exiled from the Noor Dimension, who disbanded from a group, collectively referred to as, the Clandestines. Her story became legendary, within the order and they learnt of a bangle she possessed. If obtained by the Clandestines, they could use it to tear down the Veil, separating their home world, from that of the Noor Dimension, which would unleash the Djinns world, onto Earth, until nothing was left of it.[2]
At some point in time, Kareem was selected as the new Red Dagger.[2]
Appearances[]
Marvel Cinematic Universe[]
Ms. Marvel[]
Red Dagger senses the presence of Noor, and his search leads to a Karachi train station. He encounters Kamala Khan, the great-granddaughter of Aisha, and she is brought into their headquarters, where she meets Waleed. They introduce themselves, explaining their function and purpose, and detail what the Clandestine's endgame is.[2]
Kamala later showcases her powers to them, and is gifted a Blue vest by Waleed, on their behalf, as a a symbol the Order's history, and in commemoration of Kamala's heritage. The Clandestines arrive in that moment, and a battle ensues. Their fight is spilled outside of the headquarters and onto the street, and Waleed eventually loses his life to Najma in the conflict.[2]
After returning home, Kamala requests safe haven for Kamran, the son of Najma, after her demise, as he is wanted by the Department of Damage Control. Kareem promises to do so, and has a contact of his, meet Kamran by the harbour, and take him to to Pakistan.[3]
The Marvels[]
Whilst the organisation don't appear in the film, they are listed as allies of Kamala Khan, on a profile that S.A.B.E.R. have of Kamala, indicating, that the agency are of aware of the Order's existence.
Bases[]
- Red Daggers Headquarters:
The group’s Headquarters are established within Karachi, Pakistan. Its entry point is hidden behind the kitchen of a restaurant, known as A.B.C. Chinese Restaurant.
Trivia[]
- Similarly to the Flag Smashers who were featured in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, the Red Daggers were adapted into an organiation, for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, whilst being sole individuals within the comics.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Holub, Christian (June 30, 2022). "Ms. Marvel co-creator Sana Amanat discusses the Red Dagger and Kamala's trip to Karachi". Entertainment Weekly.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Seeing Red", Ms. Marvel, Season 1, Episode 4. (June 29, 2022). Disney+
- ↑ "No Normal", Ms. Marvel, Season 1, Episode 6. (July 13, 2022). Disney+
