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Religion: Native American religion; Satanism
Name: Centurious
Other Names: The Man Without A Soul; The Soulless Man
First Appearance: Ghost Rider (vol. 2) #74 (Nov. 1982): "Remnants!"
Creators: J. M. DeMatteis, Bob Budiansky, Dave Simons
Super? (Has Super Powers/Special Abilities/Technology): Yes
Number of Appearances: 8
Teams/Affiliations: Firm (leader)
Enemy of: Ghost Rider
Gender: male
Centurious was born in "prehistoric times." He was a Native American prince, born in the American Midwest about 2,000 years ago. His first wife was an Indian princess.
Centurious lived in North America in "pre-historic" times, i.e., before written records, which covers a broad time span, and may refer to any time prior to European colonization. Many groups of people in the Americas used writing prior to European colonization. The "pre-historic" birth of Centurious may simply mean that his particular tribe had no writing when he was born.
As a young mortal prince, Cenurious was very moral and religious. When the princess he loved was kidnapped by followers of the cult of Zarathos, Centurious prayed to the Heavens for the power to save his beloved. But the devil Mephisto answered his call and Centurious allowed himself to be tempted by Mephisto's offer.
Centurious was given power and immortality by Mephisto in exchange for his soul. This would only have happened if Centurious had willingly agreed to this exchange. Centurious's Native American beliefs would have included teachings about the devil and/or trickster gods. Centurious must have known the agreement was immoral. But he coveted the power to rescue the princess more than he cared for the expectations of his people and religion. As with any deal with the Devil, this was a mistake, and had dire immediate and eternal consequences for Centurious.
Although Centurious was able to rescue the princess, he no longer had a soul, and he thus no longer could feel any love for her. He abandoned her and commenced centuries of wandering the Earth. He gradually lost his morals and humanity.
In ancient Egypt Centurious learned arcane arts and stole an artifact that allowed him to steal the souls of others. He became more beastly than human as he became more immoral and powerful.
The "Crystal of Souls" is the artifact that Centurious used to store the souls he stole. The Crystal of Souls was formerly possessed by the demon Zarathos (who is best known for his ties to Ghost Rider).
Suggested links for further research about this character and the character's religious affiliation:
- http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix3/centurious.htm
- http://www.comicboards.com/marvelguide/c.htm
- http://www.marvunapp.com/master/cbcen.htm
- http://www.marvunapp.com/master/manamanj.htm
- http://www.marvunapp.com/master/soosoz.htm
- http://www.marvunapp.com/master/crucrz.htm