Atlanteans (Homo mermanus) are a human subspecies derived from Homo magi and Homo meta that have evolved to live underwater and are the inhabitants and citizens of all city-states of Atlantis.
History[]
Atlanteans were originally land-dwelling Homo sapiens, Homo meta and Homo magi that lived in the various city-states of the then above-ground Atlantean kingdom. Approximately 11,000 years ago, the entire Atlantean civilization was virtually destroyed in a cataclysmic event initiated by the Lord of Chaos, Klarion, that saw the continent of Atlantis collapse into the ocean. The vast majority of Atlanteans died in this disaster, but a small number of Homo meta and Homo magi survived, their latent Meta-Gene having activated to allow for their survival under the ocean surface when their continent sank. These ocean-dwelling Atlanteans, the first members of the new human subspecies, Homo mermanus,[1] would use their latent sorcery and surviving science to further adapt to underwater life.
Over millennia, the inhabitants of each city-state evolved further, with many of them evolving a variety of features similar to those of aquatic animals such as fish, cetaceans and mollusks. A significant proportion of Atlanteans nevertheless remained unchanged since the continent sank, with the only discernible difference from baseline humans being the possession of neck gills if any were present at all.[2]
The significant diversity of the people of Atlantis would be the source of racial tensions between "skin and scales" and "flesh and fins", the former in these arguments eventually becoming a faction of Atlanteans known as the purists, led by Ocean-Master. They considered themselves pure descendants of the original Atlanteans: fully human, without visible fish features. Their radical ideology involved the hope to cleanse Poseidonis of its racial diversity.[2]
An ample part of Atlantean culture revolves around magic, stemming from the original land-dwelling Atlantean civilization being founded by magic-capable Homo magi. Like their land-dwelling ancestors, art and education are entwined with the teaching of magic.
Biology and abilities[]
Biological diversity among Atlanteans.
As part of the subspecies Homo mermanus, Atlantean possess a biology significantly divergent from baseline humans. All Atlanteans possess the ability to breathe underwater, have denser skin, a stronger build, and thus greater physical strength than regular humans, all evolutionary adaptations to living on the ocean floor for millennia. [1][3]
While some Atlanteans are virtually indistinguishable from normal humans, many others have more or less adopted traits from the native aquatic life they live around. These traits can range from subtle features such as neck gills and webbed digits to far less humanoid features ranging from what are essentially mermaids to anthropomorphic versions of fish, sharks, cetaceans, and mollusks. Some of the less humanoid Atlanteans display abilities similar to the aquatic wildlife they have evolved to resemble.[4]
Atlanteans are capable of practicing and utilizing magic, inherited from their Homo magi ancestors. [1] Following the cataclysm that sank Atlantis, the now aquatic Atlanteans and their descendants continued to have an affinity for and practiced magic, which proved essential to their initial adaptation to life underwater. Practicing requires special tattoos and instruction and advancement of one's magical capabilities are conducted at dedicated institutions such as the Conservatory of Sorcery in Poseidonis.[5]
Language[]
Atlanteans speak a language derived from Ancient Greek, although it has evolved over the millennia since Ancient Greek died out.[2]
Notable Atlanteans[]
- Aquaman (Kaldur'ahm)
- Artur
- Aquaman (Orin)
- Tempest (Garth)
- Aquaman (La'gaan)
- Ocean-Master (Prince Orm)
- Mera Nereus
- Sha'lain'a
- Aquagirl (Tula)
See also[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Grevioux, Kevin (writer) & Berkeley, Christopher (director) (December 9, 2021). "Nomed Esir!". Young Justice. Season 4. Episode 10. HBO Max.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Weisman, Greg, Kevin Hopps (w). Jones, Christopher (a). Atkinson, Zac (col). Sienty, Dezi (let). Chadwick, Jim (ed). "Under the Surface..." Young Justice 14 (March 21, 2012), New York, NY: DC Comics
- ↑ Weisman, Greg (2011-05-16). Question #13323. Ask Greg. Retrieved 2011-11-01.
- ↑ Weisman, Greg, Kevin Hopps (w). Jones, Christopher (a). Atkinson, Zac (col). Sienty, Dezi (let). Chadwick, Jim (ed). "...Here There be Monsters" Young Justice 15 (April 18, 2012), New York, NY: DC Comics
- ↑ Hopps, Kevin (writer) & Oliva, Jay (director) (March 4, 2011). "Downtime". Young Justice. Season 1. Episode 8. Cartoon Network.