Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== The Chaste ====== ===== Part 1: The Dossier: An At-a-Glance Summary ===== * **Core Identity: The Chaste is an ancient, clandestine order of mystical martial artists dedicated to waging a secret war against the demonic ninja cult known as [[the_hand|The Hand]], embodying spiritual purity and discipline in opposition to their enemy's corruption and undeath.** * **Key Takeaways:** * **The Light to the Hand's Shadow:** The Chaste serve as the ideological and martial antithesis to The Hand. Where The Hand embraces dark magic, demonic servitude, and resurrection to achieve power, the Chaste practice a form of spiritual asceticism, honing their bodies and minds into perfect weapons through discipline and the mastery of //chi// ([[life_force_energy|life force energy]]). Their primary mandate is the complete eradication of The Hand and its influence. * **Mentors of Heroes and Anti-Heroes:** The organization is most famous for its enigmatic, blind leader, [[stick]], and his role in training two of Marvel's most prominent street-level characters: [[daredevil|Matt Murdock (Daredevil)]] and [[elektra|Elektra Natchios]]. This relationship is the source of much of their narrative importance, but it is also fraught with conflict, as both students ultimately failed to live up to the Chaste's impossibly high standards. * **Comics vs. MCU: Elite Clan vs. Ancient Army:** In the Earth-616 comics, the Chaste are a very small, elite family of warriors led by a single master, operating from a secluded mountain fortress. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (specifically the Netflix series), they are reimagined as a larger, more formalized army, acting as the sworn soldiers of [[k'un-lun]] in a multi-generational war against the five leaders of The Hand, fundamentally changing their scale and specific motivations. ===== Part 2: Origin and Evolution ===== ==== Publication History and Creation ==== The Chaste were introduced into the Marvel Universe by the legendary writer and artist [[frank_miller|Frank Miller]] during his transformative run on the //Daredevil// title. Their first appearance was in **''Daredevil'' #187 (April 1982)**. The creation of the Chaste was a cornerstone of Miller's gritty, noir-infused reimagining of Daredevil's world, which injected a heavy dose of Japanese martial arts cinema and samurai/ninja mythology into the character's lore. Coming at the height of the "ninja boom" in Western pop culture during the early 1980s, the Chaste and their eternal enemies, The Hand, provided a perfect narrative engine for Miller's vision. They elevated Daredevil's conflicts from street-level crime to an epic, mystical struggle for the soul of his city and his loved ones. The character of [[stick]], the group's grizzled, uncompromising leader, had been introduced earlier in ''Daredevil'' #176 (1981), but it was in this later arc that his history and the wider war he was fighting were finally unveiled. Miller's work established a deep and lasting mythology that has defined Daredevil and Elektra for decades, and the Chaste remain a critical component of that legacy. ==== In-Universe Origin Story ==== The fundamental purpose of the Chaste is intrinsically linked to the existence of The Hand. Their origin stories across different continuities share this core concept, but the specifics of their history, scale, and mandate differ significantly. === Earth-616 (Prime Comic Universe) === The in-universe origin of the Chaste is ancient and steeped in martial arts lore. Centuries ago in feudal Japan, a schism occurred within the warrior schools of the remote, mountainous region of Iga and Kōga. A group of samurai, seeking power above all else, broke away and traveled to the continent. There, they studied forbidden arts and made a pact with a demonic entity known only as "The Beast," a primordial evil that granted them the power of resurrection in exchange for their servitude. This faction became known as **[[the_hand|The Hand]]**. In response to this corruption, a master martial artist dedicated to purity and discipline founded a rival clan. This master, whose name is lost to time but was the sensei of [[stick]], established his dojo on a remote, unnamed, and virtually inaccessible mountaintop. He founded an order based on the principle of being "chaste"—not in the sense of celibacy, but of being pure, uncorrupted, and free from the taint of evil that defined The Hand. This became their name: The Chaste. For generations, they passed down their knowledge, a unique blend of martial arts and //chi// manipulation that allowed them to perform superhuman feats. They developed techniques to heighten their senses, mask their presence from others, communicate telepathically, and even purify souls tainted by The Hand's influence. Their entire existence became singularly focused on one goal: to oppose The Hand at every turn and prevent The Beast from gaining a greater foothold on Earth. They were not an army, but a small, tightly-knit family of the world's most disciplined warriors, led by a single master. After his master's death, Stick assumed leadership, continuing the war and eventually recruiting promising new students from the outside world, including Matt Murdock and Elektra Natchios. === Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) === The origin of the Chaste in the MCU, as detailed in the Netflix series ''Daredevil'' and ''The Defenders'', is both similar in theme and vastly different in execution. The war is still against The Hand, but the context is explicitly tied to the mystical city of **[[k'un-lun]]** and the legacy of the [[iron_fist|Iron Fist]]. In this continuity, The Hand was founded by five elders of K'un-Lun who sought to defy nature and conquer death. They discovered a way to harness the life-giving properties of dragon bones, granting them a form of immortality through resurrection. For this heresy, they were cast out of the city. These five heretics—Alexandra Reid, Madame Gao, Sowande, Bakuto, and Murakami—became the five "fingers" of The Hand. The Chaste were formed as the sworn enemies of these five founders. They are depicted as an ancient army, loyal to K'un-Lun and the "Old Ways," dedicated to hunting down and destroying The Hand before they could abuse their power or, more importantly, use the prophesied weapon known as the "Black Sky" to destroy their enemies and find their way back to K'un-Lun. [[stick]] is a high-ranking general and leader within this army. Their war is less about spiritual purity versus demonic influence and more of a centuries-long military conflict between two factions exiled from the same mystical city. The MCU's Chaste are far more numerous than their comic book counterparts, deploying soldiers across the globe in their fight. This adaptation streamlined the mystical elements, tying them directly into the established lore of ''Iron Fist'' and presenting the conflict as a more grounded, clandestine war. ===== Part 3: Mandate, Structure & Key Members ===== The core philosophy and operational structure of the Chaste reflect their mission, but again, these elements are portrayed differently between the comics and the screen. === Earth-616 (Prime Comic Universe) === ==== Mandate and Philosophy ==== The Chaste's mandate is simple and absolute: the destruction of The Hand. However, their philosophy is complex. They believe that The Hand's power, derived from The Beast, is a spiritual cancer. To fight it, one must be utterly pure of heart and intention. This requires "casting out" all emotion, attachment, and personal desire, as these are seen as weaknesses that The Hand can exploit. This unforgiving doctrine is why Stick ultimately rejected both Daredevil (for his compassion and love for others) and Elektra (for her inner darkness and rage). Victory is not enough; one must win without becoming what they fight. ==== Structure and Base of Operations ==== The Chaste are a micro-organization, more akin to a monastic clan than a military unit. * **Leadership:** They are led by a single, undisputed master. For most of their modern history, this was Stick. After his death, his top lieutenant, [[stone_(comics)|Stone]], took command. * **Hierarchy:** The structure is informal. There is the master and his core disciples, each a master of a particular combat style. There is no complex bureaucracy or rank system. * **Headquarters:** Their primary base is a secluded, unnamed fortress located on a sheer, icy cliff face in a remote mountain range (implied to be in the Sierra Nevada mountains). It is accessible only to those with the skill to scale the cliffs, ensuring their secrecy. ==== Key Members and Abilities ==== The Chaste's power comes not from numbers, but from the incredible skill of its individual members, all of whom have mastered control over their //chi//. * **[[stick|Stick]]:** The blind, cantankerous master of the order. Mentor to Daredevil and Elektra. His "radar sense" is a self-taught version of what Matt Murdock possesses naturally. He is a master of Bōjutsu (staff fighting) and can drain the life force of others with a touch, a technique known as the "Shichin-byodo." * **[[stone_(comics)|Stone]]:** Stick's most trusted confidant and second-in-command. A powerful, stoic warrior of Japanese descent. Stone's unique //chi// ability allows him to render himself completely invulnerable and immovable, making him impervious to any physical attack, including the blade of a mystically-enhanced [[wolverine|Wolverine]]. He can also perceive and attack the "evil" within a person, as he did to help purge The Beast from Daredevil during the ''Shadowland'' event. * **Shaft:** An archer of immense skill, able to fire arrows with uncanny speed and precision. He often uses a traditional Japanese yumi (longbow) and serves as one of the group's primary long-range fighters. * **Claw:** A formidable warrior who fights with two tekko-kagi, metal claws worn on the hands. He is a ferocious and highly effective close-quarters combatant. * **Flame, Star, and Wing:** Three other core members of Stick's inner circle, each with their own specialized martial skills, contributing to the group's collective strength. Together, Stick's seven primary disciples formed the core of the Chaste's fighting force. === Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) === ==== Mandate and Philosophy ==== In the MCU, the Chaste's mandate is to serve K'un-Lun by ending the threat of The Hand. Their philosophy is far more militaristic and pragmatic. While discipline is valued, the emphasis is on being an effective soldier in a war, not achieving spiritual purity. They are willing to make ruthless decisions, such as attempting to kill the child prophesied to be the Black Sky or sacrificing innocents if it serves the "greater good" of the war effort. Their goal is concrete: prevent The Hand from gaining ultimate power and returning to K'un-Lun. This often puts them at odds with heroes like Daredevil and [[luke_cage|Luke Cage]], who prioritize saving individual lives. ==== Structure and Base of Operations ==== The MCU Chaste is a global military organization. * **Leadership:** Stick acts as a general, leading a faction of the organization. The full chain of command is never fully revealed, but it's implied they answer to the elders of K'un-Lun. * **Hierarchy:** The structure is that of an army. There are generals (Stick), veteran warriors, and young recruits/soldiers who are trained from a young age. They operate in cells and deploy forces around the world as needed. * **Headquarters:** They do not appear to have a single, central base like their comic counterpart. Instead, they operate from a network of safe houses, hidden compounds, and temporary bases in urban environments, such as the sewers and abandoned buildings of New York City. ==== Key Members and Abilities ==== While still formidable, the MCU's Chaste members rely more on conventional martial skill and weaponry than esoteric //chi// powers. * **[[stick|Stick]]:** Portrayed by Scott Glenn, he is very similar to his comic version in personality—gruff, manipulative, and relentlessly focused on his mission. He is a master martial artist and tactician, leading his soldiers with an iron will. His heightened senses are explained as a result of his blindness and intense training. * **[[elektra_natchios_(mcu)|Elektra Natchios]]:** Raised and trained by Stick from a young age, she was groomed to be a top soldier. However, Stick discovered she was the Black Sky, the living weapon The Hand coveted, and he was ordered to kill her. Unable to do so, he sent her away, a decision that would have grave consequences when The Hand eventually found and manipulated her. * **Stone:** Appears very briefly in ''The Defenders,'' played by J. Mallory McCree. He is depicted as one of Stick's allies in the fight against The Hand but is quickly killed by the resurrected Elektra, having none of the invulnerability or prominence of his comic book counterpart. * **Star:** A young boy seen in ''Daredevil'' Season 2, he is one of several children kidnapped by The Hand to be used as a source for the substance that enables their resurrection. He is rescued by Daredevil and Stick. * **Unnamed Soldiers:** The MCU depicts dozens of unnamed Chaste warriors who fight and die in the war against The Hand, emphasizing their status as a true army. ===== Part 4: Key Relationships & Network ===== ==== Core Allies ==== * **[[daredevil|Daredevil (Matt Murdock)]]:** The Chaste's most famous and problematic associate. In the comics, Stick saw immense potential in the young Matt Murdock, training him to master his senses. However, Matt's refusal to abandon his compassion and his connections to the outside world led Stick to deem him a failure as a soldier. Despite this, they have often found themselves fighting on the same side against The Hand, forming a deeply complex and often antagonistic alliance built on a foundation of begrudging respect. * **[[elektra|Elektra Natchios]]:** Elektra was Stick's other prize student, a prodigy with a darkness that both fascinated and terrified him. Her volatile nature and capacity for killing led the Chaste to reject her as well. Her life is a constant battle between the discipline the Chaste tried to instill in her and the violent path laid out for her by The Hand. The Chaste have tried to save her, kill her, and purify her soul at various times, making her their greatest failure and most complicated relationship. * **[[wolverine|Wolverine (Logan)]]:** Logan has a long history with both The Hand and the Chaste. He and Stick were old acquaintances. During a time when Wolverine was brainwashed by The Hand and HYDRA, members of the Chaste, including Stone, were instrumental in the effort to capture and de-program him, recognizing him as a warrior worthy of their help. ==== Arch-Enemies ==== * **[[the_hand|The Hand]]:** The Chaste exist for one reason: to destroy The Hand. This is not a simple rivalry; it is a holy war between diametrically opposed ideologies. The Chaste represent discipline, life, and purity; The Hand represents chaos, undeath, and demonic corruption. Every conflict between them is a battle for the very soul of the world, fought in the shadows with blades and fists. The Hand's leaders, such as [[jonin|Jonin]] like Kirigi and, at times, The Gorgon, are the Chaste's primary targets. * **[[kirigi]]:** A legendary ninja of The Hand, often depicted as one of their most formidable warriors. In the comics, he is an undead behemoth of a man whom Elektra had to kill to prove her worth to The Hand. He has clashed with the Chaste and their allies on multiple occasions, serving as a physical representation of The Hand's unnatural power. * **The Beast:** The demonic entity that is the ultimate source of The Hand's power. While the Chaste fight Hand ninjas on the physical plane, their true war is against The Beast's corrupting influence. Events like ''Shadowland'', where The Beast possessed Daredevil, are the Chaste's worst-case scenario made real, forcing them to fight not just a man, but the demon controlling him. ==== Affiliations ==== The Chaste are pathologically secretive and isolationist. They do not formally affiliate with groups like the [[avengers]] or [[shield|S.H.I.E.L.D.]]. Their war is their own, and they view most outsiders as distractions or potential liabilities. Their only true "affiliation" is with individuals they deem worthy warriors in the fight against The Hand, such as Daredevil or Wolverine, but these are always temporary, mission-specific alliances of convenience rather than standing memberships. ===== Part 5: Iconic Events & Storylines ===== The Chaste's history is defined by their key appearances in major Daredevil-centric storylines. === The Elektra Saga (Daredevil #187-190) === This is the storyline that introduced the Chaste and established the stakes of their war. After Elektra is killed by [[bullseye]], The Hand steals her body with the intent to resurrect her as their ultimate servant. Stick and the Chaste (Shaft, Claw, Stone, etc.) arrive in New York to intervene. They team up with Daredevil and [[black_widow|Black Widow]] to battle The Hand's forces, led by Kirigi. The arc reveals Stick's past with Matt and the nature of the war. In a climactic battle, Stick uses a forbidden technique to drain the life force from his fellow Chaste members and himself to fuel a ritual that purifies Elektra's soul, preventing her resurrection by The Hand but seemingly killing himself and his entire clan in the process. It was a stunning debut and, for many years, their definitive end. === Shadowland (2010) === Years later, it was revealed that Stone and other members of the Chaste had survived. They re-emerged during the ''Shadowland'' crossover event. By this time, Daredevil had been corrupted by The Hand, becoming the host for The Beast and transforming Hell's Kitchen into his personal fiefdom. Stone leads the remaining members of the Chaste to New York, joining forces with [[iron_fist|Iron Fist]], [[shang-chi]], and other street-level heroes. Stone's deep knowledge of The Hand's magic and his unique ability to attack the evil within a person were crucial in the final fight to exorcise The Beast from Matt Murdock's body and soul, reaffirming the Chaste's role as the ultimate purifiers. === Daredevil (2015 series) - "Blind Man's Bluff" === In writer Charles Soule's run on //Daredevil//, a resurrected Stick returns to New York to rebuild the Chaste. He discovers a new criminal organization led by a man named Tenfingers, who was once a rogue Hand member. Stick sees Tenfingers' group as a cancer that needs to be cut out. He forcibly recruits Daredevil to help him, re-establishing their old, contentious dynamic. This storyline showed that the Chaste's war is eternal and that Stick is willing to go to any length, including founding a new iteration of the order, to continue the fight. ===== Part 6: Variants and Alternative Versions ===== While primarily figures of the Earth-616 continuity, the core concepts of the Chaste have been adapted into other media. * **Marvel Cinematic Universe (Earth-199999):** As detailed extensively above, this is the most significant and fully realized alternate version. The MCU transforms the Chaste from a small, mystical clan into a larger, more grounded military organization loyal to K'un-Lun. This version serves the narrative needs of a connected television universe, linking the mythologies of ''Daredevil'' and ''Iron Fist''. * **''Daredevil'' (2003 Film):** While the organization is not named, the character of Stick (played by Terence Stamp) appears as Matt Murdock's mentor. His dialogue about "a war coming" and the need for a "warrior" implies the existence of a larger conflict akin to the Chaste's struggle against The Hand, serving as a conceptual precursor to the more faithful adaptations that would follow. * **Video Games (''Marvel Heroes'', ''Marvel: Ultimate Alliance''):** Stick appears in several Marvel video games, often as a non-player character who guides heroes or provides exposition. His dialogue frequently references his war against The Hand, and by extension, the Chaste. These appearances help solidify the Chaste's place in the wider Marvel lore beyond the comics. ===== See Also ===== * [[stick]] * [[the_hand]] * [[daredevil]] * [[elektra]] * [[frank_miller]] * [[stone_(comics)]] * [[shadowland]] ===== Notes and Trivia ===== ((The names of the core Chaste members in the comics are often simplistic and descriptive of their function or personality: Stick (fights with a staff), Stone (is immovable), Claw (fights with claws), Shaft (an archer).)) ((Frank Miller's creation of the Chaste and The Hand was heavily influenced by the rise of martial arts films and ninja fiction in America in the late 1970s and early 1980s, which popularized concepts of rival ninja clans and secret wars.)) ((In the comics, Stick's life-draining technique, the Shichin-byodo, was a forbidden art that he only used as a last resort, as it cost him a piece of his own soul each time. This added a layer of tragic sacrifice to his character.)) ((The Chaste's ability to communicate telepathically is not a mutant power but a result of intense discipline and mastery of their //chi//, which allows them to focus their intent and project it into the minds of others.)) ((Despite their immense power, the Chaste's primary weakness is their own rigid doctrine. Their refusal to compromise and their rejection of those with emotional "impurities" (like Daredevil) have often left them short-handed and deprived them of powerful potential allies.)) ((The source material for the Chaste's first appearance is //Daredevil// #187-190. Their return is chronicled in the 2010 crossover event //Shadowland//. The MCU version is primarily developed in //Daredevil// Season 2 and //The Defenders// miniseries.))