In Season 2, Episode 6 of "What If…?", entitled "What If... Kahhori Reshaped the World?", we are whisked away to an alternate universe where the Tesseract's destiny takes an unexpected detour, profoundly influencing the lives of a Mohawk tribe in pre-Colonial America. The episode kicks off with The Watcher contemplating a revised narrative of Asgard's fall during Ragnarok, where the Tesseract is propelled through the cosmos, ultimately crashing into the enigmatic Forbidden Lake of a Mohawk tribe, shrouded in ancient lore and mystery.
The narrative pivots around Kahhori, a spirited young Mohawk woman residing in the 15th century. Alongside her brother Wahta, she dares to venture into the forbidden forest leading to the mystical Forbidden Lake, a locale steeped in cautionary tales and whispers of the unknown. As Spanish Conquistadors, driven by their insatiable quest for the Fountain of Youth, unleash their fury upon Kahhori's village, the siblings are thrust into a desperate escape. In a harrowing plunge, they tumble into the Forbidden Lake, where Kahhori is abruptly ensnared by a portal birthed from the Tesseract, its enigmatic essence now imbuing the lake with supernatural properties.
Upon awakening in a novel realm, Kahhori encounters Atahraks and an array of other Mohawks who have been miraculously transported to this exalted place, known as the Sky World. This ethereal domain has bestowed its inhabitants with awe-inspiring powers and even the gift of immortality, but at the irrevocable price of forever abandoning their homeland. Kahhori swiftly embraces her newfound abilities, surpassing even the most veteran tribe members of the Sky World with her remarkable aptitude and prowess.
Back on Earth, the Conquistadors, after devastating Kahhori's village and seizing its inhabitants, including Wahta, stumbled upon the Forbidden Lake. Soldiers who ventured into its depths were mysteriously ensnared by the same portal, causing the remaining survivors to flee in abject terror, convinced that the lake harbored an ominous curse.
Transported to the Sky World, the Spanish soldiers awoke to plot an assault on the tribe, who were celebrating their triumphant hunt, all thanks to Kahhori. Kahhori, however, intervened swiftly, reminding her of the impending peril still looming over her tribe. She wielded her power to drag the portal from the heavens to the earth, paving her way back home. Despite the reluctance of her fellow Mohawks to abandon their idyllic paradise, Kahhori was steadfast in her resolve to aid her people.
Kahhori's return conveniently coincided with the Spanish loading their captives onto ships. She valiantly dispatched most of the soldiers but was eventually outgunned by a relentless cannon fire. Just as she was about to be subdued, the tribe from the Sky World arrived, turning the tide of the battle and liberating Kahhori's tribe.
In the aftermath, Queen Isabella of Spain faced Kahhori and her tribe, following numerous unsuccessful Spanish attempts to lay claim to the Americas. Forced into negotiations for peace, a novel magical entity emerged from a portal, introducing itself to Kahhori and setting the stage for future escapades.
"What If... Kahhori Reshaped the World?" is a profound exploration of power, responsibility, and the selflessness one demonstrates for the greater cause. It is a narrative that resonates deeply with themes of displacement and the relentless struggle against colonialism, all wrapped in the captivating fantastical elements of the Marvel Multiverse. This episode stands out prominently for its distinctive setting, rich cultural insights, and the introduction of Kahhori, a formidable new character who embodies the spirit of resistance and hope.
