|
|
|
|
Around 1920, Paul Destine, using the stage name Mentallo, earned his living performing a mind-reading act in a carnival side-show, using his natural telepathy, the origins of which remain unknown. |
Over the years, Destine researched magic in an effort to learn more about his powers, and learned about a legendary race known as the Ancients (actually the water-breathing race called the Lemurians), who had supposedly mastered telepathy. Seeking to find the site of the Ancients' civilization, Destine joined an expedition to Antarctica. Finding a dynamo, which had been built by the Ancients, Destine inadvertently caused an avalanche by activating the device. Gravely injured, Destine revived to see the so-called Helmet of Power (later revealed to be the Serpent Crown), unearthed by the avalanche. Placing the Helmet on his head, Destine was transformed physically and mentally. He decided to use other devices to place himself in suspended animation in order that his powers would further increase in the interim. |
In recent years, Destine emerged from suspended animation. Calling himself Destiny, he believed it was his fate to rule the world. Through his telepathic abilities, Destiny learned of the existence of the water-breathing Atlanteans. Destiny tested his powers by causing earthquakes to destroy Atlantean cities. Prince Namor the Sub-Mariner, then ruler of the Atlanteans, investigated the source of the quakes and confronted Destine. |