Three Keys to Power

The Three Keys to Power are a triadic combination of specific magical talismans that, when united, can transform their bearer into an almost invincible sorcerer.

History

The First Known Keys

The first known Three Keys to Power in 1995

The first known Three Keys to Power were the Grimorum Arcanorum, Eye of Odin, and the Phoenix Gate. It is thought that the Roman Magus was the first to unite the Three Keys, using them to cast the Spell of Humility over every gargoyle in the world. [1][2]

By 971, the Archmage already had the Grimorum Arcanorum in his possession. In 975, it was clear he coveted all Three Keys (presumably inspired by the Roman Magus's use of them) when he sought to steal the Phoenix Gate as the next step to achieving this goal, though without success. ("The Reach", "Vows") [3]

Brother Valmont was also aware of the Three Keys to Power, and desired them as well. He took the first step towards this goal when he seized the Grimorum at the Battle of Rathveramoen, but was subsequently defeated by Brooklyn, losing the book to him in 997. ("Tyrants", "Phoenix")

By various paths, the Grimorum, the Eye, and the Phoenix Gate all found their way into Goliath's keeping by 1995. He stored them in the Clock Tower until Demona and Macbeth, under the geas of the Weird Sisters stole the Three Keys later that year. They and the Sisters then delivered the Three Keys to the Archmage, who united them by donning the Eye of Odin upon his skullcap, devouring the Grimorum (in order to provide a loophole that would allow him to enter Avalon with it), and wore the Phoenix Gate upon his chest. With these three objects combined, the Archmage transformed into so mighty a sorcerer that he could even use the Phoenix Gate's powers without having to speak the Latin incantation to command it, and proceeded to attack Avalon as his first step towards world conquest. ("High Noon", "Avalon" Part Two)

Goliath finally defeated the Archmage by tearing the Eye of Odin from his brow; once the Archmage lost the Eye (which had been compensating for the mixed magics), he was unable to control the Grimorum any further, which self-destructed, consuming him in the process. [4] Goliath took the remaining two Keys into his keeping again, eventually returning the Eye to Odin and throwing the Phoenix Gate into the timestream after Puck tried to trick Goliath into giving the Gate to him (the Gate reappeared in New York City in 1997, only to disintegrate, freeing the Phoenix in the process). ("Avalon" Part Three, "Eye of the Storm", "Future Tense", "The Gate")

With two of the Keys thus destroyed, and the Eye restored to Odin, it is extremely unlikely that anyone will ever unite the original Three Keys again.

The New Three Keys

The Three New Keys to Power in 1997

In May 1997, Demona believed there existed three other talismans that, if also united, could possess a comparable source for power. A month later, she traveled to the home of Doña Anapaula Aguilar and stole the lancehead of Gungnir, the Lance of Fate. Still missing the lance's haft, Demona motivated Thailog that July to snatch it from the Illuminati's treasury (he and and Shahrizad found reason to visit Eastcheap Isle after they made off with the Hand of Valmont from Paolo Prospero's Estate in Bermuda). Meanwhile, Demona stole the second Key – Puck's Flute – from Owen Burnett shortly after Coldstone informed her of David Xanatos and his family leaving the Eyrie Building. While Antoinette Dracon distracted the Manhattan Clan with a swarm of remote-controlled Goldencup Exo-Frames, Demona cornered and confronted Owen. In November, Antoinette purchased for Demona the third Key, Cleopatra's Necklace from an auction in Geneva, for nine hundred thousand dollars. ("Everywhere", "Questions", "Quo Vadis Cum Hoc?", "Acquisitions")

With everything in place, Demona united the three new Keys. Combined, Gungnir's ability to never miss its target amplified the abilities of both Cleopatra's Necklace (capable of bending any individual's will) and Puck's Flute (which enthralled anyone within earshot). Radiating in energy, Demona used the Three Keys to compell all humans to serve the commands of any gargoyle, with her commands overruling the rest. The impact was immediate, with the effects of the spell spreading across Manhattan. ("Unequivocal Success")

References In Other Media

• In the Young Justice episode, “Nomed Esir!”, the Grimorum Arcanorum, Eye of Odin, and the Phoenix Gate turn up in Jason Blood's reliquary.