There is no terrorist organization more malevolent, nor influential, than Hydra. Having some of the most evil villains in history among its ranks, Hydra has been wreaking havoc around the globe since World War II.
To combat this threat, S.H.I.E.L.D. rose up as its equal, but opposing, organization. Despite the heroic forces resisting Hydra’s efforts, the dark syndicate continues to sow chaos and disorder across the world.
Dark Origin
Hydra’s name refers to the mythical many-headed Greek creature, and Hydra agents are known to say that if you cut off one head, two more shall take its place—just like the serpent beast once defeated by Hercules. The battle cry of “Hail Hydra!” is another iconic saying within the organization, along with the green and yellow uniforms its agents often wear.
While it is suspected that Hydra originated thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt, the modern-day organization was founded during World War II by Nazi agent Wolfgang von Strucker. Von Strucker, who failed to execute the population of the French town Cherbeaux due to the intervention of American commando Nick Fury, later joined forces with the Red Skull. Together, they set up a new base of power in Japan, which the Skull intended to lead himself in case Germany lost the war.
Strucker contacted a secret society within the Japanese underworld, which included members of the Hand ninja cult who had once aided him in an earlier assignment in Madripoor. Strucker joined their ranks and helped them choose the name Hydra.