Serpent's Sons

Shadowy cultists serving the Prince of Darkness through serpentine rites.

The Serpent's Sons represent a shadowy network of human cultists and devotees dedicated to awakening ancient serpentine evils within the Hellboy universe. While not as formally structured as the B.P.R.D., they operate as a recurring antagonistic force across various comic arcs, often serving as the earthly vanguard for entities like the Prince of Darkness. Their presence is marked by ritualistic activity and a deep reverence for prehistoric beasts that threaten to overrun the modern world.

Quick Facts

Affiliation

Prince of Darkness; Ancient Evils

Primary goal

Awakening of Apocalypse Entities

Status

Active; Intermittent

Opponents

B.P.R.D.
Hellboy
John Constantine

Symbolism

Serpents
Scales
Apocalyptic Imagery

Lore & Background

Their operations often involve obscure rituals performed in hidden locations such as abandoned churches, catacombs, or remote wilderness areas. Unlike the organized military approach of some other factions, the Serpent's Sons rely on secrecy and manipulation. They often target individuals with psychic potential or those connected to occult bloodlines, attempting to turn them into vessels for their masters. Their existence highlights the constant threat that human greed and curiosity pose when aligned with supernatural forces.

Reader's Guide

The hierarchy of the Serpent's Sons is loose and decentralized, often organized by regional cells rather than a central command structure. Leaders are typically individuals who have made pacts with supernatural entities or possess significant occult knowledge. Their primary goal remains consistent: to facilitate the return or awakening of the Prince of Darkness and other ancient evils. They view humanity as obsolete and seek to replace it with a world ruled by these older powers. Methods include ritual sacrifice, artifact theft, and psychological manipulation of vulnerable individuals. They often clash with the B.P.R.D., who are tasked with containing such threats before they can breach reality.

Did You Know?

Many cultists associated with this group serve Thermidor, the Prince of Darkness.
Their activities often coincide with significant apocalyptic prophecies within the lore.