En Sabah Nur, translated as "The Seven Lights",[27] is an ancient mutant warrior known as the ruthless Apocalypse.[5] He was the first of the second generation of mutantkind,[19] born in ancient Egypt thousands of years ago. Abandoned at birth due to his monstrous appearance, he was found and raised by a ruthless nomadic warrior.[28] Forced into slavery, his powers allowed him to turn on his masters and conquer all that stood in his way.[13] He championed an extreme philosophy of mutant supremacy and "survival of the fittest"; only the strong deserve to survive and weakness should be mercilessly destroyed. Recruited by the Celestials, he became the latest in a line of guardians[15] charged with ensuring that evolution takes its natural course.[29] They enhanced his form which became a mix of organic and Celestial technology, boosting his shapeshifting and other powers to godlike levels.[30] Over the centuries, Apocalypse was worshipped as a god by various cultures around the world,[5] enforcing his rule using his strike force known as the Horsemen of Apocalypse.[31] He would periodically enter lengthy periods of regenerative rest to prolong his lifespan and seek out powerful mutants as host bodies. During his slumber, his decedents known as Clan Akkaba guided the world using his philosophy.[17] He awoke at various points to influence history.[32] The explosion in the mutant population in the modern age awoke him from his sleep, prompting him to actively provoke a war between humans and mutants. This brought him into conflict with the X-Men, who he regards as worthy opponents who have earned the right to live in his new world.[2] When the Mutant nation of Krakoa was formed he took the mutant name En Sabah Nur (Earth-616) new name from Excalibur Vol 4 1 001 and was invited to join the Quiet Council, the ruling body of the country.[33]