The latest run of Marvel's What If..? has been a different one compared to the previous releases of the canon show and it has given us more information as to how the alternate realities function with Uatu looking out for every storyline. In Episode 4, we have been introduced by Doctor Strange to the Library of Cagliostro. What is it and what is its significance in the MCU?
Warning! This portion may contain spoilers for Marvel's What If..?. Read at your own risk!
What is the Library of Cagliostro in Marvel's What If..? Episode 4?
In Marvel's What If..? Episode 4, What If... Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?, when Doctor Strange was looking for ways on how to get Dr. Christine Palmer, the love of his life, back to existence after her death, he looked for the Library of Cagliostro which brings us to a place where all the lost books are placed and there was a cherry blossom tree in the middle.
We also see O-Bengh, the librarian of the place, and he led Strange directly to the library, seemingly giving him the knowledge and information that he needs in his quest despite him having a darker path in life. In the episode, various books were pulled out by Strange and there were tons of answers he got that he performed the taking of the powers of the magical creatures in the said library.
From the outside, it seems like a fortress, or a garden with nature enveloping the place. Inside, there is a cherry blossom tree in the middle. And suspended on-air are books. It is quite a place, actually, and it seems harmless at first. However, it is not what it really seems, and given the fact that there are no other visitors in the place makes it suspicious.
Related: Here's the Voice Cast for Marvel's What If?... Episode 4
What is the Significance of the Library of Cagliostro in the MCU?
Cagliostro is an extremely powerful being. He went by many names throughout the years such as Al-Tothas, Endless One, King of the Gypsies, and Giuseppe Balsamo. He created the lost library where various books on knowledge exist. He is well-versed with the mystic arts and he could astral project, make bolts of magic, even teleport and read minds. Even the Darkhold exist in the said library.
In the MCU, the library of Cagliostro contains the books of spells used by the Ancient One in her private collection. The books within contain the dark side of mysticism and one of the students who got lost in the darkness was Kaecilius, who drew energy from the Dark Dimension. The library also has the Darkhold, a mystical book that holds various secrets including that of the Scarlet Witch mentioned in WandaVision.
The existence of the library proves that there is more knowledge in the MCU and the sorcerers are in possession of it. With the books about the mystic arts, it contains a portal of information that could prove either destructive or useful, depending on the person reading. In the case of Strange, in the end, it did not pay off as the universe he was in collapsed and it became his very own prison.
Marvel's What If..? Episode 4 is now streaming on Disney+.
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