Erik Lehnsherr, widely known as the mutant master of magnetism, Magneto, was called Magnus because it was an alias he adopted after his escape from the Auschwitz concentration camp.
The Evolution of Erik Lehnsherr's Name
Before he became the iconic figure Magneto, or adopted the name Erik Lehnsherr, the character underwent several significant identity changes, each reflecting a different period of his tumultuous life.
- Birth Name: Max Eisenhardt: The individual who would later be known as Magneto was born Max Eisenhardt. This was his original identity before the full scope of his powers and the tragedies of his early life shaped his path.
- Adopting 'Magnus': Following his harrowing escape from Auschwitz, Max Eisenhardt sought to shed his past and adopted the name Magnus. This new identity allowed him to try and rebuild a life away from the horrors he had endured.
- Becoming Erik Lehnsherr: A pivotal moment occurred after the tragic death of his daughter, Anya. Overwhelmed by grief and rage, his immense mutant powers unleashed destruction upon a city, leading to significant casualties. To escape capture and avoid facing consequences for the widespread devastation, he once again changed his name, this time to Erik Lehnsherr, the identity by which he would largely be known in his later years.
This progression of names illustrates the character's continuous attempts to forge new identities in response to profound personal traumas and to evade the repercussions of his powers.
Chronology of Magneto's Identities
| Original Name | Alias After Auschwitz | Later Alias (Current) | Reason for Adopting Erik Lehnsherr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Eisenhardt | Magnus | Erik Lehnsherr | To avoid arrest following a destructive outburst of powers after his daughter Anya's death. |
