In ancient Egypt, nomadic raiders found an infant. He was gray-skinned and freakish in appearance, and was given the name En Sabah Nur, "The First One." He was taught to be "strong" in order to survive the desert as a child. This idea, that the strong will survive, would shape Apocalypse's actions throughout time. He has the ability to shapeshift and teleport. He also has superhuman strength, the power of flight and the ability to transform himself.