WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Black Panther #23, by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Ryan Bodenheim, Daniel Acuna, Chris O'Halloran and VC's Joe Sabino, on sale now.
In the current Black Panther run, King T'Challa is struggling as N'Jadaka and his intergalactic empire are trying to crush Earth's Wakanda. They want to prove they're the real Wakanda, and despite having many Avengers other warriors loyal to the nation, T'Challa is finding himself short of numbers.
However, Black Panther #23 hints he'll be getting help as his mom, Lady Ramonda, is helping to answer Wakanda's past with a moment right out of Lord of the Rings.
Ramonda journeys to Lake Nyanza to hold council with the Originators. They've been shackled in the Nether-Realms since it was revealed in 1978's Avengers #167 that they were viewed as threats to the people. Eons ago, the Originators fell out with humanity, but the Orishas sided with humanity, placing the indigenous creatures in this prison.
However, Ramonda wants them to be thought of as nomads, not monsters. She's offering them a shot at glory and honor, making it clear that this is their reparation. They will be freed if they answer her call-to-arms by Wakanda, which built its cosmic expansion where the Originators lived. Now, Ramonda is hoping this rights the wrongs of old as the series winds down. But as much as they don't like her, the Originators are seriously contemplating the offer.
Ramonda's not mocking them and is genuinely sorry for how their land was plundered and pillaged, admitting Wakanda must own its sins. Once terms are established, they can be released to help forge a new future, which Ramonda is desperately selling as she knows her son needs allies now.
This is a move Aragorn pulled off in Return of the King when he went to get the Army of the Dead. They abandoned Isildur in the War of the Last Alliance and were cursed to roam as ghosts. But Aragon, Isildur's heir, got them to swear loyalty and honor their oath, answering the call of the king. After an emotional, heartfelt speech, they rallied with him against Saruman and Sauron's forces. They'd help the alliance win the war, being freed of their haunting lives, and finally moving on in peace to the afterlife.
While the Originators aren't ghosts, they must now consider if to risk their lives for those who spat on, banished and abandoned them. Ironically, the Orishas seem to have turned their backs on Wakanda, so it could be a chance for revenge for the Originators and to show mankind they should have treated them with respect, love and unity in the first place.