Milaje

The Dora Milaje are the all-female royal guard and special forces of the fictional nation of Wakanda in Marvel Comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They serve as the personal bodyguards to the Black Panther and the Wakandan royal family, and act as elite military forces used in state defense, diplomacy, and crisis response.

Origin and organization: The Dora Milaje are recruited from Wakanda’s tribes and subjected to rigorous, lifelong training in combat, strategy, and discipline. They pledge loyalty to the Wakandan throne and the Black Panther, rather than to a single ruler. Members wear vibranium-infused armor and wield traditional Wakandan weapons, often accompanied by advanced technology. In the comics, the group is organized under a general who leads the unit; in the films, Okoye has been portrayed as the general and prominent leader of the Dora Milaje.

In media: The Dora Milaje first appeared in Marvel Comics as Wakanda’s premier protectors. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, they are depicted as a highly trained, disciplined force led by Okoye, with other members such as Ayo shown in supporting roles. The group has appeared in major Black Panther storylines and crossovers, contributing to both defense of Wakanda and broader battles involving the Avengers.

Notable members and legacy: Okoye is the best-known leader in film adaptations, while the comics feature a broader roster of named and unnamed members. The Dora Milaje are commonly depicted as exemplars of Wakandan culture—military prowess, loyalty, and gender-empowered guardianship—within the wider spectrum of superhero storytelling.