In the world of the X-Men, humans are often fearful of mutantkind, some going so far as to outright bigotry. But, that isn’t true for all humans. Some, like Moira MacTaggert, seek peace and to encourage community between humans and mutants.

Moira is a Nobel Prize winning scientist and leading authority in genetic mutation who aids the X-Men. She was created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum who introduced her in Uncanny X-Men #96 (December 1975).

She met Charles Xavier while studying at Oxford University, the two fell in love and were engaged for a period. Instead of marrying Charles, Moira married her old flame, politician Joseph MacTaggert. Later she left him because he was abusive, while also keeping her son, Kevin, a secret. Moira created the Mutant Research Center on Muir Island near Scotland and had to institutionalize Kevin when he developed reality warping abilities and a severe case of psychosis. Moira’s work became centered around understanding human and mutant genetics to save Kevin.

She had remained in contact with Professor X, serving as a silent partner in founding Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, helping him create Cerebro, and aiding him in helping Jean Grey when her mutant abilities first manifested. In her work with mutants, she saved Wolfsbane from a mob and adopted her, and she tried to help Legion, Xavier’s son, while he was suffering from multiple personality disorder.

When Cable arrived from the future and unable to speak English, Moira saved him from an attack. She took him to Muir Island where he learned English, and she taught him customs of the time. When Magneto was de-aged to being an infant, Moira became his caregiver and she tried to steer him away from becoming a villain again.