History

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History

History: Natasha Romanova, a descendant of Russia's royal family, was found as a young child by Russian soldier Ivan Petrovitch, who watched over her as she grew to adulthood and today works as her chauffeur. Romanova proved to be a brilliant scholar and athlete as she matured, and gained fame as a ballerina.

Romanova married renowned Soviet test pilot Alexi Shostakov, but the couple's happiness was short-lived. The KGB decided the two would make exemplary special operatives, and informed Shostakov of the state's new plans for him. He was told he could have no further contact with past friends or acquaintances, including his wife. A distraught Romanova, believing her husband had died, sought a path worthy of his heroic memory. Having anticipated such a reaction, the KGB trained her to become the spy known as the Black Widow.Early in her career, the Black Widow was a frequent ally of Hawkeye. However, her growing love for the future hero weakened her resolve to continue her subversive activities for the Soviets. Hawkeye refused to act as a criminal any longer, and successfully sought amnesty and Avengers membership.

Subsequently, the Black Widow fell into the hands of intelligence agents from the People's Republic of China. They directed her to attack the Avengers -- but Romanova freed herself from their programming, was reunited with Hawkeye and defected to the United States. She publicly revealed her true identity and offered her services to S.H.I.E.L.D., which has made use of her talents on numerous occasions. Romanova's romance with Hawkeye eventually ended, as did a subsequent love affair and partnership with Daredevil -- although she remains friends with both men.

After working through a crisis of faith, Natasha accepted an assignment that brought her into conflict with Yelena Belova, another Russian operative claiming the mantle of Black Widow.