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 integration with mutants.

Moira is a Noble 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 50 years ago in Uncanny X-Men #96 (December 1975).

She met Charles Xavier while studying at Oxford University and the two fell in love and were engaged for a period. Instead, Moira married her old flame, politician Joseph MacTaggert, then left him because he was abusive, and kept 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, she helped him create Cerebro, and aided 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, unable to speak English, Moira saved him from a mob. 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 keep him from becoming a villain again.