The Walking Dead reveals horrifying Michonne backstory

Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Walking Dead season 9 episode 14 “Scars”.

Since the start of season 9, The Walking Dead fans have wondered about the origin to the mysterious ‘x’ shaped brands on Michonne and Daryl’s backs.

In last night’s season 9 episode 14 “Scars”, a flashback revealed the answer to the question in one of the darkest episodes of the series so far.

“Scars” flashes back to when Michonne was heavily pregnant with Rick Grimes’ baby, shortly after his disappearance.

In the flashback, Michonne reunites with a former friend – Jocelyn – who leads a small group of children. Michonne agrees to accept them into Alexandria, only for Jocelyn and the kids to escape during the night with supplies and more children – including Judith Grimes.

With no choice but to go on a rescue mission, Michonne and Daryl hunt for Jocelyn and the kidnapped children. However, they are taken captive themselves and tortured – leading to the very specific scars upon their backs.

Michonne and Daryl are able to escape, but in the process Michonne murders Jocelyn and the brainwashed children in harrowing scenes.

The moment is revealed as Michonne protects Judith from a horde of zombies in the present, mirroring the events of the past.