Tartaros was once a heavenly body that existed in the sky until Darkseid demanded a battleship to serve as his mobile headquarters away from Apokolips. This led to the craftsman Himon transforming the planetoid into a symbol that glorified warfare. It contained a drive mechanism that allowed it to navigate space and was able to hold armies of Parademons as well as other Apokoliptian agents. Travel to Tartaros was achieved through Boom Tubes though it was possible to create a shield that prevented such gateways from forming on the vessel. After being trapped in the Source Wall, Darkseid had lost his power and intended to reclaim the use of his abilities by using Highfather's Wonder-Staff. Thus, he took Tartaros to the Source Wall and had DeSaad brainwash Superman into retrieving the relic whereupon Darkseid was restored to power. However, Batman and Bekka were present on the mobile planetoid where they succeeded in freeing Superman as well as sending Tartaros into the Source Wall where it became trapped in the great edifice.