Angular $compile with required controller
I have a composite list directive - that is - a list item that can be a list himself. The parent directive defines the controller: .directive('parent', function() { controller: function($scope) { }, link: function (scope, element, attrs) { } }) The list (of items) requires the parent controller which by itself works fine (why shouldn't it..): .directive('list', function() { require: '^parent', link: function (scope, element, attrs, parentCtrl) { } }) The same goes as well for the concrete item, which is also fine: .directive('item', function() { require: '^parent', link: function (scope,