Balder (Marvel Comics)
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Balder the Brave is a fictional deity that appears in the Marvel Universe and is based on the god Balder of Norse mythology. Balder first appeared in Journey into Mystery vol. 1, #104 (May 1964).
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[edit] Fictional character history
In Norse mythology, Balder is the son of Odin, the Lord of Asgard. The Marvel version, however, is simply a close friend of the Thunder God Thor, the Warriors Three and a loyal follower of Odin. Balder has aided Thor against many of his foes, such as Skagg the Storm Giant and Surtur; [1] Loki; [2] the Executioner and Enchantress; [3] the Enchanters Three [4] and the Wrecker. [5]
Like the mythological version, the Marvel Balder is the catalyst that will trigger Ragnarok and end Asgard. This almost happened when Loki had the blind god Hoder accidentally kill Balder, but is averted by the planning of Odin, who later restores Balder to life. [6]
Balder also has a love-hate relationship with Karnilla, the Queen of the Norns, who has aided both Loki and Asgard at times. Karnilla's lust for Balder inadvertently causes the death of Balder's current love, Nanna - an act that Balder has never forgotten. [7]
With the exception of Thor, Balder and all other Asgardians are currently dead, having died during the final Ragnarok. [8]
[edit] Powers and abilities
Like all Asgardians, Balder possesses' superhuman strength, endurance and longevity (courtesy of the Golden Apples of Idun). Balder is also a highly skilled weapons master and tactician, and has been entrusted with several special missions by Odin. Being the Asgardian god of light, Balder can also generate intense light in a wide arc. [9] He also possesses total invulnerability to all substances save a little sprig.
[edit] Alternate versions
An older version of Balder existed in the MC2 universe and gave his life to protect Thor in his battle against Galactus. [10]
[edit] References
- ^ Journey Into Mystery vol. 1, #104
- ^ Journey Into Mystery vol. 1, #111
- ^ Journey Into Mystery Vol. 1, #116
- ^ Thor vol. 1, #143 - 145
- ^ Thor vol. 1, #148 -150
- ^ Thor vol. 1, #274 - 275, 301 - 302
- ^ Thor vol. 1, #305 - 306, #11
- ^ Thor vol. 1, #85
- ^ Balder the Brave #4 (1986)
- ^ Last Planet Standing #1 - 5 (2006)
