Malekith the Accursed

Malekith the Accursed is a fictional character, a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is ruler of the Dark Elves of Svartalfheim, and has come into conflict with Thor. He once wielded the Casket of Ancient Winters.

The character was portrayed by Christopher Eccleston in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Thor: The Dark World.

Publication history

Created by Walt Simonson, Malekith first appeared in Thor #344-349 (June–November 1984). He subsequently appeared in issues #363 (January 1986), 366-368 (April–June 1986), 485-487 (April–June 1995), and 489 (August 1995) of Thor.

He made guest appearances in X-Force and Cable Annual 1997 and Heroes for Hire #14 (August 1998) before again battling Thor in Thor vol. 2, #29-32 (November 2000 - February 2001). He later appeared in The Incredible Hercules #134 (November 2009) and #136 (December 2009).

In 2012, Jason Aaron revived him in the Thor: God of Thunder series and he became the main antagonist in the "All New, All Different" Thor volume 4.

Fictional character biography

Malekith grew up during a time of war in Svartalfheim. Twelve of his older brothers died during a war with the trolls. His mother eventually sold him for two sacks of snake livers and half a barrel of pickled toads. He worked as a body burner, who cremated bodies after a battle, until he was captured by trolls. In his prison he met a wizard, who helped him escape and took him as an apprentice. Eventually the Wizard wanted to combine their powers for peace, but Malekith refused. He then killed the wizard and his mother.^[1]

Later, Malekith struck an alliance with Loki on behalf of the fire demon Surtur.^[2] He took control of a number of Earth humans using special food of the faerie provided by Hela. Malekith then killed Eric Willis, guardian of the Casket of Ancient Winters, after learning its location.^[3] As Master of the Hounds, Malekith hunted down Roger Willis, Eric's son and new guardian of the Casket. Malekith battled Thor, and kidnapped Lorelei.^[4] Using Lorelei as bait, Malekith forced Thor to battle Algrim the Strong, one of his Dark Elf followers, then attempted to destroy both combatants by plunging them into a pool of magma. He then captured the Casket of Ancient Winters from Roger Willis.^[5] Malekith was ultimately defeated by Thor, but not before he destroyed the Casket of Ancient Winters, releasing magical frigid force all over the Earth.^[6] Malekith was then brought as a captive by Thor to Asgard.^[7]

Malekith later disguised Loki as himself to take his place in the dungeon, while he disguised himself as Balder, who was about to be crowned ruler of Asgard. Kurse, the being formerly known as Algrim, saw through Malekith's disguise when he reached Asgard City. Kurse then broke Malekith's neck, apparently slaying him.^[8]

Years later, Malekith was revealed to be alive once again. Disguising himself as Balder again, he enlisted Hercules to attack Alflyse, the Dark Elf Queen of the Eastern Spires, while disguised as Thor. His scheme unraveled (partially due to the appearance of Thor disguised as Hercules), and he was easily defeated by Zeus.^[9]

Malekith has resurfaced again intent on collecting Mandarin's rings.^[10] The other ring-bearing hosts were later to meet their demise or mutilation at the hands of Malekith. In the storyline "Rings of the Mandarin", it is revealed that after reclaiming his kingdom Svartalfheim he was approached by a ring seeking a host, but bent its will to his rather than letting it control his mind. He has now begun a campaign to attack all other "Mandarins" and take their rings, desiring "the full set" before attacking Tony Stark. Though he is usually a foe of Thor and other magical beings, his opposition to Iron Man is rooted in Elves' traditional weakness towards iron.^[11]

Malekith, who escaped from his prison in Niffleheim, rampages across the nine-realms in a path of revenge, targeting any Dark Elf who isn't loyal to him. Despite this fratricide, the dark elf council ends up electing him as his king, as Dark Elves respect those they fear. However, the opposition to Malekith had drawn together the other races of the realms, causing a new level of understanding and cooperation. The enemies of the realms made note of this and drew together as well.^[12]

Malekith the Accursed later causes Thor to lose his left arm in combat after a woman (later revealed to be Jane Foster^[13]) lifted Mjolnir and gained Thor's powers. Malekith's plans crossed over with the Minotaur of Roxxon's desires for more power sources.^[14] Malekith and Minotaur came to a deal: Dario would give him the Skull of Laufey in exchange of the mineral rights of all realms Malekith conquers. Thor appeared in the roof of Roxxon Island to stop their deal, but she was attacked by the Serpent who was possessing the Destroyer Armor.^[15] The Serpent threw Thor out of Roxxon Island and they continued battling in the oil fields below. After flying away, Malekith convinced Minotaur to celebrate their deal in the Dark Elf way and he teleported the two of them to Alfheim where they slaughtered various Light Elves.^[16] Then Malekith and Minotaur went to Jotunheim. Using the blood of a hundred murdered Light Elves, Malekith performed a spell that resurrected King Laufey.^[17]

As part of the All-New, All-Different Marvel event, Malekith the Accursed appears as a member of the Dark Council alongside Minotaur, Ulik, Laufey, and some unnamed Fire Demons.^[18] As before, Malekith is focusing on murdering Light Elves.

Powers and abilities

Malekith has all the normal attributes of a member of the race of dark elves, although his abilities are a result of above-average development. He possesses superhuman intellect, strength, speed, stamina, durability, agility and reflexes.

As a dark elf, Malekith also has the ability to manipulate the forces of magic for a variety of effects, including teleportation, energy projection, physical malleability, flight (by transforming into mist), illusion casting, and the ability to change the shape and appearance of other beings or objects.

Malekith has a vulnerability to iron, which disrupts or cancels his magical spells.

Other versions

Marvel Adventures

Malekith appeared in an issue of Marvel Adventures: The Avengers where he tries to take over Asgard with the help of the Frost Giants, but he was defeated with the combined efforts of the Avengers and Thor.

In other media

Character poster for the film Thor: The Dark World featuring Christopher Eccleston as Malekith.

Television

• Malekith the Accursed appears in The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes episode "The Casket of Ancient Winters", voiced by Quinton Flynn.
• Malekith the Accursed appears in the Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. episode "For Asgard", voiced by James C. Mathis III.

Film

• Malekith the Accursed makes a brief appearance in the 2009 animated film, Hulk vs Thor.^[19]
• Malekith the Accursed appears in the 2013 live-action film Thor: The Dark World, played by Christopher Eccleston.^[20]

Video games

• Malekith the Accursed appears as a boss in Marvel: Avengers Alliance. He is featured in the 14th Spec-Ops that revolves around the plot from Thor: The Dark World.
• Malekith the Accursed appears in Marvel Heroes.
• Malekith the Accursed appears in Lego Marvel Super Heroes,^[21] voiced by Stephen Stanton. In a bonus mission at Jotunheim, Malekith the Accursed has collaborated with Laufey where they have captured Heimdall causing Thor and Loki to rescue Heimdall. Thor and Loki are able to defeat Malekith and free Heimdall.
• Malekith appears as a playable character in the mobile game Marvel: Future Fight.

References

External links

• Malekith at ImmortalThor.net
• Malekith at Marvel.com