Balder (Marvel)

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Balder is a comic superhero who features in Marvel Comics.

Contents

Biography

Balder was the Asgardian son of All-Father Odin and his wife Frigga. He was born at the height of Odin's power after a night of passion between him and the goddess. After his birth, the All-Father received a terrible vision of the future that showed Balder's death. Thus, Odin went forth to find a death chamber containing an imprisoned prophetess where he fed her his blood which freed her and she spoke of a prophecy. It said Balder would die and his death would lead to Ragnarok that spelt the doom of Asgard but that he would be reborn as the last of their kind. From him, a new race of gods were to be born thus ensuring that Odin's lineage would continue in the future. The prophetess warned though that if anyone knew of this and killed Balder before the prophecised time then Ragnarok would lead to the death of the All-Father's reign. Thus, Odin decided to hide the fact that Balder was his and Frigga's son for his own safety thus his true parentage was kept a closely guarded secret from all. (Thor v3 #10)

Before he allowed her to cast the spells, however, he accused Balder of treason, because during a battle with the Storm Giants, he had deserted the fight to put a bird who had fallen from its nest, back with its mother. Odin ordered his brothers Tyr and Honir to shoot arrows and throw lances at Balder, but the projectiles were stopped by an eagle and a plant. Seeing that Balder did not flinch, Odin was content that Balder was the bravest in all of Asgard and decided to grant him the invulnerability. (Journey into Mystery v1 #106) Frigga cast spells that would protect Balder from harm by any living or inanimate thing while he was in the Asgardian dimension; however, Balder remained vulnerable to mistletoe. Loki, the god of mischief, learned of the prophecies and vulnerability. (Journey into Mystery v1 #107) This act tricked the blind god Hoder into firing an arrow tipped with mistletoe wood at Balder. Odin prevented Balder from actually dying, but when he was finally restored to life, his hair had turned white as a result from his experiences in Hel. Later, Balder's beloved, Nanna, sacrificed herself to save Balder from entrapment in marriage to Karnilla, and Balder was so distraught that he resolved never to speak of this incident or of her again. (Thor v1 #306)

Balder's spirit was pushed into the Destroyer by Loki and attacked Thor who was searching for the missing Asgardians. He was restored by Thor along with Loki and resided in Asgard Oklahoma. Balder replaced Thor as Lord of Asgard due to the sinister plans of Loki, and was convinced to move the Asgardians to Latveria, the domain of Doctor Doom, where they were placed at his mercy. Until the prompt arrival of Thor who brutally bested Dr. Doom's Destroyer freeing the Asgardians held prisoner including Balder. Once again ruler of Asgard yet broken in spirit Balder attempted to abdicate the throne. Thor convinced him not to. When the threat of the world eaters ensued over the nine realms Balder did not pursue any action despite the encroaching threat. Forcing Thor to resurrect Odin after which Balder departed Asgard with Tyr. Intent on dying a warrior's death to atone for the sins of failing to protect Asgard. Defeating many of the world eaters including Thane the prince of the Ano-Athnox before falling to their deaths. (Thor v1 #619) After the defeat and banishment of the Athnox to the Limbo in the World Tree, Balder's vengeful spirit was present along with Tyr. (Thor v1 #621)

He waited in Niffleheim for Karnilla after she was killed and she passed into the afterlife where she expressed her joy at seeing her love. Their reunion was interrupted by an invasion of Hel by Fire Demons who sought to conquer the land in the name of Queen Sindr. (Mighty Thor v1 #701)

Upon returning home, he was delighted to learn that he had a new baby sister named Laussa Odinsdotter where he pledged to protect her. When the War of the Realms reached Earth, Laussa came to be targeted by assassins sent by Sindr who ruled the Fire Demons. Thus, Balder was dispatched to recover her from the Asgardian fortress in Oklohoma where the Silent Norn Skurd informed him of allies to seek to protect his baby sister. This saw him gather Spider-Man, Death Locket, Kate Bishop, Wonder Man and Sebastian Druid to aid him in protect his charge. (War of the Realms: Journey into Mystery v1 #1)

Overview

Personality and attributes

Powers and abilities

Courtesy of a spell cast by his mother and Asgardian goddess Frigga to try to avert Ragnarök, Balder was almost invulnerable while within the Asgardian dimension, unable to suffer harm from virtually any living or non-living being. (Journey into Mystery v1 #107) Any projectile hurled at Balder which is capable of killing or injuring an Asgardian is magically deflected from its path before it can strike him; however, only weapons made by mistletoe wood can harm or cause fatal injury to him, or if he wills himself to be vulnerable. (Thor v1 #305)

This was an Odin-blessed sword that Balder could summon from Earth across the Nine Realms to where he stood in Asgard. (Journey into Mystery v1 #111)

As King of Hel, among his subjects were the Guardians of Nastrond that were undead native to these lands. (Mighty Thor v1 #701)

Notes

  • Balder was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby where he made his first appearance in Journey into Mystery v1 #85 (October, 1962).
  • The character was based on Balder from Norse mythology.

Alternate Versions

In other media

Television

  • In The Marvel Super Heroes, Balder appeared in The Mighty Thor segments of the animated television series where he was voiced by actor Chris Wiggins.
  • In Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, Balder made a cameo non-voiced appearance in the animated television series in the episode "The Vengeance of Loki!".
  • In The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, Balder made multiple appearances in the animated television series starting from the micro-episode "Thor the Mighty" where he was voiced by actor Nolan North.

Films

Video games

  • In Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, Balder appeared in the setting of the video game where he was voiced by actor Dave Wittenberg.

Toys

Appearances

  • Journey into Mystery v1: (1962)
  • Balder the Brave v1:
  • Thor v3:
  • The Mighty Thor v1:
  • War of the Realms: Journey into Mystery v1:

External Links

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