in other pantheons (namely Apollo, who can control at least double the amount of energy as Balder). He is also a highly skilled weapons master (wielding the enchanted sword of Frey, capable of fighting of its own accord) with millennia of extensive experience and training, and is a proficient tactician and master horseman, having been entrusted with several special missions by Odin. Balder becomes a member of Earth's Council of Godheads following Thor's banishment. Reception In 2022, Screen Rant included Balder the Brave in their "10 Marvel Comics Gods Who Should Join The MCU Next" list. Other versions Earth X In the alternate Earth X reality, the Asgardians were actually aliens that were manipulated by the Celestials into believing they were the Gods of Norse myth. When the lie was revealed, "Balder" and the other Asgardians briefly resumed their alien form, but later returned to their Asgardian forms. Thor and Loki plotted to overthrow Odin through the legendary Ragnarok, which foretold that Balder would fall in battle against the Midgard Serpent. However, Odin foiled their plot and kept Balder alive. Marvel Zombies In the Marvel Zombies alternate universe, Balder is one of many heroes who attends Nick Fury's briefing on how to deal with the zombie plague. MC2 An older version of Balder existed in the MC2 universe, who died to protect Thor in his battle against Galactus. Ultimate Marvel Balder first appears in the Ultimate Marvel Universe in the prequel limited series Ultimate Comics: Thor issue 2. Balder Odinson is one of the three sons of Odin, who helped end the war between Asgard and Jotunheim with help from his brothers, Loki and Thor. Of the three, Balder was the better fighter and he was also the All-Seeing Eye of Odin. He was killed by Loki when he tried to stop his brother from stealing the Norn Stones out of Odin's chamber. He later was resurrected in human form by Odin. As a human, Balder lives under the name of Donald Blake, and is later seen helping Thor out in the European Defense Initiative, by convincing the scientists that Thor's claims to be a God are genuine. He convinces Thor to take up the technology that simulates his godlike powers and use it to fulfil his role as a hero. He is later killed in Ultimate Comics: Ultimates, along with most other Asgardians. In other media Television Balder appears