Balder the Brave is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is based on the deity Baldr from Norse mythology. Publication history Created by editor-plotter Stan Lee and penciller Jack Kirby, Balder first appeared in Journey into Mystery #85 (October 1962). Fictional character biography One of the Norse gods of Asgard, Balder is the half brother of Thor, companion to the Warriors Three, and a loyal follower and son of Odin, ruler of the gods. Balder warned Thor about Skagg the Storm Giant and the fire demon Surtur being released by Loki who planned for them to kill Odin after being told by Heimdall. Balder has aided Thor against many of his foes, such as Thor's adopted brother, Loki; the Executioner and Enchantress; the Enchanters Three; the Wrecker; and Mangog. Balder is also briefly named ruler of Asgard during Thor's quest to find a then missing Odin. Balder is beloved by most who know him. When threatened with execution for ignoring the call of battle for the sake of a fallen bird, his men begged Odin to take one of their lives instead. Like the mythological version, the Marvel version of Balder is the catalyst that will trigger Ragnarök and end Asgard. To prevent this, Odin cast spells to keep Balder invulnerable. This almost happens when Loki had the blind god Hoder accidentally kill Balder with a mistletoe arrow, but is averted by the planning of Odin, who creates a shield around Balder's pyre, and later restores Balder to life when the Asgardians, after being slain in battle with the Celestials, were brought back to life by Thor using portions of energy donated by other Gods. On the second occasion, however, Balder is traumatized by the experience as he saw the souls of all those he had slain in battle and renounces killing. It is later revealed that in order to escape Hel, Balder was forced by Hela to kill all of those "tens of thousands" he had previously slain in battle again, in an epic confrontation that lasted so long Balder's hair had turned white when he finally emerged victorious. Volstagg of the Warriors Three takes it upon himself to become Balder's boon friend in an attempt to lift him out of his long depression. While Balder treasures the friendship, Volstagg's efforts do little to cheer him. Balder also has a love-hate