The Asgardian Family Tree Gets a New Branch
It’s no secret that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) loves to keep its fans on their toes, and the latest episode of Loki season 2 is no exception. As we follow the escapades of Tom Hiddleston’s Loki and Owen Wilson’s Mobius through time, they stumble upon a revelation that doesn’t just tinker with Asgardian history—it essentially rewrites part of it. Buckle up, Marvel fans, because this one’s a doozy.
The One Where Loki and Mobius Play Detectives
In the third episode of Loki season 2, our antihero duo of Loki and Mobius time-travel to Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair. They’re chasing down Ravonna Renslayer, Miss Minutes, and the new Kang variant Victor Timely. But amidst their quest, they come across statues of Thor, Odin, and a mysterious new (yet old) face—Balder the Brave.
“When Tom Hiddleston’s Loki and Owen Wilson’s Mobius travel to Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair… they find statues of Odin, Thor, and Balder the Brave,” the episode discloses.
This isn’t just another easter egg; it’s a massive reveal. Until now, Thor’s adventures and exploits on Earth seemed to be tales of yore, but Balder’s statue changes all that. The silent stone figure silently screams that there is yet another chapter to the Asgardian mythology—one that Thor has never mentioned.
Who Is Balder, and Why Should You Care?
For those not in the loop with Marvel Comics, Balder is the Asgardian half-brother of Thor. Renowned for his speed and agility, he’s more than just a missing face; he’s a missing link in Thor’s already complicated family dynamics.
“In the Marvel comics, Balder is the Asgardian half-brother of Thor… He is also the God Of Light, and a renowned warrior who surpasses Thor at least in terms of speed and agility,” the comics reveal.
Balder: The Missing Piece in Marvel’s Planning Puzzle
It turns out the MCU had plans to introduce Balder long ago. He was meant to be in all three of the first Thor movies and was even rumored to have a role in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Daniel Craig was even rumored to be cast in the role. Costume designer Graham Churchyard lamented,
“We got very far designing Balder the Brave… Poor Balder the Brave, he almost made Thor 1, and Thor 2, and Thor 3. Then, it’s just like, ‘Yay! He’s gonna get an appearance!'”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Balder and the MCU?
While COVID-19 travel restrictions reportedly played a part in Balder’s delayed appearance, now that Loki season 2 has set the stage, Thor 5 might just be the right time to bring him into the limelight.
“So while Asgard’s destruction makes Balder’s appearance in the MCU’s future feel a little unlikely, we at least know for certain that he exists. And maybe that’s something Thor 5 can explore now that Loki season 2 has set it up?” questions the episode’s takeaway.
New episodes of Loki season 2 release every Wednesday on Disney+, and if the current season is anything to go by, we can expect more surprises, twists, and paradigm-shifting revelations in the weeks to come.
