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An image of Balder the Brave and Thor as part of an article explaining the reference to the character in Loki.
Category:
Movies & TV

Who Is Balder the Brave? Loki’s Reference, Explained

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Liam Nolan
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Published: Oct 20, 2023 01:22 pm

Warning: The following explainer on who Balder the Brave is contains spoilers for Loki Season 2, Episode 3.

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While Thor: Ragnarok may have revealed Hela as the secret sister of the titular God of Thunder and Loki, Odin’s family has one more member in the comics: Balder the Brave. Loki Season 2, Episode 3, referenced the character, and if you were confused about who Balder the Brave is, here’s your answer.

Who Is Balder the Brave, Loki and Thor’s Secret Brother

Let’s start with the reference first. In Loki, the God of Mischief and Mobius head to Chicago in 1983 in search of Ravonna Renslayer. While at the World’s Columbian Exposition, the duo see a tribute to Thor, Odin, and Balder the Brave, which annoys Loki. Balder is explicitly called out by name.

Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Balder the Brave debuted in 1962’s Journey into Mystery #85. Like other Asgardians, Balder has enhanced strength, durability, and other such attributes. However, he also has the ability to manipulate light. This makes sense, as his counterpart in Norse mythology is connected to light. In Norse mythology, Balder’s death also essentially sets into motion the events of Ragnarok, which is a massive catastrophe.

Related: Loki Imagines the End of the World, But Not Capitalism

In the comics, Balder has played an important role in a lot of different storylines, though he’s by no means as prominent as Thor. Mostly, he’s found himself up against such villains as Loki and Hela. He’s also played a role in such events as War of the Realms and Siege.

As for Balder in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there’s been a lot of speculation over the years as to just when, or if, he’ll actually appear. There were, at one point, apparently tentative plans to have Daniel Craig appear as Balder in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, though that never happened.

Regardless of just when he finally arrives, that’s what you need to know about Loki‘s reference to Balder the Brave.

If you’re looking for more on the show, check out who voices Miss Minutes in Loki.

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Loki
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Author
Image of Liam Nolan
Liam Nolan
Liam Nolan has been the Managing Editor at The Escapist since August 2023, during which time he's covered Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Starfield, and several other major releases. After getting his Master of Arts in English in 2016, he began writing about comics, television, movies, and video games, with his work appearing at such outlets as Marvel.com, CBR, and The Mary Sue. When he's not writing on pop culture, you can find Liam working on his creative projects or traveling. You can follow him on Twitter @LD_Nolan or on Bluesky @ldnolan.bsky.social.