Story #2Balder the Brave!
Writer:
Stan Lee. Penciler:
Jack Kirby. Inker:
Vince Colletta. Colorist:
Unknown.
Synopsis
The warrior
Balder is summoned to appear before
Odin, who questions the hero as to why he deserted the army when they pursued the
Storm Giants in battle. Balder confesses it was because he stopped to return a baby bird to its mother’s nest. Odin orders him to face the test of mortal death. Though many other warriors intercede for the beloved hero, Odin’s decision is final. Balder is brought to the area of execution and
Tyr the Master Archer is commanded to fire an arrow into the condemned man’s heart. He lets fly a shaft but a hawk swoops down and plucks the arrow from the air. Odin then commands
Honir to hurl a spear at Balder but again, he is rescued when a huge plant immediately grows up before him and traps the missile. Next, Odin orders
Thor to dispatch Balder and the
Thunder God reluctantly raises his hammer—but Odin himself halts him. The
All-Father reveals that he is the one who summoned the hawk and the plant, and now endows Balder with the gift of invincibility, to demonstrate that the bravest are the gentlest.