Freyja the All-Mother of Asgardia awakens from a nightmare in which everything is burning….
Thor is in Broxton, helping the local fire department put out a blazing church—but neither his rain nor his snow affects the fire. And a report comes in of another burning church…. In the school, a Goth kid Jeff Fischer’s eyes glow red and he begins carving ancient runes into his desk. Meanwhile, birds are falling from the sky in flames, their eyes glowing red; Loki witnesses this and is uncertain as to whether he is responsible for it. He reports to the All-Mother and Freyja tells him of a dream/memory she had of her father….
A long, long time ago, there was a feud between the Aesir and the Vanir; Odin visited Freyr, Freyja’s father, at his home to negotiate a way to head off war. Freyr refuses and when Odin gives him an ultimatum, he stalks out. The Vanir chief makes a deal with Surtur the Fire Demon for his aid—aid that comes with a price…. The following morning, the two armies meet and the Vanir forces, their eyes glowing red, declare war. This war is eventually settled by the wedding of Odin and Freyja, ensuring peace….
Today, Thor returns to Asgardia suffering from burn wounds. Loki ministers to his needs while being puzzled by a fire that burns even the gods….
In Valhalla, Bill and Kelda look out a window and view a scene of horror: Yggdrasil the World Tree is in flames….
Story continues in JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #642.