Odin recounts for the assembled gods how his father Bor planted the seed which grew into the World Tree—and how Asgard must attract evil as light does moths. Loki suggests giving the displaced Asgard to the World Eaters and so have done with it, but this merely enrages Odin, who lashes out at the boyish traitor. Loki flees behind the wheel of Dr Solvang’s car, leaving Thor to rebuke the All-Father. But Odin then turns his wrath on the Thunder God for his foolishness in reviving Loki and recalling Odin from his rest. Their spat is interrupted by news that Balder, still wracked with guilt over his failure to protect his people, is preparing to face the enemy alone in battle, as a sort of redemption. Tyr pleads to join him and the two are spirited to another world….
Meanwhile, Solvang has recognized his car speeding along the highway and forces Loki to stop. The scientist vents his spleen against the godling and Iron Man, fearing retaliation from the God of Evil, intervenes to protect him when Thor arrives. Tony takes the opportunity to rebuke Thor for restoring Loki but the Thunder God explains how Odin knew all along about the coming invasion and he counsels brave resignation to their doom….
In a world of prismatic lighting, Balder and Tyr engage the World Eaters in combat, the two Norse gods against the hosts of crimson invaders. Tyr falls in battle with Lord Thane and Balder slays the enemy commander before being cut down himself. The king, Uthana Thoth and his queen mourn the death of their son and the tyrant vows revenge against Asgard….