Loki Season 2 Episode 3 titled 1983 is probably one of the most important episodes in the series thus far. It has made several revelations, seen the return of two major characters, and an introduction of a new villain. But amongst these many twists and turns, it has introduced the God of Mischief and Thor’s secret brother, Balder the Brave.
Warning: The following content contains major spoilers. Read at your own risk.
Loki and Mobius have finally found Ravonna Renslayer and Miss Minutes at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1983. He Who Remains Variant, Victor Timely, has also been introduced. But before these things happen, Loki Season 2 Episode 3 first introduces the unmentioned member of the Asgardian family, Balder the Brave, while the two Time Variance Authority (TVA) members walk around the funfair.
They come across a Norse pavilion where Balder’s statue stands along with Odin and Thor. Upon seeing his family members, Loki starts to scrutinize the images, with Mobius asking him if he’s a little homesick. “It’s completely inaccurate,” Loki says. As Mobius teases him of feeling a little left out, Loki asks why it includes Balder, knowing no one has ever heard of him.
Who is Balder the Brave?
As this is the first time that Balder has been mentioned in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it remains to be seen if he will make an appearance in the superhero universe. But despite being put on the sideline, this character has a rich Marvel story to tell.
Balder is the half-brother and close ally of Thor. However, due to the prophecies that his death will trigger the start of Ragnarok, which will destroy the world, Odin asks Frigga to make him invulnerable to any harm.
But before she manages to cast her spell, Odin accuses Balder of treason after leaving a fight to help a bird return to its mother’s nest amid the battle with the Storm Giants. The King of Asgard then asks his brothers, Tyr and Honir, to shoot arrows at him. But Balder doesn’t even flinch, proving he’s a brave warrior, ending up with Odin letting Frigga cast the spell.
Will Balder the Brave appear in the MCU?
Balder almost made it in the MCU. He was supposed to appear in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, played by the James Bond actor Daniel Crag, but it was never made into development. According to reports, he was set to be a part of the Illuminati lineup in the movie, but his appearance was eventually cut. There are no words yet if he will be included in the next MCU projects.
But now that his name is mentioned in Loki Season 2 Episode 3, it may be the start of finally feeling his presence in the franchise. New episodes of Loki are released every Thursday on Disney+.
