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Appearing in "Maelstrom!"

Reprint of the 2nd story from
Journey Into Mystery #121

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  • Numerous unnamed Asgardians
  • Utgard Dragon (First appearance)
  • Odin (Mentioned)

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Synopsis for "Maelstrom!"

Reprint of the 2nd story from
Journey Into Mystery #121

Why is Loki not in command?? Surely he would have set sail for home by now!

—Unnamed Argonaut

Continued from Journey Into Mystery #120...

On a voyage to learn the cause of the Oversword's slow destruction, Thor has led an army of his fellow Asgardians on a voyage to determine it's cause and prevent Ragnarok from occurring. Entering the Sea of Fear, they have to pass the Pillars of Utgard in order to continue on their voyage. As a storm rages, Thor rallies his men to maintain course and fight the storm, in spite of Loki's bleak outlook on the situation.

As the ship is battered through the rapids, Balder the Brave climbs the masthead of the ship with a great horn on some grave purpose that will save his fellows from doom.

Appearing in "The Grim Specter of Mutiny!"

Reprint of the 2nd story from
Journey Into Mystery #122

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Synopsis for "The Grim Specter of Mutiny!"

Reprint of the 2nd story from
Journey Into Mystery #122

He accomplished more in defeat than he could have in victory! His very fall toppled half of the mutineers!!

Thor

As Thor's ship journey's through the Sea of Fear and through the Pillars of Utgard in violent waters, Loki stages a mutiny with the aid of the dissenting Kroda and Magrat, splitting the crew in half and starting a fight between the two factions.

Rallied with Thor are the Warriors Three, however at the battle on ship rages, the ship itself heads toward the most dangerous part of the Pillars of Utgard: The Dragon's Jaws. As their ship enters this lethal region, the battle gives pause to the sound of Balder, who has climbed to the top of the ships masthead with a great horn and has begun blowing it, in hopes that it's power might steer them to safety.

Appearing in "The Jaws of the Dragon!"

Reprint of the 2nd story from
Journey Into Mystery #123

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  • Utgard Dragon (First appearance) (Destruction)

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Synopsis for "The Jaws of the Dragon!"

Reprint of the 2nd story from
Journey Into Mystery #123

What flash and blood can achieve, I shall do! This do I pledge to all! Whate'er befalls, I shall not flinch! Strike, thou creature of darkness--Thor stands ready!

Thor

In fabled Asgard, Odin and his advisors watch as a storm heralding in the beginning of Ragnarok comes in over the vast seas, leaving them to wonder how Thor's quest goes to determine what's causing the Oversword to begin to crack, thereby causing this cataclysm.

While in the Sea of Fear, Thor's ship rides through the angry waters near the Pillars of Utgard, their ship comes close to the most deadly part, a cavern waterway called the Jaws of the Dragon (Because the entrance resembles that of a Dragon's maw.)

As Thor and the Warriors Three fight to keep the ship afloat, Balder rides it's masthead blowing into a giant horn, hoping that it's sound will destroy the Jaw of the Dragon so that they might continue to their quest. For all his trouble, Balder manages to succeed and the Jaw is blown to bits, allowing their ship to pass onto the next leg of their journey.

Appearing in "Closer Comes the Swarm!"

Reprint of the 2nd story from
Journey Into Mystery #124

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Synopsis for "Closer Comes the Swarm!"

Reprint of the 2nd story from
Journey Into Mystery #124

Turn, Volstagg!! Turn and behold--the Flying Trolls of Thryheim!!

—Unnamed Argonaut

Detecting Thor's ship, Queen Ula of the Flying Trolls, a group of insectile armour wearing Trolls that live in the giant Stone Hive of Thryheim, Ula sends out a scouting party to determine how best to raid the ship.

Meanwhile, aboard Thor's ship, Balder the Brave has collapsed in exhaustion following using a giant horn to destroy the Jaws of the Dragon in the Sea of Fear. He is brought down from the ships Masthead by Thor and nursed back to consciousness by Fandral and Hogun. Balder's revival is met with great fanfare from all except Loki, Magrat and Kroda, and they send a spy to watch Thor further.

In another exercise in braggary, Volstagg decides he too will blow the great horn, but finds that in spite of his large girth he cannot muster significant strength to cause it to make sound. However, he is unaware of this due to the buzzing of the coming Troll horde. When all the men on the ship suddenly draw their weapons to greet with coming army, Volstagg (unaware of what's approaching behind him) thinks that his fellows are drawing their swords against him and reverts to his usual cowardly and self-preserving character.

Appearing in "Tales of Asgard: The Queen Commands!"

Reprint of the 2nd story from
Journey Into Mystery #125

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Synopsis for "Tales of Asgard: The Queen Commands!"

Reprint of the 2nd story from
Journey Into Mystery #125

Let the preparations be made--we must have a welcome for the sons of Odin!

Queen Ula

The Flying Trolls of Ula attacking Thor's ship, Thor, Balder and the Warriors Three lead the crew in a counter attack to defend their ship from the looting trolls.

As the battle rages, Loki, Magrat, and Kroda go below the ship to gather materials for a potion which Loki unleashes into the air that poisons the Trolls, causing the majority of their numbers to fall dead out of the sky. With the battle over, Lki takes all the credit and gloats about being able to stop the horde before Thor could.

Loki's boasts are short lived however, when two of the surviving Trolls capture him and carry him away to the Hive of Stone. Thor in turn, tells his crew that the kidnapping of Loki was an attack on them all, and orders them to prepare for battle. While inside the Hive, Ula has anticipated this move and orders her men to prepare a fitting welcome for the sons of Odin.

Appearing in "Tales of Asgard, Home of the Mighty Norse Gods!: The "Summons!""

Reprint of the 2nd story from
Thor #126

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Synopsis for "Tales of Asgard, Home of the Mighty Norse Gods!: The "Summons!""

Reprint of the 2nd story from
Thor #126

Too long have I ruled here alone--a queen without a king! But now, at last, I have found the one with whom I might share my throne! If you wish Loki to be freed, I shall grant that boon! Merely say that you will stay at my side--that we will rule together! But, dare to refuse--and all who ride the Odinship die before morning!

Queen Ula

Continued from last issue...

With Loki captured by Ula, Queen of the Flying Trolls, Thor has journeyed to her base the Hive Of Stone to try diplomacy in retrieving his captive step-brother. Ula demands that Thor become her consort and rule along side her, less she kill all those aboard his ship. This is a demand that Loki suggests Thor comply with as well, hoping to use it as a means to get rid of his half-brother.

Before Thor can make a decision, there is a blinding flash of light that allows Thor to escape with Loki and return to their ship. There they find that the Warriors Three were fitting the crew to go on a rescue mission for Thor and Loki. When two returning leaders relate the story, Thor theorizes that the only one who could have came to their rescue and cause the blinding flash was Odin himself.

In answer to this, Odin's image suddenly appears, Odin informs them that their quest is done and that they may return to Asgard.

This story is continued next issue....

Appearing in "Tales of Asgard: The Meaning of Ragnarok!"

Reprint of the 2nd story from
Thor #127

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Synopsis for "Tales of Asgard: The Meaning of Ragnarok!"

Reprint of the 2nd story from
Thor #127
Continued from last issue...

Odin has summoned Thor and his crew back to Asgard to prepare for the coming of Ragnarok. In order for his people to properly understand what is to come, Odin has the prophet known as Volla reveal her prophesies of the coming cataclysm:

She speaks of a coming blizzard, and how the people of Asgard would become savage and battle one another, and how Loki amass an army of trolls and demons to attack Asgard. This battle would lead to the destruction of the Bifrost Bridge, and a massive battle in Asgard between an army led by Thor, and the opposing forces of Loki and his minions.

So fierce would be this battle that all of Asgard would crumble, and the end would be marked by the coming of the Midgard Serpent, rising from the depths to consume all that is left.

This story is continued next issue....

Appearing in "Tales of Asgard: Aftermath!"

Reprint of the 2nd story from
Thor #128

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Synopsis for "Tales of Asgard: Aftermath!"

Reprint of the 2nd story from
Thor #128
Odin continues telling Thor, Balder, Loki, and the Warriors Three of the prophesies of Volla about the coming of Ragnarok. According to Volla's visions Loki would stage a revolt against Asgard which would lead to a great war that would destroy their entire kingdom. In the end the Midgard Serpent would destroy Asgard, leaving nothing but a ruined wasteland. Following this, Surtur the Fire God would rise from his realm and set the realm of Asgard ablaze. However in spite of all this destruction, life would soon restart itself in Asgard, with the restoration of life and eventual advancement to it's former state. With his story finish, Odin asks all gathered what they think about the visions. Loki, defiant as ever, speaks out telling Odin that he doesn't believe the old woman's claims and that they are foolish. Odin, however, believes every word and reiterates the fact that Loki will be the cause of Ragnarok.

Solicit Synopsis

The legend has come true! By the will of the gods, I am alive! I am invincible! I am - THOR!!! And so began the very first epic tale of Marvel's most revered hero, the mighty Thor, whose legend would grow alongside the success of Marvel comics, making him the most exciting super hero of all time! Never has Thor been more sensational than during these early tales, crafted by Marvel's greatest, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Relive classic Norse mythology in the mighty Marvel manner as well as Stan and Jack's stories of the Norse Gods and Thor before he came to Earth as Don Blake. Witness as these masters breathe life into the thunder god and some of Marvel's most enduring characters: Heimdall, Balder, Loki, Odin and Hela. Read these stories as never before with all-new, modern coloring and six extraordinary interlocking covers by current THOR artist Olivier Coipel. Collecting the "Tales of Asgard" backup stories from JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #121-125 & THOR #126-128.

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