The Vanir are a race of extraterrestrial beings similar to human beings native to Vanaheim. The Vanir also share many physical traits with the Asgardians, including great longevity and strength.
History[]
A Vanir named Hogun decided to travel to Asgard. When he arrived, he liked it so much that he decided to stay. He became friends with Asgard's prince, Thor. Thor introduced Hogun to his friends Fandral and Volstagg. The three became good friends and formed the Warriors Three.[1]
After Thor defeated his adopted brother, Loki, by destroying the Rainbow Bridge, all of the Nine Realms were put in danger without the protection of the Asgardians. The Vanir were put in harm's way by Marauders, an army of ragtag pillagers and scavengers.[2] After a three year war, and with the help of the armies of Asgard, the Vanir were able to defend their realm, Vanaheim, and defeat the Marauders.[3]
Alternate Universes[]
Killed by Mangog[]
In an alternate universe, the Vanir resided in Vanaheim and were rendered extinct after being attacked by Mangog. After that event, the Rock Trolls took over their realm, having been banished from Nornheim. Thor later traveled to Vanaheim and discovered an old recording archive revealing the role of Mangog in the extinction of the Vanir.[4]
Attacked by Marauders[]
In an alternate universe, the Marauders attacked the Vanir as part of their alliance with the Dark Elves. Thor went to Vanaheim for the Sword of Torunn and met with Hogun, who explained the situation. The two worked together to fight through the Marauders and defend the Vanir. Thor and Hogun defeated the Marauders and fought off the Dark Elves and rescued several Vanir elders, bringing them safely to Thor's base. Hogun's village was attacked, but Thor and Hogun fought the Marauders and Dark Elves, saving the Vanir.[5]
Characteristic Traits[]
The Vanir share many physical traits and attributes with the Asgardians, such as their enhanced durability, strength, speed, and longevity. Their appearance is akin to humans and Asgardians, but the Vanir resemble humans of Asiatic descent while the Asgardians resemble humans of European or African decent. The physical characteristics of the Vanir are also not that much different from the Asgardians.
Their culture seems to be different from the Asgardians. While the Asgardians are a warrior, space-faring race, the Vanir are not known to have a history of great battles and rely on the Asgardian armies to defend them and their Realm, Vanaheim. They also seem to be less technologically advanced than Asgardians and even humans, living in tents while most of their planet is densely wooded. Throughout the landscape of Vanaheim, various columns and arches can be seen, which presumably have cultural or historical significance.
Notable Vanir[]
Appearances[]
Trivia[]
- In Norse mythology, the Vanir are a tribe of Gods known for their connection to nature and magic, while the Ăsir known for their warlike nature and association with knowledge. In the comics and mythology, there is a great Ăsir-Vanir War, which was "won" by the Ăsir (Asgardians). This might explain their lack of technology and dependence on and close ties with the Asgardians. Alternatively, in the mythology, the Aesir-Vanir War was fought to a stand-still. Both sides grew tired of the conflict and agreed to a truce, eventually exchanging hostages. There are notable gods and they are NjörĂ°r, Nerthus, Freyr and Freyja.
- In the comics, Heimdall, Sif and Frigga are members of the Vanir.
