Based on the frost giant Ymir from norse mythology, Ymir is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Journey Into Mystery #97 (Oct 1963) and was created by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby.

Fictional character biography

Formed shortly after the creation of the Earth, Ymir considers all other forms of life - with the exception of his kin the Frost Giants - to be abhorations that must be destroyed. Chronologically, Ymir is first mentioned in the Hyborian Age by his apparent daughter, Atali, who together with two of her Frost Giant brothers have an encounter with the barbarian hero Conan.

Thousands of years later, the cult the Sons of Satannish briefly call Ymir - together with fire demon Surtur - back to Earth, before being banished again by the superhero team the Avengers and the sorcerer Doctor Strange. Alongside arch-rival Surtur, Ymir later invades Asgard, but is defeated when the Thunder God Thor, wielding the Odin Power, banishes the pair to the Sea of Eternal Night.

Despite the final Ragnarok and the eventual return of the Norse Gods, Ymir has yet to return from exile.

Powers and abilities

Ymir is a huge ice giant over 1,000 feet tall, and possessing strength and durability exceeding even that of Thor. He has the ability to generate intense, deadly cold and regenerate from as little as a particle of ice. Ymir also carries a huge icicle which functions as a club. Ymir is an ancient being whose thinking is rather limited: his energies are devoted to destruction and little else.

Other versions

Ultimates

Together with Surtur, Ymir briefly battles the Ultimates.

In other media

Television

• Ymir appeared in an episode of Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends voiced by John Stephenson.

Video games

• Ymir appears as a villain in the video game Marvel: Ultimate Alliance voiced by Paul Eiding.

References