Morduk

Real Name: Morduk (last name unrevealed, but possibly something-son...)

Identity/Class: Asgardian god

Occupation: Sage

Group Membership: Asgardian gods, unidentified group of sages

Affiliations: Agnar (King of the Eagles), Balder Odinson, Greyval Grimson, Odin Borson, Sygnet

Enemies: None, though Horskuld disrespected him;
    neither Loki Laufeyson nor Braggi were truly his enemies, but he provided the Crimson Hand to Thor, which forced Braggi to reveal his true nature and put Loki on guard

Known Relatives: None

Aliases: Wise Morduk;
    "Aged Morduk" (from Loki)

Base of Operations: Somewhere in relative proximity to Asgard city (if not in the city itself), Asgard landmass, Asgard dimension

First Appearance: Journey into Mystery I#118/2 (July, 1965)

 

 

 

 

Powers/Abilities: Like all Asgardians, Horskuld was extremely long-lived, though not actually immortal. He had superhuman strength (Class 25?) and durability. Horskuld was noted for his wisdom and knowledge. He is extremely knowledgeable about Asgard and its associated realms, and is highly skilled cartographer. He possesses a vast array of maps, as well as an extensive store of artifacts of mystic power (such as the Crimson Hand) and presumably objects of other significance, as well.

Height: Approximately 6'4" (he seemed only a little shorter than Greyval Grimson; and comparable even to Thor)
Weight: Approximately 300 lbs. (Asgardian flesh and bone being significantly more than human equivalent)
Eyes: Brown?
Hair: White

 

 

 

 

 

History:
(Journey into Mystery I#118/2 (fb) - BTS) - Long ago, Morduk obtained the Crimson Hand and kept it hidden behind a secret crypt amongst his artifacts, waiting until such a time as it would be sorely needed.

(Journey into Mystery I#118/2 (fb) - BTS) - Morduk was commissioned to draw up a map to guide Thor in his quest to discover who had cracked the great Oversword (aka Odinsword) of Asgard.

 

(Journey into Mystery I#118/2) - Morduk assured Thor he was almost done with his map, plotting a course that would take him into the unknown, beyond Asgard. Thor was confident that if anyone could chart such a course, Morduk could. Morduk then warned Thor that he must not fail, because if they did not identify the culprit, the universe would never be the same. When Thor mentioned that he would be aided by the cunning and guile of Loki, Morduk noted that for that reason he would need another weapon, the Crimson Hand. Accessing a secret panel, Morduk retrieved the glove and explained its function -- "when the enchanted discs on yon glove's palm made contact with another's hand, neither you nor he can mouth any words unless they be the solemn truth." Appreciating the value of a mystic hand of truth, Thor thanked Morduk.
    Moments later, Loki arrived with and introduced Braggi, who Loki had selected as the overseer of their vessel's crew; Loki continued that he had selected their crew while Thor had "dallied here with aged Morduk." The Crimson Hand soon proved its value, as, when Thor shook hands with Braggi, Braggi explained that he was planning to smite Thor from behind and slay him as soon as they had set sail. Appreciating what he had said only afterwards, Braggi considered his hand forced, and he attacked Thor. Thor swiftly overpowered Braggi and drove him off. When Thor suggested he and Loki claps hands and begin their quest, Loki realized that Thor was wearing the Crimson Hand, and he departed, claiming there was work to be done and they could clasp hands later.

 

 

 

 

 


    Morduk then advised Thor to begin his journey, reminding him that undreamed-of dangers awaited him, but that Thor was armed with truth and his own awesome strength; he must not falter.

(Marvel Graphic Novel #15: The Raven Banner (fb) - BTS) - During a battle between Asgard and its enemies, Greyval Grimson -- son of Grim Magnus, bearer of the Raven Banner, which assured Asgard's victory but at the cost of the standard bearer's life -- who was already reluctant to accept his destiny as the next bearer of the Raven Banner, was drawn away from the battle and into a party by the trolls.

(Marvel Graphic Novel #15: The Raven Banner - BTS) - Other trolls stole the Raven Banner when Grim Magnus fell, and Greyval was not there to claim it. Learning what had happened, Greyval was convinced by his new bride, Sygnet, to petition Odin to retrieve the Banner.

(Marvel Graphic Novel #15: The Raven Banner (fb) - BTS) - Considering Greyval unworthy, Odin granted Greyval's cousin, Horskuld, to recover the Banner.

(Marvel Graphic Novel No. 15: The Raven Banner - BTS) - Balder begged Odin to allow him to escort Greyval, and Odin consented.

(Marvel Graphic Novel No. 15: The Raven Banner (fb) - BTS) - Horskuld arrogantly refused the counsel of Morduk and the sages and galloped away companionless, trusting only to himself.

(Marvel Graphic Novel No. 15: The Raven Banner (fb) - BTS) - Marudk and the other sages agreed that before Greyval could seek the Banner, he must visit his father's shade in Valhalla, and Grim Magnus would guide him further

(Marvel Graphic Novel #15: The Raven Banner - BTS) - Morduk informed Greyval of the sages instruction to seek guidance from Grim Magnus in Valhalla. Morduk then gave Greyval a map to aid his quest, noting there were many perils along the way; and that only he of dauntless spirit could cross Valhalla's golden bridge while still living. Noting that while Horskuld had taken a lead, Morduk continued "by my immortal whiskers, the haughty Horskuld had refused the counsel of Morduk and the sages and galloped away companionless...he'll ride in circles 'til he finds a clue. You can still outstrip him, Grimson, and redeem the fateful prize." Morduk then noted the arrival of Agnar, King of the Eagles, to speed them on their way. Morduk watched with Sygnet as Agnar flew away with Balder and Greyval.

 

 

Comments: Created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Vince Colletta.

    The history elements in italics aren't really appearances of Morduk at all...they are just the back-story to the quest for the Raven Banner.

    This completes my profiles from the Raven Banner graphic novel. That series had an impressive bit of research and lots of appearances by rare, otherwise unexpected characters, including, Agnar, Gullin, Gullinbursti, wind giants, and Morduk...the latter two I had forgotten they had previous appearances. Alan Zelenetz, Charles Vess,, and Ralph Macchio really did their homework on this one. I highly recommend the series

    Morduk has presumably perished in some of the Ragnaroks occurring in the modern era, but would likely have been resurrected as well along with the majority of the Asgardians.

    Thanks to MarvellousLuke for the image-clean-up!

Profile by Snood.

CLARIFICATIONS:
Morduk should be distinguished from:

The Crimson Hand has no known connection to:

images: (without ads)
Journey into Mystery I#118/2, pg. 1 (mapping);
        pg. 2, panel 1 (maps);
            panel 2 (artifacts; secret crypt);
            panel 4 (Crimson Hand);
        pg. 5, panel 1 (boots seen more clearly)
            panel 2 (plant);
Marvel Graphic Novel No. 15: The Raven Banner, pg. 20, panel 2 (full body);
            panel 3 (face)

Appearances:
Journey into Mystery I#118/2 (July, 1965) - Stan Lee (writer/editor), Jack Kirby (penciler), and Vince Colletta (editor)
Marvel Graphic Novel No. 15: The Raven Banner (1985) - Alan Zelenetz (writer), Charles Vess (artist), Ralph Macchio (editor)

CRIMSON HAND

 

    Morduk referred to it as "one of the most mystical weapons of all," and he explained its purpose/function as "when the enchanted discs on yon glove's palm made contact with another's hand, neither you nor he can mouth any words unless they be the solemn truth."

(Journey into Mystery I#118/2 (fb) - BTS) - Long ago, Morduk obtained the Crimson Hand and kept it hidden behind a secret crypt amongst his artifacts, waiting until such a time as it would be sorely needed.

(Journey into Mystery I#118/2) - When Thor mentioned that he would be aided -- in his quest to discover who had cracked the Oversword/Odinsword -- by the cunning and guile of Loki, Morduk noted that for that reason Thor would need another weapon, the Crimson Hand. Accessing a secret panel, Morduk retrieved the glove and explained its function. Appreciating the value of a mystic hand of truth, Thor thanked Morduk.
    Moments later, Loki arrived with and introduced Braggi, who Loki had selected as the overseer of their vessel's crew. The Crimson Hand soon proved its value, as, when Thor shook hands with Braggi, Braggi responded to Thor's well-wishes with "And I wish you naught but harm, unsuspecting one. Once we have set sail, I shall smite you from behind and thee!" Appreciating what he had said only afterwards, Braggi considered his hand forced, and he attacked Thor. Thor swiftly overpowered Braggi and drove him off. When Thor suggested he and Loki claps hands and begin their quest, Loki realized that Thor was wearing the Crimson Hand, and he departed, claiming there was work to be done and they could clasp hands later.

 

--Journey into Mystery I#118/2

 

 

 

 

First Posted: 03/17/2014
Last updated: 03/17/2014

Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.

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