Laufey (character)


Laufey is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is depicted usually as an enemy of the Asgardian king Odin, father of Thor. He is the King of the Frost Giants, the biological father of Thor's adopted brother and archenemy, Loki. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, he first appeared in Journey into Mystery #112, and was based on the goddess of the same name.
Colm Feore portrays Laufey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Thor.

Publication history

Laufey was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and first appeared in Journey into Mystery #112.

Fictional character biography

In the early days of the universe, Laufey ruled Jotunheim, realm of the Frost Giants. When his son Loki was born a runt, an ashamed Laufey ordered the baby hidden.
Odin, the King of Asgard, attacks Jotunheim and confronts Laufey. Wielding the mystical hammer Mjolnir, Odin faces down Laufey and destroyed his war club, prompting him to brandish a sword. Laufey tried to use his knowledge of land, such as trying to stop Odin with a concealed fire pit. A sprawling battle between the two forces ensued. The battle ended when Odin used Mjolnir to crush Laufey's skull. Odin discovers Loki in the wreckage of the castle and decides to raise him as his own.
It was later retconned that Loki had been a child, rather than a baby, when Laufey was killed. The day before the battle, Loki had attempted to inform his father of an opportunity to stealthily kill Odin. Laufey struck Loki for calling him a coward. The next day, after the fateful battle and Odin's claiming of Loki as a son, Laufey was left wounded, but alive. A version of Loki from the future, who had traveled back in time to alter events, proceeded to decapitate him, stating that Laufey would never strike him again. He also made Odin adopt him.
Laufey's skull plays an important role in the fourth volume of Thor, where his former associates attempt to obtain his remains from a Roxxon facility owned by Minotaur. After traveling to Jotunheim with Malekith the Accursed, Minotaur uses the blood of dead Light Elves as part of a spell to resurrect Laufey.
In "All-New, All-Different Marvel", Laufey appears as a member of the Dark Council alongside Malekith, Minotaur, Ulik, and several unnamed Fire Demons.
During the "War of the Realms" storyline, Laufey attempts to kill Frigga. Loki arrives and saves Frigga, only to be eaten by Laufey. As Captain Marvel, Black Panther, Sif, and the Thing confront Laufey, he consumes the Casket of Ancient Winters, which augments his powers. Daredevil fights with Laufey until Laufey eats the sword Hofund when it is thrown at him. Loki uses the sword to cut Laufey's body open, allowing him to escape with the Casket of Ancient Winters.

Powers, abilities, and equipment

Like all Frost Giants, Laufey possesses immense physical abilities and the ability to manipulate ice. As a Frost Giant, he is immune to cold temperatures, but is vulnerable to extreme heat. He has been seen wielding many weapons, including a giant war club, sword, an axe, and the Casket of Ancient Winters.

Other versions

An alternate universe variant of Laufey from Earth-22260 appears in What If...? Thor #1. This version adopted Thor and raised him alongside Loki after killing Odin.

In other media

Television

Laufey appears in the Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. episode "Hulks on Ice", voiced by Enn Reitel.

Marvel Cinematic Universe

Video games

Merchandise