| Kelda | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Lady Kelda Art byOliver Coipel | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | Thor vol. 3 #6 (February 2008) |
| Created by | J. Michael Straczynski Oliver Coipel Mark Morales Laura Martin |
| In-story information | |
| Full name | Kelda Stormrider |
| Species | Asgardian |
| Place of origin | Asgard |
| Team affiliations | Asgard |
| Abilities |
|
Kelda is a fictional character appearing inAmerican comic books published byMarvel Comics. She is anAsgardian first introduced inThor vol. 3 #6 (Feb. 2008). Kelda is an original creation byJ. Michael Straczynski, not based inNorse mythology. She is most often seen in the company of her human lover Bill.
Not much is known about Kelda before the events ofRagnarök,[1] she is one of the many Asgardians brought back to life by Thor after he recreatesAsgard inOklahoma. She is first seen walking alone, enjoying the Oklahoman night where she meets Bill, ashort-order cook at a local diner.[2] Bill later visits Kelda in Asgard, the pair quickly fall in love and consummate their relationship.[3][4]
AfterLoki successfully has Thor exiled from Asgard by tricking him into killing a restoredBor, he manipulatesBalder, now king, into moving Asgard toLatveria.[5] Kelda then informs Bill that she wishes to leave with her people and Bill decides to go with her.[6] In Latveria, Bill realizes that Loki has tricked Balder into moving Asgard to the home ofDoctor Doom and warns Balder of his suspicions, which are overheard by three of Loki's followers. The three follow Bill outside to confront him, when Kelda appears and conjures a spear made of ice from a passing winter storm for Bill to use to defend himself. Kelda tells the three that spear is poisonous and one cut could kill, which cause them to flee.[7]
After the skirmish, Bill's suspicions are raised and knowing that she cannot curb his curiosity, Kelda gives Bill a sword and tells him to go investigate. Upon reaching Castle Doom, Bill spies Loki and Doom experimenting on an abducted Asgardian. Sensing Bill, Loki sends his followers to kill Bill.[8] Balder reaches the scene just as Bill is fatally wounded and slays Bill's attackers. Balder takes Bill's body back to his camp. There, Kelda is informed of her lover's death.[9]
Unable to be consoled, an enraged Kelda storms back to Castle Doom and after a brief exchange with Doctor Doom, she strikes him down with a lightning bolt. However, this turns out to only be aDoombot decoy. Kelda follows a power cable from the decoy into the castle where she is attacked by the real Doom. Doom tells Kelda that he is using the power of the Asgardians to create his own immortal army and then kills her by removing her heart.[10] However, Balder retrieves Kelda's heart and brings it to Loki, who uses it to revive Kelda.[11]
Kelda brings the news of Bill's death to his parents. They later request she leave them in peace; but she ultimately does so because the forces ofNorman Osborn have threatened Bill's parents in order to try to capture her.[12] After the destruction of Asgard following the Siege, Kelda is taken to the Hall of Warriors in Valhalla. It is shaken and damaged but still full of the feasting joyous souls of the slain, which includes Bill. Kelda tries to contact him but cannot. She vows to love him still, despite his death and her life.[13]
Kelda later uncovers Norn QueenKarnilla's plan to take advantage of the new power structure of Asgardia. To cover this up, Karnilla slays Kelda with a rock.[14] Kelda is allowed to enter Valhalla where she is reunited with her beloved Bill.[15] Their marriage, celebrated in Valhalla, is interrupted by the burning of the World Tree. KingVolstagg calls upon Valhalla for reinforcements against their enemies, the legions ofSurtur andVanaheim. Kelda and Bill are at the forefront of this attack.[16]
Kelda sharespowers common among all Asgardians including enhanced strength, durability, and longevity (through periodic consumption of thegolden apples ofIdunn).
Kelda also has the power to manipulate weather. InThor #602, Kelda stated that she controls "the wind and the storm" and summoned a poisonous ice spear from awinter storm. InThor Giant-Sized Finale, she revealed her name to be Kelda Stormrider and demonstrated the power of flight by turning the lower portion of her body into atornado. InThor #604 Kelda summoned athunderstorm and generatedlightning to destroy Doctor Doom's Doombot double.
