TheVanir were a cadre ofslaves employed by theTerminus Inc to run the space station ofTerminus.

History[[edit] |[edit source]]

The Vanir were controlled by Terminus Inc with the anti-viral drughydromel, which they depended on for protection againstLazar's disease. If the Vanir failed to cure the Lazars, then Terminus Inc would cut off their hydromel supply. Their escape from the station was prevented by isolating them from the spaceship that successfully treated Lazars; until the intercession of theFifth Doctor, they were unaware such a ship even existed.

Vanir were outfitted with a suit of armour that served as a method for administering hydromel. A cylinder of hydromel was inserted into the chest piece, and appeared to be gradually depleted.

At least one of the Vanir was formerly aspace pirate until he was betrayed into slavery by his commander. The origin of the other Vanir is unknown.

Most of the Vanir had a pale, gaunt appearance.

Since the slavery of the Vanir was completely dependent on hydromel, they were able to free themselves onceNyssa agreed to stay on Terminus to synthesise it for them. (TV:Terminus)

Behind the scenes[[edit] |[edit source]]

• The name "Vanir" comes fromNorse mythology and refers to a tribe of gods who made war on the rest. Many of the Vanir characters inTerminus are given names with a Scandinavian sound to them.
• TheVanir also were a tribe ofVikings in141, influenced bythe Master under the alias ofFrey to fightOdin andThor and theThird Doctor so that he could getGrungnir. The Doctor explained toJo Grant thatNorse mythology probably came from real adventures of early Viking history, as here the fight between Vanir and Odins folk, in theSweden of the year141. (PROSE:The Spear of Destiny)
• InDimensions in Time,which this wiki does not count as a valid source, Vanir was part ofthe Rani's menagerie summoned to fight various incarnations ofthe Doctor in theEast End ofLondon.