Thor #196
Within the Realm of Kartag!
Thor and the Warriors Three have been sent to the World’s End to collect water from the Twilight Well. Although they have not been told why, the four Asgardians have sought out these waters. With a troll as their guide, they soon enter the realm of a woman named Satrina. She invites the tired warriors into her cave to rest. There she blasts them with some crimson mist, making them all pass out. When Thor wakes up, he finds himself and the Warriors Three being waited on by a bevy of attractive maidens. Thor feels the urge to ignore his quest and indulge like the others. However, the troll reappears and warns them that Satrina is playing with their minds. Satrina then slays the troll, but Thor has already shaken off the effects of the mist and sees that the “women” waiting on the Warriors Three are actually demonic creatures. When Thor tries fighting off these monstrosities, the Warriors Three — still affected by the mist — try to stop him. Thor uses the magical power of Mjolnir to immobilize his foe. This amuses Satrina, who reveals that she is the lover of Kartag, the keeper of the Twilight Well and teleports off to warn him of Thor’s impending arrival. By this time, the minds of the Warriors Three have returned to normal and they continue their quest.
Meanwhile, in Asgard, Odin rallies his soldiers for battle against Mangog, the entity threatening to destroy Asgard. After speaking to the troops, Odin is visited by Hela, the goddess of death, who has come to take the souls of those who will perish in the battle ahead. As warriors hold the line outside the kingdom, the wonder how Mangog can still be alive when the alien race that comprised his body were freed not to long ago.[1] When Odin leads the charge, Mangog knocks the entire opposing army down by ripping up the bridge they are crossing. Odin is horrified to discover that his old friend, Khan, was killed in this opening salvo. Grimly, Odin realizes what he has to do next.
While on the planet known as Blackworld, Hildegarde and Sif continue to try and get answers from the villagers who live on what was thought to be a baron world. While they all speak of some powerful master, none will explain themselves nor let the two travelers into their homes. Suddenly, the two Asgardians are attacked by a trio of knights on horseback sent by the entity everyone fears. However, the two women are far from helpless and easily best the knights in battle. As they retreat, Hildegarde notices that even their foes have a look of consuming dread on their faces.
Back at the World’s End, Thor and the Warriors Three continue their quest for the Twilight Well. In some old ruins they are attacked by a dragon called Redguard, another guardian of the Well. Although the creature traps them in a circle of flame, Thor uses Mjolnir to pull himself and his allies to safety. They are once again confronted by Satrina, who explains that she has been impeding them because she is Kartag’s lover and wishes to win his favor. However, she has decided to lead them to the Twilight Pool herself as she is confident that Kartag will destroy them all. Cautiously, the four Asgardians follow the woman, prepared to face whatever threats might come their way next.
At that same moment, Hela has come to claim Khan’s soul and bring him into Valhalla. Odin accepts that his friend is dead. Deciding there has been enough death and destruction in his realm, Odin unleashes the full fury of his mystical might. This creates a powerful vortex of energy that not only bowls Mangog over, but also consumes the realm of Asgard. The light from this event can be seen by Hildegard and Sif on Blackworld. Thinking that this is a sun going supernova, Hildegarde believes that this is a good omen. While at the World’s End, Satrina has brought Thor and the Warriors Three arrive in the cavern of the Twilight Well. There, Kartage — a massive giant armed with an axe — emerges from the shadows vowing to kill them all.
Recurring Characters
Thor, Warriors Three (Fandral, Hogun, Volstagg), Odin, Hildegarde, Sif, Mangog, Satrina, Hela, Kartag, Kygar, Khan
Continuity Notes
Mangog previously attacked Asgard in Thor #154-157. It was revealed then that he was the combined form of an alien race that tried to attack Asgard. After Mangog was defeated, Odin freed the alien race having decided they served out their punishment. Mighty Thor (vol. 2) #701 suggests that these aliens didn’t actually attack Asgard, but were punished for insulting Odin. Next issue explains that while the alien race was freed their collective hatred for Asgard remained, allowing Mangog to continue existing.
