Hogun

Origin

Hogun the Grim is a staple and original member of the Asgardian warrior trio known as the Warriors Three. The Warriors Three in turn being highly prominent and celebrated defenders of Asgard and long time loyal and friendly allies and friends to the Thunder god Thor. Hogun’s origins are somewhat shrouded in mystery, however we do know that he is not a native Asgardian, neither Aesir or Vanir. Instead Hogun originates from a far far away land, and actively chose and chooses to make Asgard his home base. Hogun’s people themselves slain while he was away with his fellow allies, by a tyrant by the name of Mogul This story of the destruction of his homeland relayed to him by the last warrior of his homeland, Saguta. Saguta himself mortally wounded, Mogul is quick to show up, and taunt Hogan for the slaughter of his people, but as quick to arrive Mogul is as quick to make his leave. Hogun, incenses vowing to slay this being who had destroyed his homeland and its people. As well as of course his fellow Warriors Three and Thor who were present at Saguta’s death and Mogul’s cruel taunting. All four warriors venturing into a journey across lands to reach Mogul, they face trial and tribulations including facing off against Shezada, the Jinni Devil, Mutaurus, Ogur the One Eyed and the Forty Demon Riders, but for their friend Hogun, the chance to gain revenge to great a reward. Eventually reaching Zanadu, the domain of the conqueror Mogul. Eventually Hogun with the aid of his allies and a new ally Alibar, is able to gain victory over the murderous Mogul, and thus their quest for revenge finished.

Hogun has a long history associated with and defending Asgard and adventuring with his two close friends Fandral the Dashing and Volstagg the Voluminous, and also coming to the aid of their friend Thor. Along with the aforementioned defeat of Mogul, Hogun has assisted with the defeat of Fafnir, attacks from Frost Giants, and Storm Giants, Flying Trolls, Fenris, Mangog, the Tomorrow Man, Surtur and has helped ward off the threat of Ragnarok on multiple occasions. Hogun has even succumbed to Ragarok alongside all Asgardians on one occasion, but with Thor’s aid he was restored back to life, Inhabiting the mortal guise of Trevor Newly. A mercenary living as a guard in a refugee camp in Africa. Upon contact with the mighty Thor, the thunder god is able to sense that Trevor Newly alongside two other men, was actually holding the forms of Hogun, Fandral and Volstagg. Using his resurrected powers Thor is able to draw out the Warriors Three to their natural forms.

The Warriors Three collectively are known for their loyalty to Thor in particular, given the amount of adventures they have been on, and his aid they have given them, and he aid they have imparted. When Thor was exiled from Asgard after unintentionally bringing death to his own bloodline, his Grandfather Bor, the Warriors Three were willing to risk punishment in order to provide support to their friend. Along with the Warriors Three, Hogun maintains the defense of Asgard and continues to aid his adopted homeland in various manners. Hogun has a short-tempered demeanor about him. He is a battlefield warrior, a skilled horseman, and a master of weapons. He prefers the use of a mace. Suitably he has a grim, sombre and sardonic demeanor, and this plays off well against his two immediate allies, Fandral, who is dashing and light spirited, and Volstagg who is jolly, boisterous, and heavy weighted.

Creation

Hogun the Grimm is a Marvel Universe character, who first appeared in Journey into Mystery #119, in a story written by creator Stan Lee, and illustrated by creator Jack Kirby. This story was published in 1965. Unlike many of his Asgardian peers, who are based on actual Norse mythological stories, Hogun and his compatriots the Warriors Three (who debuted alongside Hogun) are all original creations. Stan Lee on the characters creation, he actually wished to invoke a likeliness of actor Charles Bronson with regards to Hogun. Bronson an actor characterized by brooding, grim, and stoic acting parts and roles. A Stan Lee quote on the Warriors Three and their creation “I made those up. I specifically remember that I did them because I wanted a Falstaff-type guy, a guy like Errol Flynn, and then I wanted a guy like Charles Bronson who was dire and gloomy, riddled with angst. Those three were mine” Hogun also having a passing resemblance to the great, late actor.

Recently famed writer Bill Willingham has written a volume about the Warriors Three, Hogun himself have therefore a starring role within the mini, which follows a modern adventure concerning the trio as well as providing some insight into some of their past exploits, seemingly many, many years, ago, if we are to use Volstagg’s girth, or lack of as an indicator. Hogun also appearing not as grim.

Character Evolution

Conceived as a supporting character Hogun’s characterization has been fairly consistent though out his decades of appearances. An integral part of the Warriors Three team, their roles generally meant the characters fulfilled supporting roles, to characters such as Thor, Balder or Sif, however with more time came more development, and deeper and more three dimensional characterization. Hogun’s fictional history does have inconsistency. Usually with detailing how he came to be friends with Volstagg and Fandral his Warriors Three companions. Some story accounts detail their first meeting as teens, some stories detail their meetings as adults. In a more recent story written in the modern era, its supposed Hogun was a quiet and shy, and not very warrior like, until his meeting as a teen with Fandral, Volstagg and Thor, in a challenge where Volstagg and Fandral competed for bragging rights. An encounter with the great beast Fenris leaves Hogun fundamentally altered, his disposition changed and his fighting prowess and grim demeanor developed. Hogun has also developed a dark humor over his history as a character.

Major Story Arcs

Warriors Three

A young Hogun is depicted, at a much younger age, he seems somewhat more reserved and surprisingly openly acknowledges his lack of warrior like attitude and ability. He offers to serve as the judge between a disagreement that arises between a large and physically imposing red headed warrior Volstagg, and a quick witted, smooth talking blonde male, Fandral. The task the two more confident warriors put forward to each other, is to venture forth into dangerous territories to find the menacing Fenris Wolf and to pat it on the head. The first of either Volstagg or Fandral to achieve this, the victor!

After days of travel, the three warriors facing arduous challenges, one after the other, they reach the menacing Fenris Wolf. Chained still, but still an impressively fearful sight. Though at this stage, after much travel and bounding, Voltagg and Fandral and Hogun are more brothers endeared than rivals with arrogant attitudes towards each other. No long is this a quest of individual pursuits but a challenge for a team. Unfortunately the young trio have underestimated the Wolf Fenris. He has tricked them into think their situation safe, and he pounces on Hogun, and then offers a devils bargain to the Fandral and Voltsagg for the life of their companion. From that moment on, their were noticeable changes to all three adventurers personalities, Hogun’s transformation said to be the most drastic and dramatic. Where as he might have been referred to previously as Hogun the Bright Heart, or Hogun Ever Quick To Laugh or Sing, there was only a grim demeanor.

Against AIM

In more modern times, Hogun is depicted effortlessly winning a bar fight, before realizing the Gjallarhorn of Heimdall was sounded, the mighty horn summoning its warriors. Making haste back to Asgard he meets up with his two closet allies, Fandral and Volstagg. Fenris Wolf has escaped and engaged in a killing rampage. Given the Warriors Three history with the beast, they are quick to task themselves with his recapture. They journey is long and filled with various challenges that together they are able to overcome. Eventually they come across a particularly savage band of Rock Trolls, led by the dangerous Ulik. Despite being wounded and heavily outnumbered, the trio of Asgardian warriors managed to subdue Ulik and cause the rest of the Rock trolls fall to retreat defeated. They search and return to the spot where they had visited earlier as young adults. Some clues, but no sign of Fenris. Eventually the three Asgardian fighters discover that AIM is involved and implicated with the release of the Fenris Wolf. After encountering an entirely new type of enemy with various AIM powered beings, Hogun and co, face in battle an enchanting female AIM employee, who much to their surprise, is more than capable of enough of holding her own against all three of the eclectic trio. This powerful women infused with as they discover Fenris blood, going by the name of Helen Gable.

After an initial skirmish in which Hogun gets a chance to really let loose with his skills and power, the trio and AIM worker somewhat realize they are on the same side with the same motives. The Asagrdians learning that AIM has been weaponizing Fenris and more than that, the deal they struck with him, had resulted in Fenris being able to shape shift into a mortal guise. A most unsettling development. Worse still, he planned on taking a power Ragnarok bomb to the heart of Asgard where he would destroy it, and destroy himself as well. This suicide of sorts allowing him to confront the then dead at the time Odin. Fenris destiny of course to devour the All Father. With their new female ally, who Hogun affectionately renames Skadihr, the name, Helen embraces, they set out to stop the newly humanoid form of Fenris from destroying Asgard.

Blood Oath

Hogun and his associate duo Fandral and Volstagg otherwise known as the Warriors Three join with Thor on an epic and sweeping adventure, after the Warriors Three themselves are put on trail after mistakenly killing a shape shifting Giant, and are set for punishment as to pacify the giants father. They must right their wrong by collecting an assortment of rare artifacts (it should be noted that the father of the giant hated his child who was a bully and ruffian, but a Frost Giant has his pride and knows how to exploit the laws of the land) They are tasked with gathering the Apples at the highest branch of the World Tree Yggdrasil, the skin of a pig, that belongs to the god Dionysus, the spear of Chulain, and the legendary Grasscutter sword!

Their adventure underway and the friends in good spirits, they encounter many strange, and amazing creatures and beings, Their first task, to gain the apples at the top of the world tree, where Volstagg get ample opportunity to demonstrate his worth. With the task of the capture of the pig, Hogun and Fandral must chase a pig around whilst Thor engages in fist cuffs with the Greek god of Strength, Hercules. Hogun gets his chance to shine, when it comes to the task of acquiring the spear of Chulain, as he is sent into a berserker rage after his comrades are felled, and it is his grit and skills with the mace (and his ability to use a car) that defeats Chulain himself! The rest of the items, come buy with difficulty but eventuality and in the end, the warriors are triumphant and victorious, much to the chagrin of the father of the giant slayed, but intervention from other giants brings resolution to both Asgardian and Etins (giants) alike.

Tales of Asgard: Gather, Warriors

Asgard needs its warriors and so word is spread in the name of Odin, and several well known warriors show up. Most unique and well received of the lot, are none other than the Warriors Three, the Dashing Fandral, the Lion of Asgard Volstagg and the mysterious and grim Hogun. Odin’s sword has a universe threatening crack in it, it foretells disaster. They set sail in a boat to fight an unseen enemy. Yet the ship experiences a mutiny and conflict occurs on the ship. Yet Hogun and Warriors Three is quick to settle the problem with their superior fighting abilities. The defeat of flying trolls and the Utgard Dragon somewhat bringing their first defense of Asgard drawn to a close. Eventually Loki is revealed as the culprit and is reprimanded by Odin. The Warriors Three rather than separate decide that together they are more than the sum of their parts and remain as a group opposed to Asgard’s enemies. They would also team up with Thor to fight in the Tournament of Titans, where they would also face off against The Warriors of the Thousand Galaxies, warriors who each mastered a weapon similar to each of the Asgardians. Galp of the Steel Arm wields a mace like blunt instrument, and so he would face off against Hogun. Tyr of the Blinding Blade, would wield a sword and so naturally face off against master swordsman Fandral. Drom the Spirit Weaver would be considered the weakest as due to his small stature. Volstagg would therefore bravely opt to fight the small one. Brok the Crusher the strongest of the group, would face Thor. The armored construct the Destroyer would interrupt the battles, requiring Odin to step in and defeat the unstoppable enchanted armor.

Tales of Asgard: The Quest of the Mystic Mountain!

Hogun his fellow Warriors Three, and Thor come across a strung up warrior. Hogun recognizes this man as being from his homeland. Worse still to come, a murderous tyrant has caused massive disruption to Hogun’s homeland, Hogun now seeks revenge. The four warriors engaging on a journey to find and kill the one known as Mogul. The man responsible for the damage done to Hogun’s homeland. The four warriors seek out the land of Mogul, Zanadu, seeking to get closer to him. They fight many of his armies and make their way to his mystic mountain. Hogun eventually manages to corner the villain who had brought much ill will to his native land, and vengeance is dealt.

No Borders

After Ragnarok Hogun is still dead, but Thor is slowly making it his goal to revive his lost Asgardian brothers and sisters. Thor recreates Asgard in Broxton, Oklahoma, and starts looking for the lost Asgardians inhabiting mortal hosts. That is put on temporary delay as Dr Donald Blake is heading overseas as a part of Doctors With No Borders. Whilst there, Donald Blake experiences trouble, and Thor is needed. As the mighty god of Thunder, the violence is stopped, but Thor senses something familiar with three of the soldiers Trevor Newly, Leo Kincaid and Rolf Muller, volunteering their services to the war torn area. Thor senses the spirits of his old friends the Warriors Three within. With his new found power he is able to draw their essences out into their true form, and thus Hogun, Fandral and Volstagg are restored. They do what they can for the inhabitants of the area they have been aided, and return to Asgard.

Secret Invasion

The shapeshifting aliens known as the Skrulls have plotted to take the Earth as their own. Hogun and the Warriors Three are in Asgard near Broxton, Oklahoma when the Skrulls attack the Earth. The Skrulls aware of the powerful threat the Asgardians possess to their plans with the Earth send the Asgardian ally Beta Ray Bill as fiery projective against the floating city. His body tended to, Thor must leave Asgard to travel to Broxton. The Skrull armada also send a special elite type of Skrull to face the Asgardian warriors, the “Godkillers” being the rough translation. Thor is away with important work to do in Bronton, Hogun and the rest of the Asgardians must contend with the elite Skrulls by themselves. They manage to fight off most of the Skrulls, until a particularly powerful female Skrull brandishing Beta Ray Bill’s hammer Stormbreaker arrives and lays waste to Hogun, Fandral and Volstagg. Beta Ray Bill using Thor’s hammer goes toe to toe with deadly female Skrull, who possesses the cumulative powers of Titania, Thundra, Battleaxe and Volcana. However even Beta Ray Bill falls in battle. Thor arrives and he faces off against the female “Godkiller” but the mighty thunder god proves too powerful, and the female “Godkiller” uses desperate tactics by fling Stormbreaker into the sky, aiming for Broxton. Thor flies to intercept it, and Hogun, Fandral and Volstagg attack the female Skrull again despite knowing they are likely to lose. Hogun’s comrade Volstagg providing a distraction for Thor, attacks the female “Godkiller” Skrull by himself. Beaten again Volstagg has never the less accomplished his goal as Thor has returned and soundly defeats the female “Godkiller” Skrull permanently.

Everything Burns

Hogun and the Warriors Three face hardship when the ancient elemental Surtur reigns fire in all Nine Realms. After being released during the Serpents resurgence, Surtur had been plotting in the shadows. Yggdrasil has been set aflame, and Surtur has caused the Asgardians to splinter in loyalty, the secret history of the Aesir Vanir war exposed and reignited. It is revealed to many Asgardians that Loki, and the All Mother were implicit in the freeing of Surtur furthering more internal Asgardian conflict. The Warriors Three spearhead efforts to have the All Mother imprisoned, their actions too suspicious, their loyalty to Asgard in doubt. More than that Freyja’s loyalty would be questioned due to her bloodline.With Thor unable to rule, with Odin in exile, with several Vanir falling to a madness due to a secret pact with Surtur, there is initial confusion as to who should reign in control of Asgard. Gullveig of the Vanaheim is rallying several Vanir warriors to stand against Asgardia and they are empowered further by Surtur himself as well as the war machines of the Manchester gods. Volstagg would pull at his beard three red hairs, and the three Warriors Three would each take a hair, and whoever would draw the longest would serve as king. Volstagg would draw the longest hair and be required to step into the role of ruler. It would be a heavy burden, with Asgardia splintered Surtur and his machines of fire are winning. The Warriors three would face an equally large problem when it is revealed that Volstagg was also working secretly with Loki in the Destroyers past theft. The three friends would come to blows.

Powers and Abilities

Although not Asgardian by birth, Hogun the Grim for all intents and purposes has the powers of such of that race. Hogun possesses the conventional superhuman abilities of an Asgardian male. Hogun possesses superhuman levels of stamina, speed, agility, durability, and resilience.

Hogun is superhumanly strong, his strength being somewhat greater than that of the average Asgardian. Hogun’s striking power, his strength and durability of weapon enough to stop an incoming speeding locomotive with ease. Hogun is also extremely long lived, though not immortal, and ages at a pace much slower than humans. The tissues of his body are also more resilient than those of a human, rendering him much more resistant to physical injury. If he is injured, his body is able to heal itself with superhuman speed and efficiency. Hogun’s superior musculature and metabolism grants him superhuman levels of stamina. Like all Asgardians, Hogun’s bone, skin and muscle are much denser than that of a human, which helps to contribute to his superhuman strength and durability.

Hogun is an excellent overall battlefield warrior, a superb hand-to-hand combatant and horseman. He is highly proficient in the use of all Asgardian weapons, and is a master of bludgeoning weapons, especially the mace. He is also sometimes armed with a sword. He has also demonstrated skill in the area of battlefield medicine and healing arts, though he makes no claim of being a healer of any real proficiency. He has also used the Elixir of Recovery, an Asgardian medical potion.

Physical Characteristics

• Height: 6’3″
• Weight: 670 lbs (305 kg)
• Hair: Black
• Eyes: Blue-Gray

Alternate Versions

Earth – 1610: Ultimates Universe

Hogun as well as his constant companions the Warriors Three make a brief cameo in this Universe, in a flashback to Asgards glory days. The trio are slightly reinvented to better suit the nature of the Ultimate Universe, yet as with most realities, they are bonded though friendship. In the sport of battle, Hogun, Fandral and Volstagg are pitted against Thor, Loki and Balder. They are subsequently defeated. Humble in defeat however and bearing no ill will, when Asgard is attacked by Frost Giants and Nazi’s, Hogun and company are ready at its defense and valiantly defend it will all their will, creating much problems with their would be invaders and conquerors.

Earth – 904: What If The X-Men Had Stayed In Asgard

Nightcrawler joins Hogun, Fandral, and Volstagg to become a member of the Warriors Three.

Earth – 2149: Marvel Zombieverse

Hogun is among the heroes addressed by Nick Fury in preparation for a counter attack.

Earth – 12591

Hogun appears in this reality where the Asgardian’s are turned into Zombies. Loki seeking more mischief has induced a zombie wide apocalypse during World War 2. A curious Odin wishes to examine what is going on, on Earth and makes the somewhat foolish decision to investigate personally and as a result is bitten by a zombie. As Odin shares a magical lifeblood with all Asgardians all Asgardians thereby also become zombies. The Warrior’s Three included. A train carrying the heroes such as Howard the Duck, Dum Dum Dugan, Taxi Taylor, Eternal Brain, Flexo, Columbia, Miss America, Riveter among others attempting to stop all zombies, heads towards the awaiting zombie Asgardians. Zombie Volstagg appears to stop the train first, but he is beat to it by zombie Thor. Hogun is as normal for all intents and purposes, except he is zombified. Hogun is seen present at the Nazi-Zombie headquarters just before it blows up and it can be assumed he was destroyed in the explosion.

Earth – 3515: Thor: The Reigning

In this reality where Thor has effectively become the ruler of Earth, the Warriors Three must chose between their friend or Earths freedom.

Earth – 726633: Thor The Mighty Avenger

Thor has been banished to Earth, but he has no idea why, until his old friends the Warriors Three show up. In this reality their friendship is just as strong, if not stronger. They aid Thor with the problems and questions he has, and they are their to provide support when he realizes he has been banished. With time to kill until they were required to return to Asgard, Thor, Hogun and friends, go on a road trip of sorts, and find their way in a English pub. A mix up of sorts occurs with the UK superhero Captain Britain and a brawl ensues. It is a fairly friendly battle though, in which is ended with both parties parting as allies and rounded out with much drinking and discussion. After the nights activities, Hogun and his chums, depart Earth to head back to Asgard.

Earth – 841047: What If Loki Found Thor’s Hammer First?

Hogan and the Warriors Three of this reality must avenge Thor’s death.

Earth – 983107: What If Thor Had Never Gone Insane, & Assumed the Throne of Asgard?

In this reality Hogun and the Warriors Three were essentially the same. Hogun was on a mission to deal with the Norn Queen.

Other Media

Movies

Thor (2011)

In the 2011 live action film Thor, Hogun is played by Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano. Hogun is one of the Warrior Three and along with Sif are the best friends to Thor. The group of them travel to Jotunheim to fight the Frost Giants. After the team escapes the Giants due to the help of Odin, Thor is banished. It is the Warriors Three and Sif that travel to Earth in search of him. When the destroyer armor attacks, he and the others do their best to stop the armor, but are no match. After Thor defeats the armor, Hogun and the others are tasked with taking Heimdall to the healing chamber, he is later seen with Fandral, Volstagg and a couple of Asgardians having a grand feast.

Thor: The Dark World (2013)

Tadanobu Asano reprises his role in the sequel to the first Thor movie Thor: The Dark World. This movie sees the debut of Malekith, as well as the Dark Elf Kurse.

Hulk Vs Thor (2009)

Hogun has a small part in the straight to DVD Hulk VS animated movies released in 2009, specifically the Hulk vs Thor part, where an unfettered mindless Hulk is let loose against Asgard as per the mechanizations of Loki. The Warriors Three are a part of the defense of the mythical city. At first Hogun, Fandral and Volstagg would stand against the many forces that would assemble annually to try and destroy Asgard at its most vulnerable, the week where Odin underwent the Odinsleep. After killing and slaying many trolls, giants, dark elves and demons the three warriors would joke around. Fandral accusing Hogun of making a joke, Volstagg with his mind on the food. Hogun would retort that he had still slain the most out of the three warriors. Fandral would joke that regardless of that he would still win more maidens. Loki and Enchantress however would be scheming to the side to separate Banner from the Hulk and Loki would possesses the Hulk”s body and use it to attack his homeland. Hogun, Fandral and Volstagg would attempt to delay the green monster controlled by Loki but fail. Eventually it would fall to Thor and Bruce Banner to stop the Hulk and Loki. Hogun’s voice is provided by voice actor Paul Dobson.

Thor: Tales of Asgard (2011)

Paul Dobson again provides the voice of Hogun the Grim, in the 2011 animated film Thor Tales of Asgard.

Television

The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes (2010)

Paul Dobson voices the Hogun character in this animated cartoon ongoing series. Hogun appears in the Siege of Asgard episode.

Wolverine and the X-Men (2008)

Hogun alongside his fellow Warriors Three, Fandral, and Volstagg, even make themselves over all the way to the hit mutant animated series.