Volstagg

Origin

Younger Volstagg

Volstagg is an Asgardian and the large, jovial member of the Warriors Three. Seemingly much older than other Asgardians, Volstagg will often be the cause of more problems than the solution. He likes food and drink and is very boastful. Despite his flaws, Volstagg is a trusted member of the Warriors Three and a trusted ally to Thor. Volstagg has a large family and an unknown number of children with his wife, Gudrun. The most well known of these is Hildy. Originally Voltsagg was a slimmer and more athletic man, in his days before meeting his future cohorts and best friends Fandral and Hogun. Volstagg was known and celebrated as a mighty warrior and adventurer. He would exclaim that a dead frost giant a day, by his hand, was required to cater to his battle lust. An encounter with a younger, brasher Fandral however resulted in a bet, a challenge in which both warriors would try to prove who was the greater and braver adventurer. A much quieter and shier Hogun would be the judge and impartial observer. The challenge? To pet the monstrous creature wolf creature Fenris on his head. However the journey itself to the bounded and mighty Fenris itself was tasked and fraught with adversity. Adversity that brought the three men to friendship and loyalty, and by the time Volstagg, Fandral and Hogun reached their destination they were bonded in friendship.

An incident and a pact would happen subsequently, one that would supposedly affect Volstagg's psyche to such an extent he would let his muscular physique fall to appetite, however this is somewhat ambiguous theory. Years later after his own adventures both apart and with the Warriors Three after an order by Odin himself calling forward for Asgard's greatest warriors, Volstagg and his co Warriors Three reunited and have been a constant defender of both Asgard and their inhabitants and allies, including Thor, Sif and Balder.

Character Creation

 Volstagg the Voluminous

Volstagg was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby for use in a back feature for Thor comics, debuting in the issue #119 of the Journey into Mystery series. In the beginning and original years Volstagg was portrayed as a stumbling oaf. Like his fellow Warriors Three characters, Volstagg differs from the majority of his fellow Asgardians by not being based on Norse mythology, rather he was based on Sir John Falstaff, a Shakespearean character known for his rotund figure, boastfulness and comic relief role. These character traits helping form Volstagg to compliment Fandral's dashing, charm, and Hogun's grim, demeanor

The creative process described by Stan Lee "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" Volstagg of course fulfilling the 'Falstaff-type guy' role.

Character Evolution

After his death at Ragnarok, Asgard had been moved to Earth and hovers over Oklahoma. Volstagg went to explore the Earth when he was attacked by the U-Foes, who were sent by Loki and Norman Osborn in order to cause an event that would allow them to invade Asgard. It succeeded, Volstagg fighting back against them created an explosion at Soldier Field in Chicago, killing many spectators. Now Norman had a reason to invade, bringing the Siege event.

Volstagg went to return to Asgard to accept punishment for his actions and was met by journalists Ben Urich and Will Stern. They offered to give him a ride to Asgard so they could get Volstagg to help them get information to bring Osborn down with the truth.

Upon arriving in Broxton he turns himself in to the local police station. However, when the guards saw the assault on Asgard after befriending Volstagg, they let him send out a message via webcam apologizing for the role he played and detailing the events leading to the explosion.

With Ragnarok Bomb

After sending out his message Volstagg went to join the battle on Asgard. However, he was intercepted by Thor's mad clone, Ragnarok. Fearing that their fight would endanger the citizens of Broxton, Volstagg fled toward Asgard with Ragnarok in close pursuit. Beneath the floating city Ragnarok viciously beats Volstagg. Then Volstagg is knocked from under the floating city as the Sentry destroys the foundation, collapsing the city onto Ragnarok.
In the aftermath of Asgard's collapse Volstagg helps round up agents of HAMMER for the local police to arrest. Volstagg also halts Norman Osborn from escaping. Soon after, while assisting with the search and rescue in the rubble, The Warriors Three uncover Ragnarok who swiftly defeats all three of them. However, they are spared when the true Thor arrives and destroys the impostor.

Important Story Arcs

The Warriors Three

Volstagg in his physical prime

A much younger and slimmer albeit still large and physically imposing Volstagg ends up having a quarrel with the young and show boating warrior Fandral. Hogun, a meek and quiet young man is witness to their banter and taunts. 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, will be considered the victor of the dispute that had just arisen! 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, Volstagg 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. The beast forces the young trio into a pact, to be paid at a later date. This pact was necessary but weighed in on the three Asgardians conscious.

The Warriors Three

Blood Oath

After accidentally killing a shapeshifting Giant the Warriors Three are put on trial and must redeem their actions by collecting several rare artifacts in order to appease the giants family. The artifacts they need to retrieve are 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! Volstagg himself challenging a giant Eagle to a mead drinking contest.

Eating Contest

Volstagg once participated in a rather unique eating contest with other competitive, famed and voracious eaters, in Olympus once. His competition was Hercules, Googam, and Fat Cobra. Although ultimately Volstagg lost he did reasonably well.

Powers and Abilities

Volstagg with the Brandrheid Undrsigr

The Gods of Asgard have physical attributes that make them superhuman compared to human beings. They are near ageless, immune to all diseases and have superhuman strength, speed, stamina, and a high level of resistance to injury. The typical Asgardian God can only lift about 30 tons while the typical Asgardian Goddess can lift near 25 tons. The Gods of Asgard are also granted certain mystical abilities that in the past have shown to get them the power to change their appearance, transform matter and wield a numerous amount of different energies. Though many Asgardian Gods/Goddess' have not shown the ability to wield any type of energy or shown any mystic abilities these powers are inherent to all of their race.

Volstagg is especially large even for an Asgardian, and as such his strength and durability are relatively more than your typical Asgardian. He is also fairly old even for an Asgardian being the eldest of the Warriors Three. However his size and maturity likely hinders his agility and speed in direct proportion as well. Often Volstagg will use his bulk to intimidate and block as in shelter others. Volstagg is also a skilled swordsman and horse rider (providing he can find a strong enough horse)

Volstagg also is known to have a specialized weapon, the Brandrheid Undrsigr, also known as the Bright Blade of Wondrous Victory.

Physical Characteristics

Height: 6'8"

Weight: 1425 lbs

Eyes: Blue

Hair: Red

Alternate Versions

Earth - 1610: Ultimates Universe

Volstagg 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, Volstagg and his fellow Warriors Three are ready at its defense and valiantly defend it will all their will, creating much problems with their would be invaders and conquerors. Volstagg is noticeably different in this reality with his shaved head in lieu of thick red hair. He is also a bit more aggressive

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 - 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

Mighty Avenger Volstagg

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. Volstagg in particularly missing Thor hugging him in a huge bear life hold at first sight. They aid Thor with the problems and questions he has, and they are their to provide support when he realizes he has been banished. They are also introduced to Jane Foster and they are very kind and friendly towards the human women.

Still not quite so familiar with the new world they find themselves in, they get lost very fast in an attempt to a food establishment. Even despite consulting a map. Finding themselves in an English pub. A mix up of sorts occurs with the UK superhero Captain Britain and a brawl ensues. At one point Volstagg even ends up sitting on the British icon. It is a fairly friendly battle though, in which is ended with both parties parting as allies and rounded out with much drinking and friendly discussion.

Other Media

Thor (2011)

Volstagg

Volstagg "the Valiant" appears in the upcoming Marvel film, Thor. He is portrayed on screen by Ray Stevenson, of Punisher: Warzone fame. Close and loyal friend of Thor, Volstagg and his fellow Warriors Three Hogun (played by Tadanobu Asano) and Fandral (played by Joshua Dallas) despite apprehension, follow Thor into Jotunheim the home of the Frost Giants to teach them a lesson. This sets into motion events which lead Thor to being banished. After piecing clues together bringing into question Loki's actions, Volstagg, Lady Sif, Fandral and Hogun depart for Midgard to aid Thor and let him know of his brothers treacherous doings. Despite his slightly smaller stature compared to his comic counter part (slightly) Volstagg retains his ravenous hunger, and loud jovial nature and booming voice.

Hulk Vs Thor (2009)

Volstagg has a small part in the Hulk VS animated movies, 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. Volstagg's voice is provided by voice actor Jay Brazeau.

Animated Volstagg

Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends (1991)

Volstagg has a cameo appearance in Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, in a plot involving the scheming Loki.

The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes (2010)

Fred Tatasciore voices the Volstagg character in this animated cartoon ongoing series. Volstagg appears in the Siege of Asgard episode.