Sif last edited by
shadowkiller78
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Origin
Lady Sif and her brother, Heimdall, were born of the second generation gods of Asgard, although their parentage has yet to be revealed. During their childhood, Sif was a constant companion of Thor, Balder, and Loki. Upon reaching her adolescence, Sif and Thor seemed to develop a romantic relationship, which even Odin approved of, deeming her worthy to one day become the wife of her childhood friend. However, Loki, who grew jealous of Sif's affection towards Thor, decided to play a foul prank on the Asgardian when he cut off the golden hair for which she was renowned. This misdeed was quickly discovered when Sif awoke and Thor forced Loki to restore her hair. Loki attempted to create a bargain with the trolls Brokk and Eitri, who made the hair out of pure gold. Unfortunately, Loki stole the newly created hair before it was able to be treated with a special potion and upon placing the hair on Sif's head, it grew darker by the minute before finally turning as black as night. Sif continued to grieve over the loss of her golden hair until her parents finally tired of her vanity and sent her to learn the way of the warriors by having her train to become a shield maiden.
During her time in training, Sif still accompanied Thor and Loki on adventures, although she never forgave Loki for his cruel prank. Sif often attempted to get romantically closer to Thor and even developed a brief rivalry with Amora the Enchantress and Brunhilde, the future Valkyrie, when she was tricked by the former and Loki into stealing the Mirror of Mycha from Karnilla's palace. Amora and Loki both told Sif that she would be able to use the mirror to permanently capture Thor's affections, but Amora used the mirror on Thor before Sif had the opportunity. Brunhilde eventually came to Sif's aid when the two put aside their differences to work together and release Thor from the mirror's enchantment. Although Thor was disappointed in Sif's initial attempts to use the mirror, the two quickly made up and rekindled their budding relationship.
Creation
Sif is a Marvel comics character based on and inspired by the mythological Norse goddess of the same name, Marvels Sif was adapted/created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby and first appeared in Journey into Mystery #102 which was released in 1964. A supporting character of Thor's stories in Journey into Mystery Sif would naturally continue this supporting role when the title would change to simply Thor two years later in 1966. Sif would make regular appearances in this title as a valued warrior of Asgard, and also a romantic context with Thor but eventually Sif would also be starring in her own plots and story-lines. In 2012, Sif would undertake a significant new chapter and for the first time would be the starring and leading protagonist of a book in Journey Into Mystery written by Kathryn Immonen. Speaking of the character she would write "Sif's got her origin story, but beyond that she's really kind of a blank slate aside from the broad strokes of her personality," Immonen says. "It's thrilling that the real estate has been put aside to develop her character in a way that hasn't really been done before."The mythological Sif is first attested to in the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda from the 13th century. Sif is also associated with the earth, hunting, harvest and fertility.
Character Evolution
Silver Age
Sif first appeared in the Thor title as it was written under Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. With some fifty issues of Thor already under their collective belt, the two creators had already had and introduced a variety of supporting characters for the titles main protagonist the mighty Thor, including the books main romantic interest for the protagonist Jane Foster. They would introduce Sif in the modern area (Sif's first appearance in Journey Into Mystery #102 was a flashback) with a storyline wherein Jane Foster would travel to Asgard with Thor, Thor hoping that she would met Odins approval and be transformed into a god so the two could marry. Jane would fail Odins test also earning failing to impress the all father. Sif would be introduced in this arc to essentially add another potential romantic interest for Thor as well as add another Asgardian supporting character as well as one adapted from the real world Norse mythology like Thor. Sif would enter the scene with the Thor character heartbroken after losing Jane Foster. Sif would be introduced as an immortal and warrior to contrast against Fosters mortality and all to human fragility. Aiding Thor in battle against the Lurking Unknown would spark new hope, romance and enthusiasm in the thunder god, and would also mark the beginning of Sif's role in the Marvel Universe. After Jane Foster failed Odin's tests to win Thor's love, Sif was introduced, and she joined Thor on many adventures as a fellow warrior.
Bronze Age
Sif's role in the love triangle between herself and Thor and Jane Foster was resolved when she merged with a dying Jane Foster. This state doesn't last long, and once in their separate bodies again, Jane found love with a mortal and Thor and Sif are reunited.
Modern Age
The modern age would bring a new range of stories for the character, but not just stories set in the present, but stories focusing on Sif as a young girl and teenager. The 2004 series Thor: Son of Asgard would help establish a new timeline and period on Sif's life showcasing how she would form bonds and friendships with characters such as Thor, Loki, Balder, Enchantress and Valkyrie. Sif's relationships also weren't as centered solely on Thor in this era. She became a companion to Beta Ray Bill in his adventures. She started a romantic relationship with Eric Masterson. After Ragnarok, in the rebooted 2008 Thor title by J. Michael Straczynski, Sif's body was stolen by Loki and her soul was placed in the body of an old and dying mortal woman. Presently, Sif is herself in her recovered body. Sif would also enjoy many stories where she could be written into the protagonist role with a starring role in her own one shot Sif (2010) by Kelly Sue DeConnick and artist Ryan Stegman. Further more she would become the star of the Journey into Mystery series written by Kathryn Immonen with art by Valerio Schiti. Lauren Sankovitch speaking of the character in her new role "Sif’s been in the thick of it, she’s a born warrior, she’s got a lot of fight and verve and fire to her! We talked at length about what this story could be and what her story could be, and it all came down to...one single question: what does she want? I think Sif, above all, wants to be a better warrior." with series writer Immonen adding "I think Sif, above all, wants to be a better warrior" describing the characters new motivation to be stronger.
Major Story Arcs
Son of Asgard
In her early years a young Sif would often spend time with Thor and Balder, adventuring, training, fighting and laughing. One particular source of amusement for young Sif would be watching Thor fruitlessly struggling to lift the mighty enchanted uru hammer Mjolnir. She would still empathize with the son of Odin when he failed to lift it, pointing out that he may still wield the weapon in the future and that she laughs at his inability to give up. The three would discuss Mjolnir and Sif would point out how she didn't like how the inscription on Mjolnir specified the male gender when she might be just as worthy to lift it one day. Balder and Thor would agree with her idea, possibly not wishing to incur Sif's wrath. Loki overhearing the three would be annoyed by Sif's negativity towards him and so set about using magics to increase the size of three common spiders causing them to grow incredibly massive. Sif, Balder and Thor would grab more common weapons and slay the massive spiders much to Odin's pride as he would enter the room as the three teens would finish their battle. Acknowledging their teamwork and battle prowess Odin would reward the trio with a challenge, a quest and an adventure. Odin has set the objective for Sif, Balder and Thor to gather magical and rare materials that Odin shall forge into a legendary sword that shall be gifted upon a deserving Asgardian warrior. They trio are to gather a scale from the dragon Hakurei from the land of Nastrand. To acquire a feather from the massive snow eagle Gnori, residing in Jotunheim, a precious jewel from Jennia, and a vial of water from Lake Lilitha in Lilitha.
The Heart of Hakurei
Sif is journeying with Balder and Thor, on a mission from Odin. Traversing through hidden hills of Asgard, the young Asgardians have travelled so far already, yet an uneasy silence has carried with them. At the point of frustration the silence is broken with Sif and Balder venting at Thor for not giving them the opportunity to decline the adventure and just assuming their compliance. Thor would petition that its not as if they would decline, and attempt to spin a positive angle on his speaking on their behalf. Sif would get further agitated claiming that Thor and Balder did not treat or respect her as an equal or a warrior. Sif would shout then storm off in a fit of annoyance. Thor and Balder would try to catch up with her brisk pace, before all three would be awed into silence by the massive size of Hakurei. The silver shining dragon would spot his observers and begin conversing shocking the trio even further. Breathing intense fire he would scatter the heroes, each looking for cover. Thor being headstrong would shout at the dragon despite Sif telling him to wait. Thor's brashness having him paying negative effect being thrown about and slammed. Sif and Balder would attack the dragon, hoping to give Thor some respite, yet both would end up in as much danger, tossed about by the massive dragon. Sif would fall causing Balder to worry audibly which would only prompt a very aggressive reaction in Sif, her shouting at him for treating her so delicately. Balder would listen and care more about attacking the dragon, causing it damage and turning its focus away from Sif and Thor. Sif recovered would in turn provide a distraction as well and taunt the dragon before evading its attacks. The progressing team work by all three would turn the tide in their favor, they would slay the dragon with joint effort and claim one of is scales.
Tension in Jotunheim
Young Sif, Balder and Thor head to Jotunheim, but their long travel is starting to take its toll, and there are many questions nagging away at all three young warriors, especially a feeling that Hakurei the dragon in their previous adventure seemed prepared for them. After success in gaining a scale of Harukei, they would now seek a feather of the snow eagle Gnori. Traversing Jotunheim would be especially intense however and Sif, Balder and Thor would develop a film of ice reside over their features and skin. Covered in thick snow, they would sludge through thick snow, but an uneasy tension would fall as thick, with Balder and Thor coming again to verbal blows, and Thor reiterating his apology for dragging Sif and Balder along this adventure. Balder would make a snide remark causing Thor to shove him, and Sif would intervene and tell Thor off, not just again for assuming Balder and her consent but for also being so brash with Hakurei almost getting all of them killed. She would help Balder back to his feet gently wiping his brow of snow, and then she would order Thor to walk on ahead by himself and to cool off. Thor would tell them that as soon as they accepted they were destined to travel together he'll respect them again and Sif and Balder would depart from Thor. Not before they were out of sight from each other, Balder would try to play peacemaker and call back Thor. Considering the weather Balder believes it would be a bad idea to separate. The trio are unaware that an unseen presence is watching and manipulating them, but on cue, Sif and her two companions find themselves surrounded by armed ice faeries. Their incredible miniature scale would disarm Thor, and the thunder god would reach out to one of them with more curiosity than harm, only to have one of the small ice faeries stab his hand. Sif Thor and Balder would attack the creatures only to see them reform when injured. Sif's keen eye and patience would reward her when she would recognize a pattern of attack. Knowing the ice elementals into the air they would have their victory.
The Nest of Gnori
Sif and Balder and Thor would locate the nest of Gnori the King of the Snow Eagles. Gnori like Hakurei would possess the ability to speak and welcome the Asgardians. Gnori would present himself very peacefully insisting to the heroes they would not need their weapons. Thor would let his fiery nature get the better of him and he would accuse Gnori of deceit and attempting to prevent their success. Gnori would keep his patience and explain his friendship with Odin. He would warn them though that such ice elementals do not attack as they did, and that powerful magics are at work to try and impede their quest and to take care. Gnori would also give Balder a warning with Sif questioning the prophecy since Balder was such a loved and respected individual, who would wish to harm him? Gnori would commend Sif's senses favorably and compare them to her brother Heimdall. Thor would take an opportunity to apologize for his earlier aggressive behavior and Gnori would depart, but not before giving Thor one of his feathers, bringing a part of their quest to an end. Sif always suspicious of Loki, would question whether it was the trickster god who had been impeding their progress, and the trio of gods would continue on their path, now with only two items left to collect. Sif and her two fellows would trek to Lilitha but would take the opportunity to relax and slow down, now that they were in a land that resembled more of a lush green paradise, abound with trees, fruit and waterfalls and lakes. Sif would lay around lazily referring to herself as formerly Sif the Singed, Sif the Snowy, but now enjoying her moment as Sif the Sunbather. She would smell Thor and Balder and suggest they all needed to have a wash and what better opportunity than the now.
Sif the Sunbather
Sif, Thor and Balder are in Lilitha, but they are exploiting the good weather and natural beauty. Sif decides to wash in a lake but orders Balder and Thor to gather firewood. Loki would appear in the depths of the forest and plot to have fun. Tricking Thor into believing he heard Sif cry for help, Loki would send Thor running back to the lake. Thor would arrive loudly and suddenly but would quickly turn red with embarrassment as he would realize Sif was naked in the water and in no danger or distress at all. He would apologize profusely but Sif would have none of it and chide his voyeuristic behavior. Thor would turn around and close his eyes and apologize some more trying to explain his intrusion on Sif's privacy. Sif would use the moment to quietly sneak up behind the Odinson with a devious smile and lock him in a playful hold grab, and challenge Thor to wrestling challenge. The two would tussle and fumble, grab, spin throw and finally fall beside each other. The two would burst into laughter. Balder would appear alerted by the laughter, which would cause Sif and Thor to continue laughing. After calming down the three would settle in for the night ready to continue their adventure the next day. Unknown to them not only was Loki tracking their movements but so was Karnilla, Queen of the Norns. Whilst heading to the Jennia Mines to collect their petitioned Gem, Thor would clumsily flirt with Sif much to her chagrin and insistence to be quiet, and to the increasing annoyance of Balder. Walking across sand dunes, Sif would suddenly be swallowed by the ground sinking deep down into the sand, violently and rapidly.
Enchanted
Young Sif would join many of the other young Asgardians in the battle training square located in Fjornor Fields, where many practice fights and battles, and lessons in sword fighting, archery and wrestling would occur. Much training and jostling would also be undertaken here, bragging and boasting also not uncommon. Odin and Frigga would watch from a tower high above observing Sif and Thor interacting, with Odin pointing out to Frigga that many young Asgardians would be disappointed to realize that Thor had ever been smitten towards Sif and unlikely to look elsewhere for such partnership. Almost as if on cue to prove herself, Sif would square off against a particularly rotund fighter in Volstagg. Although Volstagg would be older and larger Sif would continue to motivate him to spar against her with the large man deciding to indulge her. He would swing his much larger sword down on to Sif, but her skill and balance would allow her to block and parry tripping Volstagg and sending him to the ground quite thoroughly. Volstagg would be humbled and retract his earlier comment about woman being the lesser sex. A confident Sif would turn her attention to Thor and challenge him to step up to the plate and spar with her. Perhaps her confidence too boosted after her victory over Volstagg, but Sif would not fare as well against Thor, and in a role reversal she would find herself parried, blocked and disarmed. Sif conceding, Thor would earn the cheers of the crowd. Sif being the lone girl enrolled in the school, would sulk, and hearing many boys patting Thor on the back announcing there was no way a girl could beat him, would become aggravated and when Thor would offer his hand to help her to her feet Sif would shove him away annoyed and shouting at him that she wouldn't need his pity. Loki observing from a distance would smile gleefully, having never liked Sif.
Amora and Loki
Enchantress would note Loki's resentment of Sif and offer a proposition, Amora not so fond of Lady Sif herself. Amora the Enchantress plan would be to form a union with Loki to play and generally wreck havoc for Sif, Enchantress upfront about her jealousy towards the raven haired warrior and Loki getting a chance to exercise his strong dislike. In the mean time Sif would be seated reflecting on her earlier sparring defeat to Thor. Thor would sit beside her and try and win back her appreciation asking her about the earlier moment. Sif would resist explanation but then open up apologizing to Thor. It was not his actions that annoyed her but that of the other boys comments about her gender. Thor would be confused, he had never known for Sif to care about the words or thoughts of others, but Sif would continue explaining that they were getting older now. She wasn't quite like other girls, she was the only girl in the class and all the other boys were scared of her. Thor would lean in and Sif would mirror his body movement as both leaned in to each other for a kiss, before they would be be suddenly interrupted by the Enchantress. Enchantress would insult Sif quite directly and rather cruelly prompting Sif to stand up and slap Amora swiftly. Enchantress would ready herself defensively and further pursue a confrontation with Sif with Sif also readying herself in a defensive stance until Thor would attempt to intercede and get both girls to calm down and relax. Sif would find this wholly annoying behavior and leave angrily leaving Enchantress smirking and Thor confused about what had just transpired. Sif would be reluctant to go to class the next day but proceed to, where she would be surprised to find a new student Brunnhilda had joined the class, meaning Sif was no longer the sole female student.
The New Blonde Student
Sif would be slightly cautious of the new student Brunnhilda. Perhaps because she was no longer the sole unique female in the class. Perhaps due to her youth when she was once blond as well before having her hair lopped off by Loki and replaced with a enchanted wig that would turn jet black on her. Whatever the case Sif would arrive for training the next day to see Brunnhilda complimenting Balder on his recently required enchanted sword, and mocking Thor for his lack of such an enchanted weapon considering his status. This would infuriate Sif who would verbally assault Brunnhilda for such accusations and judgements. Brunnhilda would retort questioning Sif's merit and place at a school for warriors which would render Sif speechless with fury before punching Brunnhilda square in the jaw knocking the tall blonde girl to the ground. Brunnhilda would stand up and counter attack verbally and physically setting into motion a full blown brawl between the two young girls to the shock and awe of the rest of the male students. Sif would eventually manage to get on top of Brunnhilda, controlling the situation, before Brunn would yank Sif's hair and then follow by pinning her to the ground and laying on top of her. Their teacher would interrupt the scene and pull the girls off each other, demanding to know what occurred, and who started it. A few boys who had been watching the event transpire would speak up explaining that Sif had struck the first blow, ignoring that it was Brunnhilda that verbally attacked Sif first. Although Thor was reluctant to agree with his teammates when asked to confirm his classmates words technically Sif had struck first. Sif would glare at Thor and their teacher would send her away dismissing her from class. To make things tougher for Sif, Enchantress would interrupt her traversing the training grounds, and plant the idea in Sif's mind that Thor was tired of her and preferred the company of other females, causing Sif to sulk away.
The Mirror of Mycha
Sif reflects on recent events by a fountain, when she is approached by Loki. Loki and Sif never having a good relationship between each other would cause an already downtrodden Sif weary of the trickster. Loki would inquire about Sif's feelings towards Thor prompting a string reaction in Sif. Loki would try and convince Sif that he empathized with her knowing something of jealousy himself. He would sit beside her and sympathize over Enchantresses harsh words revealing he had overheard that conversation the two young woman had. Loki would continue sympathizing with Sif, acting unusually kind and amicable with Sif, but Sif would still remain cautious and with good reason and something she would tell Loki in an attempt to get him to just admit he hated her. Loki would concede that he had been laying it on a little thick and admit he needed Sif's help for something, insisting that Sif would benefit as well. Loki would proceed to tell Sif about the Mirror of Mycha and how only a woman's touch could activate its powers. Loki would explain that anyone to look into the mirror would fall in love with its holder, meaning that Sif could have Thor return her affections, and Loki would reveal that with Sif getting what she wanted he could also get Amora to take interest in him, justifying his reason for wanting the mirror. Sif would agree to retrieving the mirror and later in the day sneak around Asgard's palace. She would find a secret mirror that was actually a portal to a secret room. Sif would retrieve the mirror of Mycha and return to Loki showing him the item. Loki would cast a spell on it making the item ready to use, a keen Sif speeding off with it eager to earn Thor's affections. In Sif's haste she would make herself vulnerable to Enchantress who would immobilize her with a spell. Frozen still, Sif would be helpless. Enchantress would walk up to Sif and explain the petrification spell she had just cast and how she was going to steal the Mirror of Mycha and use it to make Thor fall in love with her. Sif would have to watch from a distance as Amora would go on to use the mirror on Thor, causing him to embrace and kiss her.
A Mighty Team Up
Amora had tricked Thor into embracing her passionately causing quite a scene. Many of the students would take note, Brunnhilda and Loki included and Sif still paralyzed in place. Loki would walk up behind her and lean in close and begin to cruelly taunt her about her tears and broken heart. He would pull her up on to her feet and whisper into her ear further demeaning her character before freeing her from the petrification as he teleported away laughing. Sif would stumble still weakened by the spell, and start to slowly head towards Enchantress. Enchantress would be enjoying her moment with Thor professing his love to her, but it would be a short moment as Sif would bowl Amora over in a powerful tackle, slamming her into the ground and pinning her hands down, and readying her fist. Before Sif could punch Amora Thor would grab her arm preventing the strike. Thor would pull Sif up and tell her to leave Amora be. Sif would attempt to explain to Thor how Amora had manipulated him, but he would cut her off, confused by her attack on Enchantress so recently after her attack on Brunnhilda. Amora would cryptically threaten Sif about the Mirror Of Mycha and Sif's own role in its acquirement and purpose and abilities. Sif would change her expression from concern to a gentle smile and concede to Amora shaking her hand and departing the scene. Brunnhilda would track down Sif after observing what had just happened and the two would talk. Surprisingly despite their antagonistic past the two would realize they had more in common and actually have a bonding moment. Sif would explain her fault in the recent events but Brunnhilda would vow to help her against Enchantress and Loki. Elsewhere Amora would have trouble trying to get Thor to stop thinking of Sif despite the spell and magic she had used. Amora would not a cryptic message and look for Loki to discuss returning the Mirror. The two would however be confronted by Sif and Brunnhilda and a fight would ensue. Thor would interrupt confused by all the fighting, but Brunnhilda would explain to Thor what had happened and shatter the Mirror causing Amora's spell to break. Thor would regain his sincere senses and although he would realize he was tricked by Amora and Loki he would still feel betrayed by Sif. Sif would approach him later and apologize eliciting a friendly reply from Thor both young warriors finally kissing.
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