Fandral the Dashing is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is a charter member of the Warriors Three, a trio of Asgardian adventurers consisting of Fandral, Hogun the Grim, and Volstagg the Valiant. They are members of the supporting cast in Thor comics and usually provide comic relief and side-adventures.
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Fandral was portrayed by Josh Dallas in Thor (2011) and by Zachary Levi in Thor: The Dark World (2013) and Thor: Ragnarok (2017).
Publication history
Fandral first appeared in Journey into Mystery #119 (August, 1965), and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
Writer Stan Lee based Fandral on the public persona of actor Errol Flynn.
Fictional character biography
Fandral is a warrior of Asgard and an adventurer. He is an irrepressible swashbuckler and romantic. His bravery and optimism often puts the group in highly disadvantageous positions; as perennially pointed out by the gloomy Hogun. Fandral considers himself the consummate ladies' man and is often depicted with a bevy of young ladies. His actual success with these ladies is intermittent at best, but as such provides numerous opportunities for humorous results. Despite these flaws, he possesses an excessively noble spirit and will do the right thing without thought to his personal safety or prosperity.
Fandral has been involved in a great many adventures and quests, as a member of the Warriors Three, as an ally of Thor, and on his own. Fandral joined in a quest for the power that had cracked the Oversword of Asgard. He helped quell a mutiny led by Loki, despite Loki having been the one to hire Fandral onto the Oversword quest in the first place. He helped repel an attack of the Flying Trolls of Thryheim. He helped defeat the forces of Harokin. Fandral and the other Asgardians participated in the ceremonies that honored Harokin; the warlord's multiple battles had broken down his body and he was dying. The Asgardians respected the man's courage in battle and strove to see him off as a warrior. He battled the dragon Fafnir. Thor, Fandral, Volstagg and Hogun encountered and ultimately defeated Mogul of the Mystic Mountain. This was important to Hogun, as Mogul had slain the man's family. He helped defend Asgard from the Destroyer. He encountered the Hulk.
Fandral helped defend Asgard against Mangog. He encountered the Silver Surfer. He battled the Thermal Man. He helped defend Asgard against Surtur. He helped Thor escape Mephisto. He became entranced by Infinity and was forced to battle Thor, and then battled Balder, Sif, and other Asgardians. He battled Loki. He was sent on a quest by Odin, but returned to help defend Asgard against Mangog again. He battled Ego-Prime, was exiled to Earth, but then abducted by Mephisto, and ultimately freed by Thor. He helped Thor battle Mercurio. With Thor and company, he set out on a quest to find the missing Odin. He battled Sssthgar's slavers, Mercurio, and Xorr. He defeated doppelgangers created by the wizard Igron.
Fandral later battled Zarrko the Tomorrow Man. He defeated diamond exchange robbers in New York. He helped depose the usurpers Mangog and Igron. He set out on a quest to find Odin, who was missing again. He battled Spoor, the Grey Gargoyle, and the Soul-Survivors. He defeated the Executioner and the Enchantress. He battled the Destroyer and Loki. He helped defend Asgard against Ragnarok. He battled the dragon Fafnir. He encountered the Young Gods. He encountered Dazzler, who had been abducted to Asgard.
Fandral later helped retake Asgard from the forces of Tyr. He rescued the god Bragi. He battled the forces of Surtur on Earth. He went to Chicago to settle the affairs of Thor's alter ego, Dr. Don Blake. He encountered Power Pack in New York. He encountered Sunspot of the New Mutants. When encountering the troubles Volstagg's two adopted mortal children, Kevin and Mick were having, he assures them the other Warriors will be there for them and all of Hogun's children. "The foster sons of Volstagg the Enormous are no less than then children of ALL the Warriors Three."
Later Fandral was overcome by a mystery plague. He defeated a griffin-like creature. He helped defend Asgard against the forces of Seth.
Fandral once set off on a mission to repair mischief done by Loki, and to rescue Mord, a groomsman vital to the security of Asgard. During this, on the Isle of Freya, the Norse Goddess of Love, he learns that his womanizing ways have deeply hurt many women, driving even the latest to near suicide. He is overcome by great shame and declares to Freya, 'for the nonce, I have forsworn philandering'.