Valda

VALDA

Real Name: Valda

Class: Human

Occupation: Paladin

Group Affiliation: The Twelve Peers of Carolus Magnus' court

Known Relatives: Bradamante (mother, deceased), Carolus Magnus (Charlamagne, reputed father), Rinaldo (uncle)

Aliases: The Iron Maiden, Dark One

Base of Operations: Aix-la-Chapelle, Frankland, 8th Century A.D.

First Appearance: Arak, Son of Thunder #3 (August, 1981)

Powers: Valda was a skilled swordswoman, hand-to-hand combatant and horserider.

History: Valda was the daughter of the famous female knight Bradamante and Charlamagne, ruler of the Franks. When Bradamante left for a battle she made the court sorcerer Malagigi promise to raise Valda as a member of the court, and not a warrior if she perished in battle. She made Charlamagne make the same promise before ding in the Ambush at Roncesvalles. Valda was raised by Charlamagne, Malagigi and Bishop Turpin. Valda grew up aspiring to be a knight, and despite the ishes of her family she found her destiny as a warrior.

(Arak, Son of Thunder #3) - Valda served as a paladin in Carolus Magnus' court, and earned the nickname Iron Maiden for her unwavering will. She was captured by the sorcerer Baledor, who put a spell on her that forced her to obey him. As the Dark One she enforced Baledor's will on a village he controlled. On one trip to the village she was bested in combat by Arak, Son of Thunder. His companion, Carolus' magician Maligigi, recognized her and undid Baledor's spell. As Valda came to her senses she, Arak and Malagigi were attacked by the villagers and handed over to Baledor. Baledor put a spell on Arak and Valda, then demanded they fight to the death. Arak overcame the spell and mortally wounded Baledor, after which Malagigi finished him off. With Baledor gone the trio rode to Aix-La-Chapelle.

Comments: Created by Roy Thomas & Ernie Colon

Valda received a profile in Who's Who: The Definitive Directory of the DC Universe #25.