Character Development: Mikkel

[illuvatar]

At this point in the comic we're all pretty informed when it comes to the origins of most of the main characters, however I've noticed that we don't know much about Mikkel's backstory (except for the fact he has many siblings on Bornholm) or how he became enlisted in the expedition aside from Trond enlisting him out of the blue. He seems to be well-versed in many things, for instance correcting Emil (the supposed academic) on a book in Chinese. Is this just a result of him moving through jobs or is it something else?

I'm curious about his origins and if you guys have any theories about him

[Ragnarok]

At this point in the comic we're all pretty informed when it comes to the origins of most of the main characters, however I've noticed that we don't know much about Mikkel's backstory (except for the fact he has many siblings on Bornholm) or how he became enlisted in the expedition aside from Trond enlisting him out of the blue. He seems to be well-versed in many things, for instance correcting Emil (the supposed academic) on a book in Chinese. Is this just a result of him moving through jobs or is it something else?

I'm curious about his origins and if you guys have any theories about him

I think that there's a theory going around that Mikkel is a spy/agent for the Council, all hush-hush and secretive, and that his mission was to find out scientific things the Old World left behind.

[Dilandu]

I think that there's a theory going around that Mikkel is a spy/agent for the Council, all hush-hush and secretive, and that his mission was to find out scientific things the Old World left behind.

There were also a theory that he was send to sabotage the expedition, because Council feared that sucsess would led to a renewed push for reclamation. But, this theory seems to be disproved... by now)

[Purple Wyrm]

There were also a theory that he was send to sabotage the expedition, because Council feared that sucsess would led to a renewed push for reclamation. But, this theory seems to be disproved... by now)

If we wanted to go down that route, maybe he was sent to sabotage the expedition, but switched sides once he got to know his companions?

[Ragnarok]

There were also a theory that he was send to sabotage the expedition, because Council feared that sucsess would led to a renewed push for reclamation. But, this theory seems to be disproved... by now)

I always figured it was a stretch: after all, it's practically doomed already, and given the precarious situation they'd be in if anything went wrong, it'd be likely Mikkel would die along with the crew. Mikkel doesn't strike me as the sort of person to give his life for anything.

[Sunflower]

I always figured it was a stretch: after all, it's practically doomed already, and given the precarious situation they'd be in if anything went wrong, it'd be likely Mikkel would die along with the crew. Mikkel doesn't strike me as the sort of person to give his life for anything.

Or at least not since the Kastrup Disaster.  It seems plausible to me that once there might have been a vein of conviction within the character of the deadpan, rather cynical jokester. 

[Róisín]

Agreed, Sunflower. Mikkel comes across to me as the sort of idealist who grows bitter, cynical and world-weary when those ideals are crushed. And maybe this crew have stirred that idealism again....

[Purple Wyrm]

Agreed, Sunflower. Mikkel comes across to me as the sort of idealist who grows bitter, cynical and world-weary when those ideals are crushed. And maybe this crew have stirred that idealism again....

Yeah, I get that read on Mikkel as well.

[Buteo]

As to not being ready to give his life for anything, let's recall that he was about to dive in to (try to) help Sigrun against the sjodraug.

[wavewright62]

Or at least not since the Kastrup Disaster.  It seems plausible to me that once there might have been a vein of conviction within the character of the deadpan, rather cynical jokester.

Agreed, that is often the case. 
Indulge me a moment, I just happen to have drawn this for InkTober, but I think it belongs here as well. 

Spoiler: "The recruitment of mikkel madsen" • show

The "scheming mountain monkey" strikes again?

[Antillanka]

I wonder, how does Mikkel feel about being the promoter of Lalli and Emil staying behind on their own (against Sigrun's wishes, btw), now that they're supposed dead?

[wavewright62]

I wonder, how does Mikkel feel about being the promoter of Lalli and Emil staying behind on their own (against Sigrun's wishes, btw), now that they're supposed dead?

Mmmm, yeah, good point.  I assume, however, that he's long since come to terms with the fact that he's made some 'poor life choices.' Such either go the full denial route, or shrug and move on, or try not to let the topic come up lest they have a clothes-rending crisis of apology.** Have we seen any examination or admission of error? The closest incident I can remember was Mikkel telling Emil that he made up the concept of 'face cancer.'  That incident leads me to believe that he takes the shrug & move on approach.

**I am put in mind of the Fawlty Towers episode where hapless Manuel starts operaticaaly singing, "Myyyyy Mistake, I have Maaaaade My Mistaaaaake!"

[Antillanka]

The closest incident I can remember was Mikkel telling Emil that he made up the concept of 'face cancer.'  That incident leads me to believe that he takes the shrug & move on approach.

Mmmh, yeah, or when he picked up Lalli in the clinic and admitted he misread the situation...

[wavewright62]

(Please pardon the thread necromancy.)
I love the description in Mikkel's new character page - Profession: Miscellaneous

[Grade E cat]

It's on his Adventure I character file as well, but after "Farmer" and "Healer". But now having only that part is kind of funny.