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The Vanir were a cadre of slaves employed by the Terminus Corporation to run the space station of Terminus.
History
The Vanir were controlled by the Corporation with the anti-viral drug Hydromel, which they depended on for protection against Lazar's disease. Their escape from the station was prevented by isolating them from the spaceship that removed successfully treated Lazars; until the intercession of the Fifth Doctor, they were unaware such a ship even existed.
Vanir were outfitted with a suit of armour that served as a method for administering Hydromel. A cylinder of Hydromel was inserted into the chest piece, and appeared to be gradually depleted.
At least one of the Vanir was formerly a space pirate until he was betrayed into slavery by his commander. The origin of the other Vanir is unknown.
Most of the Vanir had a pale, gaunt appearance. This may be due to the radiation on Terminus, a side-effect of Hydromel, or other factors such as malnutrition, or a combination of any of these.
Since the slavery of the Vanir was completely dependent on Hydromel, they were able to free themselves once Nyssa agreed to stay on Terminus to synthesise it for them. (DW: Terminus)
Apochryphal information
A Vanir was part of the Rani's menagerie summoned to fight various incarnations of the Doctor in the East End of London. (DW: Dimensions in Time)
Behind the scenes
- The name "Vanir" comes from Norse mythology and refers to a tribe of gods who made war on the rest. Many of the Vanir characters in Terminus are given names with a Scandinavian sound to them.