Kurse is the name of two fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/artist Walter Simonson, the Algrim version of Kurse first appears as the Dark Elf Algrim the Strong in Thor #347 (September 1984). He is later transformed into Kurse in Secret Wars II #4 (October 1985).

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje portrayed the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Thor: The Dark World (2013).

The Dark Elf Algrim the Strong was created by Walter Simonson and first appeared in Thor #347 (September 1984). He is introduced initially as an ally to Malekith, tasked with guarding the kidnapped Lorelei. The character was later healed and transformed into Kurse in Secret Wars II #4 (October 1985) by the Beyonder.

In 2015's Mighty Thor issue #14 by Jason Aaron and Steve Epting, the mantle and the powers of "Kurse" were passed on to a new host, a dark elf called Lady Waziria. She reappeared in 2019's War of the Realms as a subordinate of Malekith.

Kurse was originally the most powerful of a race of Dark Elves and was known as Algrim the Strong. He is coerced by the Dark Elf ruler Malekith the Accursed to fight the Asgardian God of Thunder and superhero, Thor. Malekith, however, betrays Algrim while he is fighting Thor, and in a bid to destroy the Thunder God orders that a pitfall beneath the two be opened. Thor saves himself courtesy of his mystical hammer Mjolnir, while Algrim falls into lava. Algrim's enchanted armor saves his life, but he is still critically injured and develops amnesia from the shock.

Algrim is completely amnesic, except for his obsessive desire to gain revenge upon Thor. Algrim is later healed by the cosmic entity the Beyonder, who transforms him into the much more powerful being called Kurse, who is apparently twice as strong as Thor. The Beyonder transports Kurse to Earth to battle Thor, however Kurse mistakes Thor's ally Beta Ray Bill for Thor and battles him. Kurse then battles the juvenile superhero team, Power Pack. Thor dons his magical belt of strength to double his strength and confronts Kurse, however the Beyonder doubles Kurse's strength as well.^{[volume & issue needed]}

Despite overpowering Thor, Kurse is made to realize that it was Malekith, not Thor, who is to blame for his suffering. The Beyonder then transports Kurse to Hel at Thor's suggestion, to frustrate Hela, the goddess of death. Kurse confronts and severely beats Loki, who had been disguised as Malekith. Drawing off, he leaves Loki injured and finds what he thinks is Balder the Brave, surrounded by legions of Asgardians. He barrels through them and slays his target, who turns out to be the true Malekith. After repenting, he is granted citizenship among the Asgardians.

He is designated as the guardian of the children of Asgard after he helped protect Volstagg's daughter and adopted sons during a plague, and loyally serves Asgard until Ragnarok. At the time of Ragnarok, all the Asgardians apparently perish, with the exception of Thor.