Vanir

Vanir are a race of human-like beings native to Vanaheim. They share many physical traits to Asgardians, including longevity.

History
For many years, it was believed that the Vanir were wiped out. When the Asgardian prince Thor came to Vanaheim, he discovered an old recording archive which revealed the apparent extinction of the Vanir at the hands of Mangog. After that event, the Rock Trolls had taken over their realm, having been banished from Nornheim. However, the surviving Vanir returned and reclaimed their realm.

Some time later, a Vanir named Hogun decided to travel to Asgard. When he arrived, he liked it so much that he decided to stay. He became friends with Asgard's prince, Thor. Thor introduced Hogun to his friends Fandral and Volstagg. The three became good friends, and became the Warriors Three.

After Thor defeated his adopted brother, Loki, by destroying the Bifrost Bridge, all of the Nine Realms were put in danger without the protection of the Asgardians. The Vanir were put in harms way by Marauders, an army of rag-tag pillagers and scavengers. After a two year war, and with the help of the armies of Asgard, the Vanir were able to defend their realm and defeat the Maruders.

Characteristic traits
The Vanir are, more or less, the genetic cousins of the Asgardians, and therefor share many physical traits and attributes such as their enhanced durability, strength, speed, and longevity.

The Vanir's physical characteristics are not that much different from the Asgardians.