Asgard (comics)
Encyclopedia
Asgard is a fiction
al realm within the Marvel Comics
universe
based on the Asgard
of Norse mythology
and is home to the Asgardians and other beings of Norse mythology. Asgard features prominently in stories that follow Marvel's superheroic adaptation of the Norse God Thor
.
, a world of clouds and shadows in whose center surged the fountain Hvergelmir
, from which flowed twelve rivers of ice. The one to the south was named Muspelheim, which teemed with rivers of fire. Eventually the warm air from the south carved out the frost giant Ymir from the ice in the north. Ymir became the father of all the giants, and his cow Auðumbla
licked out of the ice the first Asgardian, Buri. Buri had a son named Borr, who married the giantess Bestla. Borr and Bestla had three sons named Odin, Vili, and Ve, who were known as the Æsir
. Odin and his brothers grew to hate the giants and slew Ymir, and his blood formed a great sea. Odin and his brothers then raised Ymir's body from the sea and created Midgard
between Niflheim and Muspelheim. With Ymir's bones they created mountains, and with his hair they created trees. They then raised Ymir's skull upon four pillars to create the heavens. Within the skull contained sparks from Muspelheim, which became the sun, moon, and stars. When Midgard was complete, Odin and his brothers created a home for themselves above it called Asgard. Between the two worlds they stretched a rainbow bridge and called it Bifröst
.
Once a year Odin must undertake the Odinsleep to regain his strength. During this time Asgard is vulnerable to attack from its many enemies, most notably Odin's adopted son, Loki
. Loki first takes command of Asgard during the Odinsleep, using his right as the 'son' of Odin before Thor could claim it, but fled when Asgard was invaded by Mangog
as he realized that this new foe was too powerful. Loki later usurped the throne of Asgard by taking the Odinring, but fled again when Asgard was invaded by the fire demon, Surtur.
The throne of Asgard later passes to Thor after Odin is killed in battle by Surtur, when the demon invades Earth.
It was prophesied that Loki would lead Asgard's enemies in a final conflict known as Ragnarök
, which would lead to its destruction. This comes to pass when Loki obtains the forge that created Mjolnir and creates new uru hammers for his army. The entirety of Asgard and its inhabitants are destroyed in the resulting battle. It is revealed that Asgard was part of a cycle orchestrated by the Godlike Those who sit above in Shadow for their amusement. Thor severed the tapestry that hold Asgard in existence, destroying those Gods and apparently wiping Asgard from existence.
After Ragnarök Donald Blake awakens Thor from the "Void of Non-Existence". Thor returns to Earth and rebuilds Asgard outside of Broxton, Oklahoma
, purchasing the land with gold from the treasury. Thor then goes about restoring the Asgardians, who have been reborn in the bodies of mortal men and women.
Asgard's location on Earth, makes the city a target during the Secret Invasion
by the Skrulls lead by a Super-Skrull
named Godkiller with powers mimicking Thundra
, Titania
, Volcana
and Battleaxe
. The aliens are however repelled with help from Thor's ally, Beta Ray Bill
.
Asgard is destroyed yet again after Norman Osborn
seizes control of S.H.I.E.L.D.
following the Secret Invasion as he seeks to expel Asgard from U.S.
soil in an effort to consolidate power. Osborn leads the Dark Avengers
in an invasion against Asgard known as the Siege
. The invading forces are defeated with help from the reunited Avengers
, although Asgard itself is toppled by the Sentry
. Immediately following the Siege, Thor reerects Heimdall
's observatory atop Stark Tower
as sign of solidarity with Midgard and appreciation for the Avengers' aid.
Thor restores Odin to the throne, when the nine realms are invaded by "the World Eaters". However after Thor and Odin's long-forgotten brother, Cul, kill each other in battle during the Fear Itself
event, Odin passes control of Asgard to the Vanir
, headed by a triumvirate
of All-Mothers consisting of Freyja, Gaea and Idunn
.
Not to be confused with the dragon Fafnir.
(27.2 metric tons); an average Asgardian female can lift about 25 tons (22.7 metric tons). Asgardians are immune to all terrestrial diseases and resistant to conventional injury. The metabolism of the Asgardians gives them superhuman endurance in all physical activities.
Demons are beings of fire and tend to be about the same stature as the Asgardians.
Dwarves are smaller in stature than the Asgardians, and have short, stocky bodies. Their average height is four feet (1.2 meters).
Elves vary greatly in size from four to eight feet (1.2 to 2.4 meters). They tend toward slender bodies and proportionately longer limbs. The dark elves tend to be darker in color than the light elves. Both types have natural proclivity towards magic.
Giants are basically humanoid in appearance and color although they tend toward the neanderthal
ic in body and bone structure. Their most distinguishing feature is their height. The average giant is twenty feet (6 meters) tall, although some may reach thirty feet (9.1 meters). On occasion giants will produce stunted offspring who look similar to the Asgardians. Loki
and the Executioner
are both children of giants despite their diminutive six or seven foot (1.8 or 2.1 meter) stature.
Trolls are the least human-looking of the denizens of Asgard, possessing body characteristics that are almost simian. Trolls are stocky and massive, have thick body hair (almost fur) and tend toward a ruddy orange color. They are on average taller than the Asgardians but shorter than giants, around seven feet (2.1 meters) tall, although some trolls are considerably taller. Trolls tend to be extremely strong, stronger than the average Asgardian, dwarf or elf and on par with giants. Trolls like Ulik
rival Thor in strength.
; the world tree
is an immense ash tree that is central to the Asgardian dimension. The tree is supported by three roots that extended far into the other worlds; one to the spring of Hvergelmir
in Niflheim
, one to the well of Mimir
in Jotunheim
, and another to the well of Wyrd
in Asgard. Though Midgard is not physically connected to Yggdrasil, it is said that the Earth's axis is in alignment with the tree. In the limited series Thor: Blood Oath
, Thor and the Warriors Three
are sent to retrieve golden apples from the branches of the tree. Odin once hung himself from the tree for nine days and nights as a sacrifice to gain knowledge of the runes. Thor repeated this action during Ragnarök. Later Amora the Enchantress
attempt to destroy the tree in an effort to free the body of Skruge the Executioner
from its roots, an action that nearly tore apart the fabric of reality.
Fiction
Fiction is the form of any narrative or informative work that deals, in part or in whole, with information or events that are not factual, but rather, imaginary—that is, invented by the author. Although fiction describes a major branch of literary work, it may also refer to theatrical,...
al realm within the Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
universe
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is the shared fictional universe where most comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Entertainment take place, including those featuring Marvel's most familiar characters, such as Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, and the Avengers.The Marvel Universe is further...
based on the Asgard
Asgard
In Norse religion, Asgard is one of the Nine Worlds and is the country or capital city of the Norse Gods surrounded by an incomplete wall attributed to a Hrimthurs riding the stallion Svadilfari, according to Gylfaginning. Valhalla is located within Asgard...
of Norse mythology
Norse mythology
Norse mythology, a subset of Germanic mythology, is the overall term for the myths, legends and beliefs about supernatural beings of Norse pagans. It flourished prior to the Christianization of Scandinavia, during the Early Middle Ages, and passed into Nordic folklore, with some aspects surviving...
and is home to the Asgardians and other beings of Norse mythology. Asgard features prominently in stories that follow Marvel's superheroic adaptation of the Norse God Thor
Thor (Marvel Comics)
Thor is a fictional superhero who appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby....
.
Fictional history
According to Asgardian legend, in the beginning there was nothing, but in time two worlds came into being on opposite sides of the void. The one to the north was named NiflheimNiflheim
Niflheim is one of the Nine Worlds and is a location in Norse mythology which overlaps with the notions of Niflhel and Hel...
, a world of clouds and shadows in whose center surged the fountain Hvergelmir
Hvergelmir
Hvergelmir is the wellspring of cold in Niflheim in Norse mythology. All cold rivers are said to come from here, and it was said to be the source of the eleven rivers, Élivágar. Above the spring, the serpent Níðhöggr gnaws on one of the roots of the world tree, Yggdrasil.-References:* Orchard,...
, from which flowed twelve rivers of ice. The one to the south was named Muspelheim, which teemed with rivers of fire. Eventually the warm air from the south carved out the frost giant Ymir from the ice in the north. Ymir became the father of all the giants, and his cow Auðumbla
Auðumbla
Auðumbla is the primeval cow of Norse mythology. She is attested in Gylfaginning, a part of Snorri Sturluson's Prose Edda, in association with Ginnungagap and Ymir....
licked out of the ice the first Asgardian, Buri. Buri had a son named Borr, who married the giantess Bestla. Borr and Bestla had three sons named Odin, Vili, and Ve, who were known as the Æsir
Æsir
In Old Norse, áss is the term denoting a member of the principal pantheon in Norse paganism. This pantheon includes Odin, Frigg, Thor, Baldr and Tyr. The second pantheon comprises the Vanir...
. Odin and his brothers grew to hate the giants and slew Ymir, and his blood formed a great sea. Odin and his brothers then raised Ymir's body from the sea and created Midgard
Midgard
Midgard is one of the Nine Worlds and is an old Germanic name for our world and is the home of Humans, with the literal meaning "middle enclosure".-Etymology:...
between Niflheim and Muspelheim. With Ymir's bones they created mountains, and with his hair they created trees. They then raised Ymir's skull upon four pillars to create the heavens. Within the skull contained sparks from Muspelheim, which became the sun, moon, and stars. When Midgard was complete, Odin and his brothers created a home for themselves above it called Asgard. Between the two worlds they stretched a rainbow bridge and called it Bifröst
Bifröst
In Norse mythology, Bifrost or Bilröst is a burning rainbow bridge that reaches between Midgard and Asgard, the realm of the gods...
.
Once a year Odin must undertake the Odinsleep to regain his strength. During this time Asgard is vulnerable to attack from its many enemies, most notably Odin's adopted son, Loki
Loki (comics)
Loki is a fictional character, a supervillain that appears in publications by Marvel Comics. He is the adoptive brother and archenemy of the superhero Thor. He is based on the being of the same name from Norse mythology...
. Loki first takes command of Asgard during the Odinsleep, using his right as the 'son' of Odin before Thor could claim it, but fled when Asgard was invaded by Mangog
Mangog
Mangog is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Thor #154 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.-Fictional character biography:...
as he realized that this new foe was too powerful. Loki later usurped the throne of Asgard by taking the Odinring, but fled again when Asgard was invaded by the fire demon, Surtur.
The throne of Asgard later passes to Thor after Odin is killed in battle by Surtur, when the demon invades Earth.
It was prophesied that Loki would lead Asgard's enemies in a final conflict known as Ragnarök
Ragnarök
In Norse mythology, Ragnarök is a series of future events, including a great battle foretold to ultimately result in the death of a number of major figures , the occurrence of various natural disasters, and the subsequent submersion of the world in water...
, which would lead to its destruction. This comes to pass when Loki obtains the forge that created Mjolnir and creates new uru hammers for his army. The entirety of Asgard and its inhabitants are destroyed in the resulting battle. It is revealed that Asgard was part of a cycle orchestrated by the Godlike Those who sit above in Shadow for their amusement. Thor severed the tapestry that hold Asgard in existence, destroying those Gods and apparently wiping Asgard from existence.
After Ragnarök Donald Blake awakens Thor from the "Void of Non-Existence". Thor returns to Earth and rebuilds Asgard outside of Broxton, Oklahoma
Broxton, Oklahoma
Broxton is an unincorporated community in Caddo County, Oklahoma, United States. Broxton had an independent school district until the 1990s, but it was consolidated into the Fort Cobb-Broxton school district....
, purchasing the land with gold from the treasury. Thor then goes about restoring the Asgardians, who have been reborn in the bodies of mortal men and women.
Asgard's location on Earth, makes the city a target during the Secret Invasion
Secret Invasion
"Secret Invasion" is a comic book crossover storyline that ran through a self-titled eight issue limited series and several tie-in books published by Marvel Comics from April through December 2008....
by the Skrulls lead by a Super-Skrull
Super-Skrull
The Super-Skrull is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:The character first appeared in Fantastic Four #18 The Super-Skrull (Kl'rt) is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:The...
named Godkiller with powers mimicking Thundra
Thundra
Thundra is a Marvel Comics superheroine who is often aligned with the Fantastic Four. She is a powerful, red haired, amazon-like warrior, or Femizon, from a matriarchal, technologically advanced future timeline where men have been subjugated by women...
, Titania
Titania (Marvel Comics)
Titania is a supervillainess in the Marvel Comics universe, notable for being Marvel's strongest human female with the possible exception of the She-Hulk, and the wife of the Absorbing Man. She was created by then Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter, in the successful company-wide crossover known as...
, Volcana
Volcana (Marvel Comics)
Volcana is a fictional character featured in comic books published by Marvel Comics who first appeared in Secret Wars #3 . She was created by Jim Shooter and Mike Zeck....
and Battleaxe
Battleaxe (comics)
Battleaxe is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics Universe-Publication history:Battleaxe first appeared in The Thing #33 , and was created by Michael Carlin and Ron Wilson....
. The aliens are however repelled with help from Thor's ally, Beta Ray Bill
Beta Ray Bill
Beta Ray Bill is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Thor #337 and was created by writer-artist Walt Simonson....
.
Asgard is destroyed yet again after Norman Osborn
Green Goblin
The Green Goblin is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #14 ....
seizes control of S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage and a secret military law-enforcement agency in the Marvel Comics Universe. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Strange Tales #135 , it often deals with superhuman threats....
following the Secret Invasion as he seeks to expel Asgard from U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
soil in an effort to consolidate power. Osborn leads the Dark Avengers
Dark Avengers
Dark Avengers was an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics. It is part of a series of titles that have featured various iterations of the superhero team the Avengers...
in an invasion against Asgard known as the Siege
Siege (comics)
Siege is a fictional character, owned by Marvel Comics, who exists in the Marvel Universe.-Creative origins:John Kelly was initially created by Dwayne McDuffie and Gregory Wright as a pseudo-preview of their then-upcoming relaunch of Deathlok as well as to provide existing in-continuity backstory...
. The invading forces are defeated with help from the reunited Avengers
Avengers (comics)
The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers...
, although Asgard itself is toppled by the Sentry
Sentry (Robert Reynolds)
The Sentry is a fictional character in the . The character first appears in The Sentry #1 and was created by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee, with uncredited conceptual contributions by Rick Veitch.-Creation:...
. Immediately following the Siege, Thor reerects Heimdall
Heimdall (comics)
Heimdall is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe, loosely based on the god Heimdallr of Norse mythology. He first appeared in a comic in Journey into Mystery #85 and was created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby...
's observatory atop Stark Tower
Stark Tower
The Stark Tower Complex is a fictional high-rise building complex which appears in publications by Marvel Comics. Located in Manhattan, New York City, the complex is named after its owner Tony Stark who is the alter ego of the superhero Iron Man. The structure is composed of a 93-story Main Tower...
as sign of solidarity with Midgard and appreciation for the Avengers' aid.
Thor restores Odin to the throne, when the nine realms are invaded by "the World Eaters". However after Thor and Odin's long-forgotten brother, Cul, kill each other in battle during the Fear Itself
Fear Itself (comics)
"Fear Itself" is a 2011 crossover comic book storyline published by Marvel Comics, consisting of a seven-issue, eponymous miniseries written by Matt Fraction and illustrated by Stuart Immonen, Wade Von Grawbadger, and Laura Martin, a prologue book by writer Ed Brubaker and artist Scott Eaton, and...
event, Odin passes control of Asgard to the Vanir
Vanir
In Norse mythology, the Vanir are a group of gods associated with fertility, wisdom and the ability to see the future. The Vanir are one of two groups of gods and are the namesake of the location Vanaheimr . After the Æsir–Vanir War, the Vanir became a subgroup of the Æsir...
, headed by a triumvirate
Triumvirate
A triumvirate is a political regime dominated by three powerful individuals, each a triumvir . The arrangement can be formal or informal, and though the three are usually equal on paper, in reality this is rarely the case...
of All-Mothers consisting of Freyja, Gaea and Idunn
Idunn (comics)
Idunn is a fictional character appearing in the Marvel Comics Marvel Universe, based loosely on the Iðunn of Norse myth. Odin appointed Idunn Keeper of the Golden Apples, whose mystical properties retard the aging process of the Asgardians....
.
The Nine Worlds
| World | Notes |
|---|---|
| Alfheim | Home of the Light Elves (Ljósálfar). Alfheim is a distinct region on the Asgard planetoid. |
| Asgard | Home of the Asgardians. Asgard is the name of the planetoid, a distinct region on the planetoid and its capital city. |
| Hel | Realm of the dead who are neither honored nor dishonored. It is ruled by Hela. |
| Jotunheim Jötunheimr Jötunheimr is one of the Nine Worlds and the homeland of the Giants of Norse Mythology — Rock Giants and Frost Giants.-Legend:... |
Home of the Giants (Jötunn). |
| Midgard Midgard Midgard is one of the Nine Worlds and is an old Germanic name for our world and is the home of Humans, with the literal meaning "middle enclosure".-Etymology:... |
Midgard Midgard Midgard is one of the Nine Worlds and is an old Germanic name for our world and is the home of Humans, with the literal meaning "middle enclosure".-Etymology:... is the Earthly plane of existence. Although technically not a part of the Asgardian dimension, it is considered one of the Nine Worlds by the Asgardians because of its significant connections to Asgard. |
| Muspelheim | Home of the Demons. It is ruled by Surtur. |
| Nidavellir Niðavellir In Norse mythology, Nidavellir is one of the Nine Worlds and home of the Dwarves. Hreidmar is the king of Nidavellir.-Völuspá:It is mentioned in the Völuspá:Stóð fyr norðan, / á Niðavöllom / salr úr gulli / Sindra ættar... |
Home of the Dwarves. Nidavellir is a distinct region on the Asgard planetoid. |
| Svartalfheim | Home of the Dark Elves (Svartálfar) Svartálfar In Norse mythology, svartálfar are beings who dwell in Svartálfaheimr . Both the svartálfar and Svartálfaheimr are solely attested in the Prose Edda, written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson... . |
| Vanaheim Vanaheimr In Norse mythology, Vanaheimr is one of the Nine Worlds and home of the Vanir, a group of gods associated with fertility, wisdom, and the ability to see the future... |
Home of the Vanir Vanir In Norse mythology, the Vanir are a group of gods associated with fertility, wisdom and the ability to see the future. The Vanir are one of two groups of gods and are the namesake of the location Vanaheimr . After the Æsir–Vanir War, the Vanir became a subgroup of the Æsir... who are the sister race of the Asgardians. Vanaheim is a distinct region on the Asgard planetoid. |
Other regions
| Region | Notes |
|---|---|
| Niffleheim Niflheim Niflheim is one of the Nine Worlds and is a location in Norse mythology which overlaps with the notions of Niflhel and Hel... |
Realm of the dishonored dead which is distinct but closely connected to Hel. |
| Valhalla Valhalla In Norse mythology, Valhalla is a majestic, enormous hall located in Asgard, ruled over by the god Odin. Chosen by Odin, half of those that die in combat travel to Valhalla upon death, led by valkyries, while the other half go to the goddess Freyja's field Fólkvangr... |
Realm of the honored dead and is a distinct region on the Asgard planetoid. |
The six races
The six races of intelligent humanoid beings known to reside within the Asgardian dimension.| Race | Known members | |
|---|---|---|
| Asgardians | Æsir Æsir In Old Norse, áss is the term denoting a member of the principal pantheon in Norse paganism. This pantheon includes Odin, Frigg, Thor, Baldr and Tyr. The second pantheon comprises the Vanir... |
Amora the Enchantress Enchantress (Marvel Comics) The Enchantress is the name of two fictional characters in the Marvel Comics universe, the first of which is a powerful sorceress named Amora and is one of the most notable antagonists of Thor.-Publication history:... , Balder, Borr Borr Borr or Burr was the son of Búri and the father of Odin in Norse mythology. He is mentioned in the Gylfaginning, part of Snorri Sturluson's Prose Edda.... , Búri Búri Búri was the first god in Norse mythology. He is the father of Borr and grandfather of Odin, Vili and Ve. He was formed by the cow Auðumbla licking the salty ice of Ginnungagap. The only extant source of this myth is Snorri Sturluson's Prose Edda.Búri is mentioned nowhere in the Poetic Edda and... , Brunnhilde, Fandral Fandral Fandral the Dashing is a Marvel Comics character and a charter member of the Warriors Three, a trio of Asgardian adventurers consisting of Fandral, Hogun the Grim, and Volstagg the Valiant... , Frigga, Heimdall Heimdall (comics) Heimdall is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe, loosely based on the god Heimdallr of Norse mythology. He first appeared in a comic in Journey into Mystery #85 and was created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby... , Hermod, Hildegarde Hildegarde (Marvel Comics) Hildegarde is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Fictional character biography:Hildegarde is one of the Valkyries. Thor sent Sif and Hildegarde to Blackworld. There, they came upon a town where people were fleeing in blind terror from Ego-Prime, which was created accidentally from Ego... , Hoder, Kelda Kelda (comics) Kelda is a fictional character in the comic book, Thor published by Marvel Comics. She is an Asgardian first introduced in Thor vol. 3, #6 . Kelda is an original creation by J. Michael Straczynski, not based in Norse mythology... , Lorelei Lorelei (Asgardian) Lorelei is a fictional character who appears in the .-Publication history:Lorelei first appeared inThor vol. 1 #337 , and was created by Walt Simonson. She made subsequent appearances in the title, in issues #338-346 .The character subsequently appears in Marvel Age Annual #1 , Thor vol... , Magni, Mimir Mimir (Marvel Comics) Mimir is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:Mimir first appeared in Thor #240 created by Roy Thomas, Bill Mantlo and Sal Buscema.... , Odin, Skurge the Executioner Executioner (comics) Executioner is the name of two fictional characters in the .-Skurge:Skurge is born in Jotunheim, and later becomes a warrior, gaining his name the Executioner after fighting in a war against the Storm giants. Skurge has always had feelings for Amora, the Enchantress, and regularly aids her in... , Sif, Thor Thor (Marvel Comics) Thor is a fictional superhero who appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby.... , Tyr Tyr (Marvel Comics) Tyr is a fictional character, an Asgardian god in the Marvel Comics Universe, loosely based on the Norse god of the same name. Along with Thor and Balder, he is one of Odin's biological sons.-Fictional character biography:Tyr is the Asgardian god of war... , Vidar, Vili, Ve Vili and Vé In Norse mythology, Vili and Vé are the brothers of Óðinn , sons of Bestla daughter of Bölþorn and Borr son of Búri:Old Norse Vili means "will"... , Volla, Volstagg Volstagg Volstagg is a fictional character, a charter member of the Warriors Three, a trio of Asgardian adventurers and supporting cast of Thor in the . He is not taken from mythology but an original creation, modeled on Shakespeare's Falstaff in character and name.... |
| Vanir Vanir In Norse mythology, the Vanir are a group of gods associated with fertility, wisdom and the ability to see the future. The Vanir are one of two groups of gods and are the namesake of the location Vanaheimr . After the Æsir–Vanir War, the Vanir became a subgroup of the Æsir... |
Frey, Freya, Idunn, Njord, Sigyn | |
| Demons Demons (Marvel Comics) The Marvel Comics universe hosts a number of demons, many of whom are at times at conflict with gods and angels. All possess varying degrees of mystical power, feed upon souls for self-sustenance, and are inclined towards dark or “black” magic - evil.... |
Hrinmeer, Skulveig, Surtur | |
| Dwarves | Alfrigg, Brokk Brokk In Norse mythology, Brokkr is a dwarf, and the brother of Eitri or Sindri.... , Dvalin Dvalin In Norse mythology, Dvalin is a dwarf who appears in several Old Norse tales and kennings. The name translates as "the dormant one" or "the one slumbering"... , Eitri Eitri In Norse mythology, Eitri is a dwarf and the brother of Brokkr.According to Skáldskaparmál, when Loki had Sif's hair, Freyr's ship Skidbladnir and Odin's spear Gungnir fashioned by the Sons of Ivaldi, he bet his own head with Brokkr that Eitri would not have been able to make items that matched... , Grerr, Throgg |
|
| Elves Elves (Marvel Comics) The Dark Elves of Svartalfheim and the Light Elves of Alfheim in Marvel Comics are fictional races based on the elves of actual Norse legends.-Publication history:... |
Dark Elves | Alflyse, Grendell, Kurse Kurse Kurse is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears as the Dark Elf Algrim the Strong in Thor #347 , is transformed into Kurse in Secret Wars #4 Kurse (Algrim) is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel... , Malekith Malekith the Accursed Malekith the Accursed is a supervillain in the Marvel Universe. He is ruler of the Dark Elves of Svartalfheim, and has come into conflict with Thor. He once wielded the Casket of Ancient Winters.-Fictional character biography:... |
| Light Elves | Aeltri, Hrinmeer | |
| Giants Giants (Marvel Comics) There are different kinds of Giants in Marvel Comics. The most popular of the Giants are the Giants of Johunheim, fictional race of people based on the giants of actual Norse legends.-Giants of Jotunheim:... |
Angerboda, Fafnir, Fasolt, Gerd, Gymir Gymir In Norse mythology, Gymir was a giant whose daughter, Gerðr, married the god Freyr.According to the Eddic poems Skírnismál and Hyndluljóð, Gymir and his wife Aurboða are Gerð's parents... , Hela, Laufey Laufey (comics) Laufey is a fictional character appearing in the Marvel Comics universe, sharing a name with the frost giantess from Norse mythology. Laufey was King of the Frost Giants and father of Loki, the archenemy of the superhero Thor.-Publication history:... , Loki Loki (comics) Loki is a fictional character, a supervillain that appears in publications by Marvel Comics. He is the adoptive brother and archenemy of the superhero Thor. He is based on the being of the same name from Norse mythology... , Skadi, Skurge the Executioner Executioner (comics) Executioner is the name of two fictional characters in the .-Skurge:Skurge is born in Jotunheim, and later becomes a warrior, gaining his name the Executioner after fighting in a war against the Storm giants. Skurge has always had feelings for Amora, the Enchantress, and regularly aids her in... , Solveig, Utgard-Loki Utgard-Loki (Marvel Comics) Utgard-Loki is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Fictional character biography:Utgard-Loki is the monarch of the Frost Giants of Jotunheim, the traditional enemies of the Asgardian gods.... , Vidar, Ymir |
|
| Troll Troll A troll is a supernatural being in Norse mythology and Scandinavian folklore. In origin, the term troll was a generally negative synonym for a jötunn , a being in Norse mythology... s |
Geirrodur Geirrodur Geirrodur is a fictional character, a supervillain appearing in the Marvel Comics universe.-Publication history:Geirrodur first appeared in Journey Into Mystery #101 , and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.... , Ulik Ulik Ulik is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Ulik was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, and first appears in Thor #137 .... |
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| Other | Hogun Hogun Hogun the Grim is a fictional character and a charter member of the Warriors Three, a trio of Asgardian adventurers and supporting cast of Thor in the .Writer Stan Lee envisioned him as sharing several traits with characters played by actor Charles Bronson.... , Hrimhari Hrimhari Hrimhari is a fictional character published by Marvel Comics. He was first introduced in the New Mutants Special Edition #1 , and was created by Chris Claremont and Art Adams.-Fictional character biography:... , Karnilla Karnilla Karnilla is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe.-Fictional character biography:Karnilla the Norn Queen is a sorceress and the Queen of Nornheim... , Mogul of the Mystic Mountain Mogul of the Mystic Mountain Mogul of the Mystic Mountain is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:Mogul of the Mystic Mountain first appeared in Thor #137 , and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.... , Three Norns (Urd, Skuld, and Verdandi) Norns (Marvel Comics) -Publication history:The Norns first appeared in Journey into Mystery #102 , and were adapted from mythology by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.... |
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Not to be confused with the dragon Fafnir.
Racial attributes
All Asgardians possess certain superhuman physical attributes. They are extremely long-lived (though not truly immortal like the Olympians), aging at an extremely slow rate upon reaching adulthood (through the periodic consumption of the golden apples of Idunn). Asgardian flesh and bone is about three times denser than similar human tissue, contributing to the Asgardians superhuman strength and weight. An average Asgardian male can lift about 30 tonsShort ton
The short ton is a unit of mass equal to . In the United States it is often called simply ton without distinguishing it from the metric ton or the long ton ; rather, the other two are specifically noted. There are, however, some U.S...
(27.2 metric tons); an average Asgardian female can lift about 25 tons (22.7 metric tons). Asgardians are immune to all terrestrial diseases and resistant to conventional injury. The metabolism of the Asgardians gives them superhuman endurance in all physical activities.
Demons are beings of fire and tend to be about the same stature as the Asgardians.
Dwarves are smaller in stature than the Asgardians, and have short, stocky bodies. Their average height is four feet (1.2 meters).
Elves vary greatly in size from four to eight feet (1.2 to 2.4 meters). They tend toward slender bodies and proportionately longer limbs. The dark elves tend to be darker in color than the light elves. Both types have natural proclivity towards magic.
Giants are basically humanoid in appearance and color although they tend toward the neanderthal
Neanderthal
The Neanderthal is an extinct member of the Homo genus known from Pleistocene specimens found in Europe and parts of western and central Asia...
ic in body and bone structure. Their most distinguishing feature is their height. The average giant is twenty feet (6 meters) tall, although some may reach thirty feet (9.1 meters). On occasion giants will produce stunted offspring who look similar to the Asgardians. Loki
Loki (comics)
Loki is a fictional character, a supervillain that appears in publications by Marvel Comics. He is the adoptive brother and archenemy of the superhero Thor. He is based on the being of the same name from Norse mythology...
and the Executioner
Executioner (comics)
Executioner is the name of two fictional characters in the .-Skurge:Skurge is born in Jotunheim, and later becomes a warrior, gaining his name the Executioner after fighting in a war against the Storm giants. Skurge has always had feelings for Amora, the Enchantress, and regularly aids her in...
are both children of giants despite their diminutive six or seven foot (1.8 or 2.1 meter) stature.
Trolls are the least human-looking of the denizens of Asgard, possessing body characteristics that are almost simian. Trolls are stocky and massive, have thick body hair (almost fur) and tend toward a ruddy orange color. They are on average taller than the Asgardians but shorter than giants, around seven feet (2.1 meters) tall, although some trolls are considerably taller. Trolls tend to be extremely strong, stronger than the average Asgardian, dwarf or elf and on par with giants. Trolls like Ulik
Ulik
Ulik is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Ulik was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, and first appears in Thor #137 ....
rival Thor in strength.
Flora
YggdrasilYggdrasil
In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil is an immense tree that is central in Norse cosmology. It was said to be the world tree around which the nine worlds existed...
; the world tree
World tree
The world tree is a motif present in several religions and mythologies, particularly Indo-European religions, Siberian religions, and Native American religions. The world tree is represented as a colossal tree which supports the heavens, thereby connecting the heavens, the earth, and, through its...
is an immense ash tree that is central to the Asgardian dimension. The tree is supported by three roots that extended far into the other worlds; one to the spring of Hvergelmir
Hvergelmir
Hvergelmir is the wellspring of cold in Niflheim in Norse mythology. All cold rivers are said to come from here, and it was said to be the source of the eleven rivers, Élivágar. Above the spring, the serpent Níðhöggr gnaws on one of the roots of the world tree, Yggdrasil.-References:* Orchard,...
in Niflheim
Niflheim
Niflheim is one of the Nine Worlds and is a location in Norse mythology which overlaps with the notions of Niflhel and Hel...
, one to the well of Mimir
Mimir (Marvel Comics)
Mimir is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:Mimir first appeared in Thor #240 created by Roy Thomas, Bill Mantlo and Sal Buscema....
in Jotunheim
Jötunheimr
Jötunheimr is one of the Nine Worlds and the homeland of the Giants of Norse Mythology — Rock Giants and Frost Giants.-Legend:...
, and another to the well of Wyrd
Urðarbrunnr
Urðarbrunnr is a well in Norse mythology. Urðarbrunnr is attested in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional sources, and the Prose Edda, written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson...
in Asgard. Though Midgard is not physically connected to Yggdrasil, it is said that the Earth's axis is in alignment with the tree. In the limited series Thor: Blood Oath
Thor: Blood Oath
Thor: Blood Oath is a 6-issue comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics in September to December 2005 and is written by Michael Avon Oeming, with art by Scott Kolins....
, Thor and the Warriors Three
Warriors Three
The Warriors Three are a group of fictional characters who served as supporting cast members in Thor, published by Marvel Comics. The Warriors Three is made up of the Asgardians Fandral, Hogun, and Volstagg...
are sent to retrieve golden apples from the branches of the tree. Odin once hung himself from the tree for nine days and nights as a sacrifice to gain knowledge of the runes. Thor repeated this action during Ragnarök. Later Amora the Enchantress
Enchantress (Marvel Comics)
The Enchantress is the name of two fictional characters in the Marvel Comics universe, the first of which is a powerful sorceress named Amora and is one of the most notable antagonists of Thor.-Publication history:...
attempt to destroy the tree in an effort to free the body of Skruge the Executioner
Executioner (comics)
Executioner is the name of two fictional characters in the .-Skurge:Skurge is born in Jotunheim, and later becomes a warrior, gaining his name the Executioner after fighting in a war against the Storm giants. Skurge has always had feelings for Amora, the Enchantress, and regularly aids her in...
from its roots, an action that nearly tore apart the fabric of reality.
Fauna
- Dragons are ancient creatures that are stated to live in NastrondNáströndIn Norse mythology, Náströnd is a place in Hel where Níðhöggr lives and sucks corpses.-Poetic Edda:The Völuspá says:-Prose Edda:...
. These include Fafnir, Hakurel; a dragon Thor slew during one of his earliest adventures, and NíðhöggrNíðhöggrIn Norse mythology, Níðhöggr is a dragon who gnaws at a root of the World Tree, Yggdrasill.-Prose Edda:...
; who feeds on the roots of Yggdrasil. - Eagles are giant sapient versions of their Earthly counter-partsEagleEagles are members of the bird family Accipitridae, and belong to several genera which are not necessarily closely related to each other. Most of the more than 60 species occur in Eurasia and Africa. Outside this area, just two species can be found in the United States and Canada, nine more in...
. These include Gnori; king of snow eagles whom a young Thor, Sif and Balder sought for one of his feathers as part of a quest, and Lerad; an eagle that guards the magic apples of Yggdrasil. VolstaggVolstaggVolstagg is a fictional character, a charter member of the Warriors Three, a trio of Asgardian adventurers and supporting cast of Thor in the . He is not taken from mythology but an original creation, modeled on Shakespeare's Falstaff in character and name....
was able to steal an apple by first beating Lerad in a drinking contest. - Fenris WolfFenris Wolf (Marvel Comics)The Fenris Wolf is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe, loosely based on Fenrisulfr from Norse mythology.-Publication history:The Fenris Wolf first appeared in Marvel Comics in Journey Into Mystery #114 , and was adapted from Norse legends by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.The character...
; a giant wolf that is said to be the offspring of Loki and the giantess Angrboda. During Ragnarök Fenris swallowed all that remained of Asgard following the final battle. - Geri and FrekiGeri and FrekiIn Norse mythology, Geri and Freki are two wolves which are said to accompany the god Odin. They are attested in the Poetic Edda, a collection of epic poetry compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional sources, in the Prose Edda, written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson, and in...
are Odin's pet wolves. Freki stopped an assassination attempt on Thor's life during a time known as the Reigning when Thor assumed the throne of Asgard and ruled both Asgard and Midgard with an iron fist. - Huginn and Muninn are Odin's pet ravens. They guided Thor to find the means to end the Ragnarök cycle and again through Hel to find Odin.
- Midgard Serpent; an immense serpent that lives in the Sea of Space circling Midgard, ready to eat unwary sailors.
- Rattatosk; a squirel that lives on Yggdrasil and carries messages between Lerad and Níðhöggr. As a child Thor would go to Yggdrasil to visit Rattatosk and listen to his stories.
- SleipnirSleipnirIn Norse mythology, Sleipnir is an eight-legged horse. Sleipnir is attested in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional sources, and the Prose Edda, written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson...
; Odin's eight-legged steed. Thor had eight steeds Firegnaw, Mudbrute, Slaughterbit, Smokemare, Snow Harpy, Stormbringer, Swamptooth and Warhoof. During a famina on earth, some humans ate the horses over Thor's request that they not do so. The God of Thunder took the bones back to Asgard. Using magics, he reformed them into Sleipnir. - Toothgnasher and ToothgrinderTanngrisnir and TanngnjóstrTanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr are the goats who pull the god Thor's chariot in Norse mythology...
; two mystical goats that pull Thor's chariot.
In other media
Television
- Asgard appears in the Spider-Man and His Amazing FriendsSpider-Man and His Amazing FriendsSpider-Man and His Amazing Friends is an animated series produced by Marvel Productions starring established Marvel Comics characters Spider-Man and Iceman and an original character, Firestar...
episode "The Vengeance of Loki". - Asgard is featured in The Super Hero Squad ShowThe Super Hero Squad ShowThe Super Hero Squad Show is an American cartoon series by Marvel Animation. It is based on the Marvel Super Hero Squad action figure line from Hasbro, which portray the characters of the Marvel Universe in a cartoonish super-deformed-style...
. - Asgard is introduced in The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest HeroesThe Avengers: Earth's Mightiest HeroesThe Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes is an American animated television series by Marvel Animation in cooperation with Film Roman based on the Marvel Comics superhero team the Avengers. The show debuted on Disney XD in Fall 2010 starting with a 20 part micro-series. A second season has been...
episode, "Thor the Mighty".
Film
- Asgard is the setting of Marvel AnimationMarvel AnimationMarvel Animation, LLC is an American animation production company. The Marvel Entertainment subsidiary was incorporated on January 25, 2008 to direct Marvel's efforts in animation and home entertainment markets...
film, Hulk vs. Thor. - Asgard appears in the live-action Marvel StudiosMarvel StudiosMarvel Studios, originally Marvel Films, is an American television and motion picture studio based in Manhattan Beach, California. Marvel Studios is a subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment, a self-contained part of the The Walt Disney Company conglomerate....
film, ThorThor (film)Thor is a 2011 American superhero film based on the comic book character of the same name published by Marvel Comics. It is the fourth film released as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe...
directed by Kenneth BranaghKenneth BranaghKenneth Charles Branagh is an actor and film director from Northern Ireland. He is best known for directing and starring in several film adaptations of William Shakespeare's plays including Henry V , Much Ado About Nothing , Hamlet Kenneth Charles Branagh is an actor and film director from...
. - Asgard is schedule to be the setting of the upcoming animated film, Thor: Tales of AsgardThor: Tales of AsgardThor: Tales of Asgard is a 2011 direct-to-video animated film based on the Marvel Comics character, Thor. It is eighth in a series of animated films produced by Marvel Animation and distributed by Lionsgate Entertainment...
.
Video games
- Asgard is featured as a playable levelLevel (video gaming)A level, map, area, or world in a video game is the total space available to the player during the course of completing a discrete objective...
in Marvel: Ultimate AllianceMarvel: Ultimate AllianceMarvel: Ultimate Alliance is an action role-playing game developed for PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox and Xbox 360 by Raven Software and published by Activision. The game was simultaneously ported to the PlayStation Portable and Wii by Vicarious Visions, and to Microsoft Windows by Beenox...
. - Asgard is featured in the Marvel Super Hero SquadMarvel Super Hero Squad (video game)Marvel Super Hero Squad is a video game developed by Blue Tongue Entertainment, Mass Media, and Halfbrick and published by THQ. It was released on October 20, 2009 for the Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable and Wii...
video game. - Asgard is scheduled to be featured in Thor: God of ThunderThor: God of ThunderThor: God of Thunder is a 2011 third person single-player video game based on the film Thor developed by Liquid Entertainment and co-written by Matt Fraction, the Eisner Award-winning writer of the comic book series...
based on the live-action filmThor (film)Thor is a 2011 American superhero film based on the comic book character of the same name published by Marvel Comics. It is the fourth film released as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe...
. - Asgard is a stage in the fighting game Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two WorldsMarvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worldsis a crossover fighting game developed by Capcom. It features Capcom's own characters and characters from American comic book company Marvel Comics. It is the fifth installment of the Marvel vs...
.
External links
- MarvelDataBase:Asgard
- Marvel Directory - Asgard