Odin (comics)

Odin
Odin features on the cover of Thor #294 (April 1980). Art by Keith Pollard.
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	Journey into Mystery #85 (Oct. 1962)
Created by	Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
In-story information
Alter ego	Odin Borson
Team affiliations	Asgard Council of God-Heads
Notable aliases	All-Father, Woden, Wotan, Atum-Re, Wulf the Wanderer, Orrin, Infinity
Abilities	Superhuman strength, stamina, durability and longevity Wielder of the Odin Force: Magical energy manipulation

Odin is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Journey into Mystery #85 (Oct. 1962) and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

Publication history

Odin first appeared in Journey into Mystery #85 (October 1962), and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

Fictional character biography

Based on the god of the same name from Norse mythology, Odin is the son of Bor (father, one of the first Asgardians) and Bestla (mother, a frost giantess). Bor and Bestla also have two other sons, Vili and Ve. He claims to have created humans as he felt the world was lonely. But his father was angry and created things to plague humanity. With the aid of his brothers, a young Odin battles and defeats the fire demon Surtur.^[1] Many millennia later, Odin would reveal the origin of his powers and the eventual fate of his brothers; they were killed by Surtur, but gave their power to Odin. Later Surtur was imprisoned inside the Earth for centuries by Odin after forming an alliance with the trolls.^[2] Odin becomes ruler of Asgard, and eventually falls in love with Gaea, in time becoming the father of the Thunder God Thor as he wanted a son who would be strong on both Asgard and Earth. He creates a cave in Norway for her to give birth in. He notices that Thor's eyes are those of Bor's though, and realizes one day 'the wheel will turn again'. He then returns to Asgard with Thor, and his wife Frigga acts as Thor's mother. Odin is also the adoptive father of Loki, a child of Giant blood whose father King Laufey is killed by Odin in battle.^[3] Odin adopted Loki as part of a deal with his father Bor's spirit so that Bor would stop haunting him for replacing him, unaware that Bor's intention was that the child would bring about his son's downfall.^[4] Despite Odin's best intentions, his sons become bitter enemies, with the feuding often requiring Odin's mediation. Odin also was the father of Balder by the way of Frigga; thus, Balder is a half-brother to Thor.^[5]

Thor's preoccupation with Midgard (the Asgardian term for Earth) is a constant annoyance for Odin, who as punishment has taken Thor's powers on at least three occasions. Thor's acceptance of the sanctions along with his willingness to atone for his transgressions, not to mention his continued noble intentions and bravery, however, eventually convince the All-Father to relent and thereby restore Thor's original powers and identity, once he saved Asgard by threatening to draw the Odinsword when Seldring stole the Odinforce, as Odin had briefly given it to him to strip Thor of half his power, but Seldring had refused to return it after depowering Thor and planned to rule Asgard.^[6][7][8]

As ruler and protector of the Asgardian people, Odin has been involved in a number of crises that have threatened Asgard and, on occasion, Earth. Notable examples included stopping Loki, the Storm Giant Skagg, and Surtur (with the aid of Thor and Balder);^[9] defeating the Absorbing Man after he absorbs almost all of Asgard;^[10] banishing the monster Mangog;^[11] sacrificing his right eye to Mimir for the wisdom to stop Ragnarök (Twilight of the Gods);^[12] attempting to stop the Celestials in the armor of the Destroyer;^[13] engaging inter-dimensional tyrant Dormammu in a "cosmic chess" match as champions of Master Order and Lord Chaos respectively,^[14] and preventing Surtur from lighting the Sword of Doom.^[15]

Odin has also died three times in defense of Asgard. On the first occasion, Odin is killed by Mangog, although he is later revived by the goddess of Death Hela to prevent Pluto from claiming him.^[16] On the second occasion, the Celestials melt the Destroyer to slag, which at the time holds the life force of Odin and all Asgardians with the exception of Thor. Thor, however, collects a portion of godly energy from each pantheon and uses it to revive Odin, who in turn resurrects the Asgardians.^[13]

The final occasion involves a massive battle against arch-foe Surtur on Earth, with Odin apparently dying once and for all, as the Odin Force—the source of Odin's power—migrates to his son, Thor.^[17] As Thor eventually destroys the Loom of Fates and stops Asgard from perpetuating Ragnarok—which ends the entire Norse pantheon and Asgard itself—Thor believes Odin may be dead permanently. The Odinforce appears to him in humanoid form and says that this was Odin's plan all along: that he break the cycle.^[18]

When Thor returns from hibernation in the void,^[19] he begins to find the lost Asgardians,^[20] and although successfully restoring them all, does not attempt to find his father. During the Odinsleep, Thor has a vision in which he discovers that on a subconscious level he does not do so as he wishes to be free of his father. Also during his Odinsleep, Thor does find Odin in a limbo between life and death, where every day he does battle with Surtur to prevent the demon from reentering the world. They each die in the battle, but are resurrected to battle again. Odin declines Thor's offer of taking his place—noting that just Thor's offer has broken Bor's curse that he would be abandoned as Bor was—and states that Thor must continue to lead the Asgardians, recognizing his son's ability to see a path beyond the path and cycle of Ragnarok that Odin lacks, while Odin continues to exist in a state he describes as approximating the Asgardian equivalent of heaven in order to prevent Surtur from reentering the world.^[4] Loki assuages Doom's fears about Odin's potential wrath if the Asgardians were to move to Latveria, assuring him that "Old One-Eye is yesterday's god" and "a relic".^[21] Later, it is Odin's absence from the Nine Worlds that led his revived father Bor to believe that he had been slain in combat with the Frost Giants, spurring him to wage battle against Thor, in which he is killed, leading to Thor's exile for killing someone who was officially the King.^[22]

During the Siege storyline, Norman Osborn sends the Thunderbolts to steal Odin's spear from the Asgardian weaponry.^[23] Loki calls on Odin to return the Norn Stones to him so he can empower the heroes to defeat the Void.^[24]

Odin returns from the dead after Asgard is invaded by the World-Eaters.^[25]

During the Fear Itself storyline, Odin senses the return of Serpent: God of Fear. After a brief monologue with Uatu the Watcher, Odin commands his people to return to the Asgardian plane against the protests of Thor (whom Odin has chained and forcefully dragged there against his will).^[26] Odin builds up Asgard into a war engine with which he intends to raze Earth completely in order to destroy the Serpent. Thor (who is freed by Loki and joined by his loyal comrades) opposes Odin's plan to destroy the Earth, and convinces Odin to send him back there, but Odin tells him that he has only until the shadow of the Serpent falls upon the world tree before his plans to raze Earth become inevitable.^[27] Iron Man travels to Broxton to the portal that leads to Asgard-space demanding an audience with Odin.^[28] Iron Man asks Odin if he can use one of Asgard's workshops in order to make weapons to fight the Worthy.^[29] After being convinced by Iron Man, Odin allows him to use the Workshops of Svartalfheim where he convinces the Dwarves there to help him with weapons that might help stop the Serpent before his shadow falls onto the World Tree.^[30] Captain America and the Avengers bring an unconscious Thor to Broxton so that they can have Odin heal Thor. As Odin tends to his son's wounds, he tries to convince Thor he should not suffer a conflict that is Odin's fault, but Thor continues to insist against destroying Earth to save Asgard. Odin prepares Thor by giving him the armor and helmet that he himself wore the last time he cast out the Serpent and slaughtered the billions stained by his sickness. He also gives Thor the Odinsword named Ragnarok (which was forged to end all things). Despite this, Odin gives Thor a final chance to avoid another battle with the Serpent asking him if he is a god or a man. Thor responds that he is a man, the one Odin raised him to be.^[31] While Thor kills the Serpent at the cost of his own life, Odin frees those affected by the Hammers of the Worthy by summoning their hammers away from them. Odin returns to Asgard with the corpse of the Serpent sealing off Asgard from Hermod and a number of other Asgardians who are left on Earth.^[32]

Powers and abilities

As King of the Norse Gods, Odin possesses vast strength, durability far greater than a normal Asgardian, along with resistance to all Earthly diseases and toxins, some resistance to magic, and courtesy of the Golden Apples of Idunn, a greatly extended lifespan. Odin has all the abilities of his son Thor, but to a much greater degree. Odin is capable of manipulating the Odin Force - a powerful source of energy - for a number of purposes, including energy projection; creation of illusions and force fields; levitation; molecular manipulation, communicating telepathically with other Asgardians even if they be on Earth and he in Asgard,^[33] hypnotizing humans;^[9] channelling lightning to Earth from Asgard,^[33] controlling the lifeforces of all Asgardians, and teleportation. The character has also used the Odinpower for greater feats such as transporting the entire human race to an alternate dimension;^[9] stopping time;^[9] pulling remains of distant planets towards Earth,^[1] compressing the population of an entire planet into a single being, the Mangog and then recreating the race^[34] and taking a soul away from the arch-demon Mephisto.^[35] The Odinforce extends Odin's power to a galactic level.^[36]

In battles against opponents of similar power, Odin carries the magical spear Gungnir ("The Spear of Heaven"), an artifact made of the metal uru, that can be used to channel the Odin Force. Even without the Odinforce it can still match Thor's hammer in battle. Once a year, during the Asgardian winter, Odin must undertake the Odinsleep for 24 hours to regenerate (and is closely guarded as he is vulnerable during this period), although he can be wakened by potent spells, such as those of Karnilla the Norn Queen.^[37]

Odin is also a master tactician and schemer, and has prevented Ragnarok,^[38] and planned for centuries for the coming of the Celestial Fourth Host.^[39][40] The character also on occasion uses the eight-legged steed Sleipnirthe and the enchanted ship Skipbladnir, which can navigate the "sea of space" and be shrunk to the size of a toy.

In other media

Television

• Odin appears in The Mighty Thor segment of the animated television series The Marvel Super Heroes voiced by Bernard Cowan.
• Odin appears in The Super Hero Squad Show episode "Mental Organism Designed Only for Kissing" voiced by Jess Harnell. In a flashback by Thor, he is contacted by Odin who says that Frigga is concerned why Thor hasn't found a girlfriend yet. In the episode "Mother of Doom," Odin contacts Thor telling him to return to Asgard and has until sundown to finish his last minute things on Earth. When Thor is fighting the Chthonians and wishes that his father can see him now, Odin is briefly seen watching the fights. After Doctor Doom and Chthon are defeated, Odin tells Thor that he is taking back the order to return to Asgard upon him being impressed with Thor's fight with Chthon. In the episode "Support Your Local Skyfather," Odin and Thor go up against Zeus and Hercules in a contest of champion. In the episode "Lo, How the Mighty Hath Abdicated," Enchantress casts a love lutefisk that makes Odin fall in love with her despite the comment from Frigga on already being married to him. This ended up causing Odin to abdicate the throne causing Thor to rule Asgard. Enchantress' plot backfires with Odin keeps admitting love with her. Enchantress vows to take the throne herself by making Odin attack Thor and Loki. A comment by Thor causes Odin to be free from the spell as he reclaims the throne while Enchantress escapes. Upon being reunited by Frigga by Loki, Odin manages to convince Magneto to let Scarlet Witch stay with the Super Hero Squad.
• Odin appears in The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes episode "Thor the Mighty" voiced by Clancy Brown. He was shown on the brink of his Odinsleep when Loki had the Frost Giants attack Asgard. Odin sent for Thor who defeated Loki and the Frost Giants. Odin later scolded Loki for this action and then banishes Loki to the Isle of Silence. Thor later tells Odin that what Loki stated to him is right and states that he will handle things on Midgard until Odin calls him in case of a major attack on Asgard. In the season one finale A Day Unlike Any Other, a comatose Odin awakens and banishes Loki to a dimension where Loki will be tormented by the Midgard Serpent for eternity and respectfully honnors the Avengers for having helped Thor to save Argard.

Film

Character poster for the film Thor featuring Anthony Hopkins as Odin.

• Odin is off-screen in the animated movie Ultimate Avengers 2 voiced by Dwight Schultz. Thor makes contact with his father to question him about his vision revolving around the Chuitari. Odin also advises Thor to return to Asgard before that event occurs.
• Odin appears in the animated direct-to-video film Hulk vs. Thor voiced by French Tickner. He is mostly seen in his Odinsleep during the Thor part of the film.^[41]
• Anthony Hopkins plays Odin in the 2011 Marvel Studios' feature film Thor.^[42] After Thor's assault on the Frost Giants risks a new war, Odin banishes Thor to Earth and enchants his hammer so that only the worthy may lift it, but the recent demands on his time force him to enter the Odinsleep for a prolonged period, allowing Loki to assume the throne of Asgard in an attempt to prove himself Thor's superior. Odin subsequently praises Thor's worth when he awakens to learn that Thor has returned to Asgard, destroying the Bifrost Bridge to protect the Frost Giants despite his previous enmity towards them.
• Odin appears in the Direct-To-DVD film Thor: Tales of Asgard voiced by Christopher Britton.

Video games

• Odin appears as a non-playable character in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance voiced by Peter Renaday. In the game, Doctor Doom targets his powers and does this by using Odin's Twilight Sword on him. When Doctor Doom is defeated, Odin's voice is heard and he sends a lightning bolt upon Doctor Doom leaving behind his mask. After Odin repairs the damages caused by Doctor Doom, Thor mentions to Nick Fury that Odin is currently occupied with Doctor Doom and Loki when Nick Fury asks Thor to thank Odin for him. There is an optional mission in Castle Doom which involves helping to free Odin from a dark magic machine guarded by Dark Thor and Dark Spider-Man and only Dark Thor's hammer will break it. If he's freed from his confinement, his intervention will prevent Thanos from enslaving Earth in the near future. If the player doesn't, the Earth will pay a heavy price when Odin refuses to help Thor fight Thanos who will end up enslaving Earth taking centuries before humanity is free from his tyranny. On a related note when Odin is free, Valkyrie with call Odin back to Asgard to recover.
• In Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, Odin is briefly mentioned still punishing Doctor Doom and Loki when the player talks to Thor on how Asgard is doing.
• Odin appears in Thor: God of Thunder (based on the live-action film), voiced by Tom Kane. After Sif is killed by a Frost Giant, Odin uses the Odinforce to resurrect her before entering the Odinsleep, but Loki uses Sif's death to trick Thor into unleashing the ancient evil Mangog, intending to defeat Mangog and prove himself superior to Thor while Odin enters the Odinsleep. However, Mangog proves to be too powerful for Loki, and the creature is only defeated at the conclusion thanks to Odin providing Thor with spears to weaken Mangog's armor.

Toys

• Odin is the 16th special figurine in The Classic Marvel Figurine Collection.
• A figure of Odin as he appears in the film Thor was released in wave 39 of the Marvel Minimates line.
• Odin in his classic attire was released in the Asgardian Smash 3-pack from the Marvel Super Hero Squad line, packaged with figures of Thor and Hulk.
• 2 figures of Odin will be released in Hasbro's 3.75" Thor: The Mighty Avenger movie tie-in line.
• Hot Toys will release a 12" figure of Odin as he appears in the film Thor.

Motion comics

• Odin appears in the Thor & Loki: Blood Brothers motion comic, voiced by Joe Teiger.

Miscellaneous

• Odin appears in the Robot Chicken episode "Dear Consumer" voiced by Greg Grunberg.

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Journey Into Mystery #99 (December 1963)
2. ^ Thor #349 (November 1984)
3. ^ Journey into Mystery #112 (January 1965)
4. ^ ^{a b} Thor vol. 3, #7–8 (May – June 2008)
5. ^ Thor vol. 3, #9 (July 2008)
6. ^ Journey Into Mystery #101–102 (February – March 1964)
7. ^ Thor #126–127 (March – April 1966)
8. ^ Thor #145–151 (October 1967 – April 1968)
9. ^ ^{a b c d} Journey Into Mystery #104 (May 1964)
10. ^ Journey Into Mystery #122–123 (November – December 1965)
11. ^ Thor #157 (October 1968)
12. ^ Thor #274 (August 1978)
13. ^ ^{a b} Thor #300–301 (October – November 1980)
14. ^ Thor Annual #9 (November 1981)
15. ^ Thor #353 (March 1985)
16. ^ Thor #198–201 (April – July 1972)
17. ^ Thor #40 vol. 2, (October 2001)
18. ^ Thor vol. 2, #85 (December 2004)
19. ^ Thor vol. 3, #1 (Sept. 2007)
20. ^ Thor vol. 3, #3-5 (November 2007– January 2008)
21. ^ Dark Reign: The Cabal #1 (June 2009)
22. ^ Thor #600 (April 2009)
23. ^ Thunderbolts #141 (April 2010)
24. ^ Siege #4 (June 2010)
25. ^ Thor #618 (February 2011)
26. ^ Matt Fraction (w), Stuart Immonen (p), Stuart Immonen (i). "The Serpent" Fear Itself 1 (June 2011), Marvel Comics
27. ^ Fear Itself #3
28. ^ Fear Itself #4
29. ^ Fear Itself #5
30. ^ Invincible Iron Man #506
31. ^ Fear Itself #6
32. ^ Fear Itself #7
33. ^ ^{a b} Journey into Mystery #89 (February 1963)
34. ^ Thor #154-157 (July – October 1968)
35. ^ Thunderstrike #15 (December 1994)
36. ^ Journey into Mystery 513 (October 1997)
37. ^ Journey Into Mystery #118 (July 1965)
38. ^ Thor #273-278 (Juy – December 1978)
39. ^ Thor Annual #7 (September 1978)
40. ^ Thor #283-301 (May 1979 – November 1980)
41. ^ Mel Valentin (January 28, 2009). "Movie Review - Hulk Vs.". efilmcritic.com. http://efilmcritic.com/review.php?movie=18391&reviewer=402. Retrieved September 8, 2010. 
42. ^ Micheal Flemming (30 October 2009). "Anthony Hopkins cast in 'Thor'". Variety. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118010609.html?categoryid=13&cs=1&nid=2562&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed. Retrieved 2009-10-31. 

External links

• Odin at Marvel.com
• Marvel Database - Odin