Jump to content

Odin (Marvel Comics): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
Line 30: Line 30:
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. <ref>''Thor'' #40 (vol. 2, Oct. 2001)</ref> 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. <ref>''Thor'' #85 (vol. 1, Dec. 2004)</ref>
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. <ref>''Thor'' #40 (vol. 2, Oct. 2001)</ref> 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. <ref>''Thor'' #85 (vol. 1, Dec. 2004)</ref>


Years later, when Thor returns from hibernation in space, <ref>''Thor'' #1 (Sep. 2007)</ref> he begins to find the lost Asgardians, <ref>''Thor'' #3 - 5 (Nov. 2007 - Jan. 2008)</ref> 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 did not do so as he wished to be free of his father. Thor enters the Odinsleep and finds Odin in a limbo between life and death, where every day he does battle with Surtur to prevent the demon from reentering the world. Odin declines Thor's offer of taking his place, and states that Thor must continue to lead the Asgardians, while Odin continues to exist in a state he describes as approximating the Asgardian equivalent of [[heaven]].<ref>''Thor'' #7-8 (March-April 2008)</ref>
Years later, when Thor returns from hibernation in space, <ref>''Thor'' #1 (Sep. 2007)</ref> he begins to find the lost Asgardians, <ref>''Thor'' #3 - 5 (Nov. 2007 - Jan. 2008)</ref> 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 did not do so as he wished to be free of his father. Also during his Odinsleep, Thor does finds Odin in a limbo between life and death, where every day he does battle with Surtur to prevent the demon from re-entering the world. Odin declines Thor's offer of taking his place, and states that Thor must continue to lead the Asgardians, while Odin continues to exist in a state he describes as approximating the Asgardian equivalent of [[heaven]] in order to prevent Surtur from re-entering the world.<ref>''Thor'' #7-8 (March-April 2008)</ref>


==Powers and abilities==
==Powers and abilities==
Line 48: Line 48:


===Films===
===Films===
* Odin is off-screen in the animated movie ''[[Ultimate Avengers 2]]'' voiced by [[Dwight Schultz]].
* Odin is off-screen in the animated movie ''[[Ultimate Avengers 2]]'' voiced by [[Dwight Schultz]].'
* Odin is said to appear in the ''[[Hulk Vs]]'' segment "Hulk Vs. Thor." He will be in Odinsleep at the time Loki manipulates Hulk into attacking Asgard.


===Video games===
===Video games===
* Odin appears in the game ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance]]'' voiced by [[Peter Renaday]]. He plays a central focus of the plot as [[Doctor Doom]] manages to acquire a S.H.I.E.L.D. plan to steal Odin's powers in the event that the Asgardians ever became a threat and use it to become practically omnipotent. With the aid of [[Uatu]], the heroes are able to escape and come up with a plan to defeat Doom, stealing a fraction of his powers and using it to oppose Doom. After the heroes defeat Doctor Doom, Odin's voice is heard before sending a lightningbolt upon Doctor Doom followed by Odin undoing the damages Doctor Doom caused. As part of a mini-mission, the heroes have the option of freeing Odin from his temporary imprisonment in Doom's castle. If the player free Odin, he will intervene when [[Thanos]] attempts to conquer Earth in the near future. If the player doesn't, he won't help to fight Thanos who will end up enslaving Earth for centuries.
* Odin appears in the game ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance]]'' voiced by [[Peter Renaday]]. He plays a central focus of the plot as [[Doctor Doom]] manages to acquire a S.H.I.E.L.D. plan to steal Odin's powers in the event that the Asgardians ever became a threat and use it to become practically omnipotent. With the aid of [[Uatu]], the heroes are able to escape and come up with a plan to defeat Doom, stealing a fraction of his powers and using it to oppose Doom. After the heroes defeat Doctor Doom, Odin's voice is heard before sending a lightning bolt upon Doctor Doom followed by Odin undoing the damages Doctor Doom caused. As part of a mini-mission, the heroes have the option of helping to free Odin from his temporary imprisonment in Castle Doom. This can only be done when the heroes claim Dark Thor's hammer to break the Dark Magic Machine that Odin is imprisoned in. If the player free Odin, he will intervene when [[Thanos]] attempts to conquer Earth in the near future. If the player doesn't, he won't help to fight Thanos who will end up enslaving Earth for centuries.


==References==
==References==
Line 58: Line 59:
==External links==
==External links==
* [http://marvel.com/universe/Odin Odin] at Marvel.com
* [http://marvel.com/universe/Odin Odin] at Marvel.com



{{Thor}}
{{Thor}}



[[Category:Magic users in comics]]
[[Category:Magic users in comics]]

Revision as of 15:24, 4 August 2008

Odin
Odin featured on the cover of Thor #294 (vol. 1, Apr. 1980). Art by Keith Pollard.
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceJourney Into Mystery #86 (vol. 1, Nov. 1962)
Created byStan Lee and Jack Kirby
In-story information
Alter egoOdin Borson
Team affiliationsAsgard, Council of Godheads
Notable aliasesAll-Father, Woden, Wotan, Atum-Re, Wulf the Wanderer, Orrin, Infinity
AbilitiesSuperhuman strength, stamina, durability and longevity
Wielder of the Odin Power:

Odin is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Journey Into Mystery #86 (vol. 1, Nov. 1962) and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

Fictional character biography

Based on the being 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. With the aid of his brothers, a young Odin battles and defeats the fire demon Surtur. [1] Odin becomes ruler of Asgard, and eventually falls in love with Gaea, in time becoming the father of the Thunder God Thor. Odin is also the adoptive father of Loki, a child of Giant blood whose father Laufey is killed by Odin in battle. [2] Despite Odin's best intentions, his sons become bitter enemies, with the feuding often requiring Odin's mediation.

Thor's preoccupation with Earth or Midgard is also a constant annoyance for Odin, who as punishment has disempowered his son 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. [3][4][5]

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); [6]defeating the Absorbing Man after he absorbs almost all of Asgard; [7] banishing the monster Mangog; [8] sacrificing his right eye to Mimir for the wisdom to stop Ragnarok (Twilight of the Gods); [9] attempting to stop the Celestials in the armor of the Destroyer [10] and preventing Surtur from lighting the Sword of Doom. [11]

At one point, Odin was defeated by "Infinity", and his evil self was brought to life by Hela.[12] Later, he is controlled by the Egyptian gods, and became Atum-Re.[13] He once engaged in a chess match with Dormammu, as champions of Master Order and Lord Chaos respectively.[14] The origin of his powers and the fate of his brothers are later revealed.[15]

His survival after his apparent death at the hands of Surtur, and imprisonment by Seth were eventually revealed.[16] His full power and missing eye were restored, and he absorbed the essence of Surtur.[17] However, it was later revealed that Odin had come under possession by the spirit of Surtur.[18] Odin was then restored to normal after Thor defeated Surtur.[19]

Odin has also died three times in defense of Asgard. On the first occasion, Odin is killed by Mangog, although is later revived by the goddess of Death Hela. [20] On the second occasion, the Celestials shred the Destroyer, 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. [21]

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. [22] 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. [23]

Years later, when Thor returns from hibernation in space, [24] he begins to find the lost Asgardians, [25] 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 did not do so as he wished to be free of his father. Also during his Odinsleep, Thor does finds Odin in a limbo between life and death, where every day he does battle with Surtur to prevent the demon from re-entering the world. Odin declines Thor's offer of taking his place, and states that Thor must continue to lead the Asgardians, while Odin continues to exist in a state he describes as approximating the Asgardian equivalent of heaven in order to prevent Surtur from re-entering the world.[26]

Powers and abilities

Odin possesses all the conventional attributes of an Asgardian god; such as superhuman strength, stamina, durability, longevity, and immunity to all known diseases.

Odin is capable of manipulating vast amounts of magical energy - referred to as the Odin Power - for a number of purposes, such as endowing people or objects with powers; [27] transporting the entire human race to an alternate dimension; [28] compressing the population of an entire planet into a single being, the Mangog; [29] Odin is highly skilled in the use of his powers in combat situations and has defeated both the Silver Surfer and Thanos simultaneously; [30] taken a soul away from the arch-demon Mephisto; [31] and is capable of destroying entire galaxies. Thor in response to Ego The Living Planet's designs on conquest commented that Odin possesses the might of an entire galaxy [32] For reasons that are unclear Infinity has on at least one occasion boosted Odin's powers. [33] Odin can also manipulate energy for various effects, including projection of concussive force, creation of force shields, levitation, molecular manipulation of matter, matter-energy conversion, illusion-casting, and inter-dimensional teleportation. Odin is not however totally self-sufficient. While possessing power that is inherent opposed to the need for outward sustenance Odin must once a year undertake the Sleep of Life, also known as the Odinsleep - a state of deep sleep lasting for one 24-hour day to keep his powers from waning. During this time Odin is guarded closely as he is vulnerable. [34]

In battle Odin often carries the magical spear Gungnir ("The Spear of Heaven"), an artifact made of the metal uru, that he uses to channel his personal energies. He also wields a sword at times, as well as a power-scepter used to project cosmic energy. Odin is also a master tactician and schemer. In addition to feats such as preventing Ragnarok, [35] it has been revealed that Odin was planning for the arrival of the Celestial Fourth Host for centuries. [36] Odin possesses vast knowledge of ancient and arcane wisdom. Odin is an expert hand-to-hand combatant (but seldom indulges in physical combat since reaching old age), and has achieved mastery of all Asgardian weaponry.

Odin had access to the Oversword of Asgard, also known as the Odinsword. He can also control the Destroyer, and uses the Asgardian starjammer.

According to one account Odin possesses the combined powers of himself and his two brothers, Vili and Ve; according to another, the present Odin is a synthesis of the nine survivors of Ragnarok, who created the present Asgard approximately 2000 years ago. Either of these accounts may be apocryphal.

In other media

Television

Films

  • Odin is off-screen in the animated movie Ultimate Avengers 2 voiced by Dwight Schultz.'
  • Odin is said to appear in the Hulk Vs segment "Hulk Vs. Thor." He will be in Odinsleep at the time Loki manipulates Hulk into attacking Asgard.

Video games

  • Odin appears in the game Marvel: Ultimate Alliance voiced by Peter Renaday. He plays a central focus of the plot as Doctor Doom manages to acquire a S.H.I.E.L.D. plan to steal Odin's powers in the event that the Asgardians ever became a threat and use it to become practically omnipotent. With the aid of Uatu, the heroes are able to escape and come up with a plan to defeat Doom, stealing a fraction of his powers and using it to oppose Doom. After the heroes defeat Doctor Doom, Odin's voice is heard before sending a lightning bolt upon Doctor Doom followed by Odin undoing the damages Doctor Doom caused. As part of a mini-mission, the heroes have the option of helping to free Odin from his temporary imprisonment in Castle Doom. This can only be done when the heroes claim Dark Thor's hammer to break the Dark Magic Machine that Odin is imprisoned in. If the player free Odin, he will intervene when Thanos attempts to conquer Earth in the near future. If the player doesn't, he won't help to fight Thanos who will end up enslaving Earth for centuries.

References

  1. ^ Journey Into Mystery #99 (vol. 1, Dec. 1963)
  2. ^ Journey into Mystery #112 (vol. 1, Jan. 1965)
  3. ^ Journey Into Mystery #101 - 102 (vol. 1, Feb. - Mar. 1964)
  4. ^ Thor #126 - 127 (vol. 1, Mar. - Apr. 1966)
  5. ^ Thor #145 - 151 (vol. 1, Oct. 1967 - Apr. 1968)
  6. ^ Journey Into Mystery #104 (vol. 1, May 1964)
  7. ^ Journey Into Mystery #122 - 123 (vol. 1, Nov. 1964 - Jan. 1965)
  8. ^ Thor #157 (vol. 1, Oct. 1968)
  9. ^ Thor #274 (vol. 1, Aug. 1978)
  10. ^ Thor #300 (vol. 1, Oct. 1980)
  11. ^ Thor #353 (vol. 1, Mar. 1985)
  12. ^ Thor #188
  13. ^ Thor 240-241
  14. ^ Thor Annual #9
  15. ^ Thor #349
  16. ^ Thor 398-399
  17. ^ Thor #400
  18. ^ Thor #418
  19. ^ Thor #425
  20. ^ Thor #198 - 201 (vol. 1, Apr. - Jul. 1972)
  21. ^ Thor #300 - 301 (vol. 1, Oct. - Nov. 1980)
  22. ^ Thor #40 (vol. 2, Oct. 2001)
  23. ^ Thor #85 (vol. 1, Dec. 2004)
  24. ^ Thor #1 (Sep. 2007)
  25. ^ Thor #3 - 5 (Nov. 2007 - Jan. 2008)
  26. ^ Thor #7-8 (March-April 2008)
  27. ^ Thor #339 (vol. 1, Jan. 1984); #459 (vol. 1, Feb. 1993)
  28. ^ Journey Into Mystery #104 (vol. 1, May. 1964)
  29. ^ In flashback in Thor #154 - 157 (vol. 1, Jul. - Oct. 1968)
  30. ^ Thor #470 - 471(vol. 1, Jan. - Feb 1994)
  31. ^ Thunderstrike #15 (Dec. 1994)
  32. ^ Thor #133 (vol. 1, Oct. 1967)
  33. ^ Journey Into Mystery #513 (vol. 2, Oct. 1997)
  34. ^ First seen in Journey Into Mystery #118 (vol. 1, Jul. 1965)
  35. ^ Thor #273 - 278 (vol. 1, Jul. - Dec. 1978)
  36. ^ Thor Annual #7 (1978) + Thor #283 - 301 (vol. 1, May 1979 - Nov. 1980)
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Odin_(Marvel_Comics)&oldid=229790272"