Asgard (comics)
Origins
Asgard, in the context of Marvel Comics, is a fictional realm and one of the Nine Realms that exist within the Marvel Universe. It is home to the Asgardians, a race of beings who have been the focus of many stories and events throughout Marvel's publication history. Asgard is primarily associated with the character Thor, who is both an Asgardian and one of Marvel's most enduring superheroes.
Description
Asgard is depicted as a small, other-dimensional planetoid, its size and mass far smaller than that of Earth, yet its density is such that it contains a vastly greater amount of matter. This is a common trait of the Nine Realms, which exist in separate dimensions and are connected by various means, most notably the Rainbow Bridge.
The realm of Asgard is divided into several distinct regions. The capital city, also named Asgard, is where the royal palace is located and where Odin, the king of the Asgardians, resides. Other regions include the land of the dead, known as Hel, and Valhalla, where heroes who die in battle are said to go.
History
Asgard's history is steeped in mythology and epic tales, many of which involve the exploits of Thor and his fellow Asgardians. These stories often draw from real-world Norse mythology, with characters such as Odin, Thor, and Loki being directly inspired by their mythological counterparts.
Asgard's history has been shaped by numerous conflicts, both internal and with other realms. One of the most significant of these is the ongoing conflict with the realm of Jotunheim, home of the Frost Giants. This conflict is often central to the stories involving Thor and Loki, with Loki's status as a Frost Giant adopted by Odin serving as a major plot point.
Inhabitants
The inhabitants of Asgard, known as Asgardians, are a race of superhuman beings. They possess a natural lifespan far greater than that of humans, and are immune to all terrestrial diseases. They are physically superior to humans, possessing superhuman strength, speed, durability, and resistance to injury. Asgardians also have access to magic, which they use for various purposes, such as healing, transportation, and combat.
Notable Asgardians include Odin, the king of Asgard; his sons Thor and Loki; and the warrior Sif. Other Asgardians include the Warriors Three, a group of heroes who are close allies of Thor, and the Valkyries, warrior women who carry the souls of the dead to Valhalla.
Influence on Earth
Asgard has had a significant influence on Earth, particularly through the actions of Thor. As a superhero, Thor has protected Earth from many threats, often with the aid of his fellow Asgardians. The Asgardians have also come into conflict with Earth's heroes, such as during the events of the Siege storyline, in which Asgard was attacked by the villainous Norman Osborn and his Dark Avengers.