Odin (Earth-199999)
Odin is the king of Asgard, father of Thor, adoptive father of Loki, and husband of Frigga. Odin has served as king for well over a millennium.
Biography
The Allfather
In the year 965, Odin led an army of Asgardians to Midgard, defending humanity from an invasion by the Frost Giants led by Laufey. The Asgardians fought the Giants to their native realm of Jotunheim and were victorious, establishing a truce that would last a millennium. Odin claimed the Casket of Ancient Winters that Laufey had used to bring the cold of Jotunheim to Midgard, as well as a small infant: Laufey's son. Odin named the boy Loki and raised him as his own, hoping to one day enact a lasting peace between Asgard and Jotunheim through him. Loki was raised knowing nothing of his true origin.
In May of 2010, Odin was prepared to hand over the throne to his son and rightful heir, Thor, when the ceremony was interrupted by three Frost Giants invading the underbelly of Asgard and attempting to steal back the Casket. They were quickly killed by the Destroyer, but the incursion nonetheless shook the realm to its core. Thor declared that Asgard should retaliate, but Odin wasn't willing to risk full-blown war. Under Odin's nose, Thor and a party of associates, including Loki, went to Jotunheim and ended up battling Laufey and his soldiers. Odin was notified of their departure by a guard, who had himself been told beforehand by Loki. He went to Jotunheim and pleaded with Laufey for peace, but was refused. Odin blasted the Frost Giants away, allowing himself and the other Asgardians to return home.
Disgusted by Thor's arrogance and recklessness, Odin stripped him of his power and banished him to Midgard. He took Thor's hammer Mjölnir and also threw it to Midgard, declaring that anyone worthy of wielding it would possess the power of Thor. Later, Odin was confronted by Loki, who had become suspicious of his origins since visiting Jotunheim. Odin told his son the truth, infuriating him. For one reason or another, at that moment Odin fell into his Odinsleep: a periodic state of deep hibernation that recharges his magical energy. With Odin's wife Frigga watching over him, Loki took the opportunity to declare himself the new king of Asgard. Odin had put off Odinsleep for some time, and those around him feared that this sleep may be his last. As with any Odinsleep, the Allfather remained aware of all that occurred around him all the while.
As Odin slept, Loki orchestrated a plan to impress his father once and for all. He convinced Laufey to kill Odin in his sleep, only to betray him at the critical moment to "save" Odin. He then used this supposed invasion as justification for turning a fully powered Bifrost onto Jotunheim in an attempt to destroy the entire realm. A returning Thor saw through Loki's lies however, and the two did battle, destroying the rainbow bridge in the process. As Thor's hammer struck the bridge, Odin's eyes opened, and he rushed to the site of their battle. Both of Odin's sons risked falling into the wormhole created by the Bifrost's destruction. As Odin held onto a hanging Thor, Thor held Loki's staff, and Loki held the other end. Loki pleaded with the Allfather, explaining his actions, but Odin disapproved more firmly than ever. Despondent and hopeless, Loki released his staff, falling into the wormhole. As Odin reclaimed his throne, he commended Thor for his actions, saying that he was proud of him and that he would one day make a wise king.[1]
See also
References
- ↑ Thor. Dir. Branagh, Kenneth. Perf. Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Colm Feore, Ray Stevenson, Idris Elba, Kat Dennings, Rene Russo, Anthony Hopkins. Paramount Pictures, 2011.