10 Fan Nods I Want to See in Thor

[NOTE: This is not only my third Fan Nod article, but also my favorite by far. It's taken me a few weeks to put this together (once you read it you'll see why) and I wish I had the time to make it more detailed. There is quite a bit of reading involved before you get to the good stuff, so hunker down for a bit. Like my other fan nod articles, I didn't include topics that are sure to be in the film (Frost Giants, Thor's helmet, Bifrost/Rainbow Bridge etc). Besides that, I hope you enjoy!]

Thor was created in 1962 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Most of the characters and plot devices for Thor were derived from Norse mythology. Thor’s comic origin is one of the most intricate and well planned out of all Marvel superheroes. The complexity of his story is due to two major factors: he is not an Earth-borne hero and he is, for all intents and proposes, a god. To understand Thor you need to understand the mythology that has been created around him. For those of you unfamiliar with the character’s background, let’s start at the beginning:

Asgard

It is a small planetary body that serves as home to the Norse gods. It is about the size of the United States; though it is neither round like the Earth nor does it spin on an axis, revolving around the sun. It appears as a flat, asteroid-like mass with its own gravitational pull. Matter on Asgard is denser and more durable than the matter on Earth. Most importantly, it exists in another dimensional plane. There are nine dimensional planes that are consistently referenced in Marvel comics:

Asgard is connected to at least two other dimensional planes that consist of the major land masses the Asgardians refer to as the “Nine Realms”. Four of the realms exist on the same asteroid-like mass that Asgard exists on. These worlds are Asgard, Vanaheim, Alfheim, and Nidavellir. Another of these worlds that is in a different dimensional plane is the world of Midgard, or Earth. The sixth world is that of Jotunheim followed by Svartalfheim, Hel, and Muspelheim. There are natural nexus portals (passageways) that exist on each of these worlds except for Midgard, and some of these worlds are in direct contact with the roots of Yggdrasil, the cosmic tree that stands in Asgard.

The world of Asgard is the home of the gods while Vanaheim is the home of the Asgardian’s sister race, the Vanir. Nidavellir is the world belonging to the Dwarves and Alfheim is the world of the Light Elves. Midgard, (Middle Realm), is home to humans and does not seem to be affected by the motion of the other worlds of Asgard. Jotunheim is the world of the Giants and is also on its own dimensional plane hidden from Asgard or Earth’s. The only thing that prevents passage between Midgard and Jotunheim is Jormungand, the Midgard Serpent. The next world, Svartalfheim, is inhabited by the Dark Elves. This world is followed by the realm of the dead, Hel, and its sister realm, Niffleheim. Hel is ruled by the goddess, Hela, and is the home of the common dead. Niffleheim is the home of the dishonored dead such as murderers while there is a place known as Valhalla where the honored dead and heroes go. Valhalla is in a special place in the realm of Asgard. The final world is Muspelheim and that is the world ruled by Surtur and home to his fire demons. Muspelheim is on a separate plane of existence from all the other Nine Worlds and is said to predate recorded time as well as Niffleheim.

Asgard has one permanent portal to Midgard (Earth) and that is Bifrost, the Rainbow Bridge. The portal leads to Midgard, but since it has been shattered is makes travel between the dimensions difficult. However, there are said to be nexus portals in the surrounding area of space that lead to Earth. Asgard also has a portal to Olympus which is home to the Greek gods, but since Olympus is not one of the Nine Worlds it is presumed that the portal is artificial. Asgard also has one more unique phenomenon which is the Cave of Time wherein one can travel through time (though only few know how to use it accurately).




The most common misconception surrounding the Asgardians is the term that defines them; ‘gods.’ Take a step back from the standard association of that word and it’s easier to understand why it is used in this context. In Marvel mythology, the Asgardian ‘gods’ are simply one of the six races of humanoid life forms. The true term that defines their race is ‘Aesir.’ They are gifted with super strength, endurance and an extremely long life spam (though not immortal like the gods of Olympus). At one point in our history, the Aesir walked the Earth. Mankind both worshiped them and believed them to be actual deities who controlled their fate on Earth. The other humanoid races besides the Aesir are the Giants (i.e. Frost, Storm), Dwarves, Elves (Light and Dark), Trolls and Demons.

Now that you have a better understanding of the depth of Thor’s comic mythology, you should be able to see why it will be very difficult to compile all of this into one film while still focusing on the central character.
After narrowing it down a bit, I've listed the top ten Thor comic references that I feel would help explain the character’s mythos while leaving option open to build upon them in future films. These things could easily be ignored, modified or left on the cutting room floor; but they would make the film so much more meaningful to me. Here are my picks and how I would attempt to integrate them into the film:

10. Hercules - Based on the character from Greek and Roman mythology, Hercules is the son of Zeus, king of the gods of Olympus, and Alcmena, a mortal woman who lived roughly three thousand years ago. He is a true immortal, insomuch he does not age. In modern times, he is considered the last remaining god of Olympus. His first appearance in the Marvel universe was battling the Asgardian thunderer, Thor.

Hercules has been an on and off member of the Avengers throughout the years. He is also one of the strongest characters in the Marvel U (almost Hulk level); and has fought Thor both out of anger and for sport. I think throwing his name out there in this film would be a good way to hint at the character’s existence as well as give a tangible reference to the otherworldly realms Asgard connects to.



9. Well of Mimir - Mimir was the Asgardian brother of Bor and uncle of Odin (both rulers of Asgard). He is an omniscient being with powerful precognitive abilities. Upon battling Odin, he is transformed into a fiery being and sent to dwell in the Well of Wisdom. Many Aesir have gone to the Well of Mimir to seek wisdom of future events; but always for a price. The most notable of these instances was when Odin willingly sacrificed his right eye to Mimir to learn of how to forestall Ragarok (Asgardian Armageddon; the end of all things).

Odin goes by many names: All Father, Lord of Asgard, God of the Gods, and also Odin One-Eye. Since Asgardians are very immune to life-long injury, it would be a good idea to explain why his eye is gone, and the reason behind its loss.



8. Thor Influencing Norse Mythology - Though the stories have varied as to how Asgardians and humans met, their intertwined relationship has always been mentioned throughout Marvel comics. Some mention that Odin, while still young, hated how barren Midgard was so he breathed life into mankind. Others point out that humans evolved normally but were considered a nuisance by the Aesir and caused them to leave to Asgard. The pivotal aspect of their intermingling that has never changed is that mankind once worshiped the Asgardians as deities. Nearly a millennium ago, Norsemen and Germanic tribes worshiped the Aesir and asked for their help with events they could not control themselves (droughts, demons, etc). Few Asgardians were actually interested in helping humanity, but Thor was always willing to answer their call. After Thor’s banishment from Asgard, the Asgardians did not have any more active worshippers nor did they seek to have any.

The big thing here is (and I won’t go into too much detail if you haven’t read the series Thor: Ages of Thunder), mankind had a hand in Thor’s banishment from Asgard. Most of Thor’s arrogance came from the abundant worship he received from mankind; and in one sequence of events, caused him to face off against his father, Odin.



7. Midgard Serpent - It is also known as the World Serpent or Jormungand. The enormous serpent usually exists in ghost-like, ethereal form around the Earth. As far as human beings are concerned, it is intangible and invisible. It has lethal characteristics of both snakes and dragons, such as a poisonous bite and the ability to breathe fire. Along with its sibling the Fenris Wolf, it is the offspring of Loki; who is the adopted son of Odin. When angered, the Serpent would compress its coils (which are wrapped around the Earth) and cause natural disasters such as earthquakes and thunderstorms.

As much of a fan of Thor as I am, I never quite understood the reason why the Midgard Serpent was placed around the Earth. Though it does play crucial roles throughout the story of Asgard and Ragnarok, I think the film offers the opportunity to give us a definitive explanation to the creature’s existence.

A bit of re-tooling that could be done would work for a Thor/Iron Man tie in. In both Iron Man and Iron Man 2, there is a billboard with a picture of Fin Fang Foom (the dragon-like alien). One Thor comic storyline had the Midgard Serpent disguise himself as Fin Fang Foom to fool Thor into believing he had not escaped his intangible state. Maybe the filmmakers can find a way of combing the Serpent and FFF as a possible villain for an Avengers movie.



6. Destoryer Odin - The Destroyer is an enchanted suit of armor forged by Odin, and is one of the most powerful weapons in all of Asgard. It is, in itself, lifeless and draws upon the life-force of a host to used for long periods of time. The armor is almost completely invulnerable and gives the bearer strength greater than even Thor. For a time, it was used by Odin as his personal battle armor.

How would it fit into the film? Easily; as the comics have proven. Though Odin’s physical strength is greater than Thor’s, it’s not by much. When Odin has to banish Thor from Asgard, he wouldn’t afford his son any chance to gain the upper hand. Thus, he dons the Destroyer armor.

Simply put. . .
Odin + Destoryer > Thor + Mjolnir



5. Brunnhilde the Valkyrie- Forget Lady Sif, Brunnhilde is Asgard’s resident femme fatale. She is the leader of the Valkyrior, known as the Choosers of the Slain. They are a group of warrior goddesses who would appear over the battlefields of mortal worshipers of the Asgardian gods and are tasked with choosing which of the fallen were worthy to be taken to Valhalla (warrior heaven). She is utterly fearless and has battled everyone from Frost Giants to Loki, and even Thor himself. She rides her winged horse Aragorn into battle and carries the mythical sword Dragonfang. In the past, along with Thor, she has helped mankind when called upon; and is of a race older than the Asgardians themselves.

A blonde, braided, armored, sword-wielding warrior. Do I need to explain why she needs to the in the film any further? I don’t think so.




4. Golden Apples of Idunn - These apples are what give the Asgardians long life and youth. The Aesir consume them constantly, though they only need about one each day. The apples grow on a tree outside the kingdom walls and can only be picked by the goddess Idunn. She was given this task by Odin, and only by after she’s touched them can the apples be eaten. If others attempt to collect the apples (either from the tree itself or fallen ones on the ground ) they immediately spoil and lose their ability to grant power. One common misconception is that the apples grow on Yggdrasil, the tree that spans the Nine Realms (as shown on the above picture).

Idunn is barely referenced in the Marvel universe, though one storyline combined her with another character. In this story, Idunn is also Amora the Enchantress. I thought this was an excellent change. Not only did it give readers a character that they were already familiar with (and thus expanding on her story), but it showed her supreme ability to ‘enchant’ anything with life; even a tree.

Which brings me to nod #3. . .




3. Amora the Enchantress - Though granted the strength and endurance of typical Asgardians, Amora’s two greatest tools are sorcery and sexuality; and she wields them effortlessly. Her masterly of the dark arts include the ability to cast illusions, astral projection and control minds. When you add her beauty and charm to the mix, it proves how powerful an opponent she can be. Her parentage is unknown, but she displays as daughterly kinship towards Loki. At one point she was a lover to Thor, but her advances have since been rejected when Thor and Sif began a relationship.

One of Amora's most important relationships was with Skurge the Executioner. Though he loved her entirely, she only reciprocated enough affection to keep him as her pawn. Since I want to see Skurge in the film, showing his allegiance to Amora would be a great tie in.



2. For Odin, For Asgard! - Most of us have read these phrases before:
"Loki, I would have words with thee."
"I have taken thy measure villain....and found it lacking."
"I say thee, nay!"
"Have at thee!"
These are just a few of Thor’s most iconic bits of Elizabethan-esque dialogue.

Though it’s been said the Thor film will steer clear of this type of speech, I don’t think it’s too much to ask to hear Thor’s signature battle cry at least once. In my eyes, it’s just as important as hearing Cap shout ‘Avengers Assemble!’ on screen.



1. Forging of Mjolnir - (layman pronunciation: Mee-yol-neer ) The real deal, accept no (Ultimate) imitations.

Upon the assignment of Odin All-Father, Mjolnir was forged by the Dwarf blacksmiths Eitri, Brok and Buri out of mystical Uru metal, which has a stone-like appearance. The dwarfs used an enchanted forge and the core of a star to create the hammer. The process was so intense it caused the destruction of both the star and the forge.

Mjolnir was enchanted with the ability to absorb tremendous amounts of force and energy, create force fields, transport its wielder by a form of ‘flight,’ alter time itself and be the conduit for massive energy projection. It is one of the most powerful weapons ever created in all the Nine Realms, it has the capability to even destroy mountains with a single strike. It can summon an incalculable amount of the four elements: wind, rain, thunder, and lightning; often simultaneously.

The most important aspect of Mjolnir is the inscription placed on it upon creation: "Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor." Being worthy is not an easy task, as strength alone does little to lift it. Even someone as just as Captain America could only (barely) manage one throw with it.

The hammer itself might be a reflection of Thor’s power, but the inscription reflects his purpose.




Information and images courtesy of Marvel

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Well, that's all from me. I hope you learned a few things along the way. If you haven't had the chance, check out my first two articles in this series:

10 Fan Nods I Want in The First Avenger: Captain America

10 Fan Nods I Want in the Green Lantern Movie