10 Perplexing Comic Book Questions Solved By The Internet

3. What's The Difference Between Real And Marvel Norse Mythology?

Alongside locations and the existence of conspiracy theories, one of the other elements of the real world absorbed into the Marvel Universe are the Norse pantheon of gods. And many other gods, but let's stick with these viking types for now, or we'll get all confused. Yes, fanboys and girls, the strained relationship between Odin, king of Asgard, and his unruly kids Thor and Loki wasn't an invention of the movies - much as we love the bickering between Hopkins, Hemsworth and Hiddleston - but are rooted in an ancient belief system people actually used to...not worship, or necessarily literally believe in, but look these "characters" are all actual myths from a long time ago, existing way before Stan Lee raided them for ideas for a new comic book.

But just how similar is actual Norse mythology to the Asgard that exists in said comic books? Well, it's a little complicated. Besides the original stories not mentioning many team ups between Thor and the Hulk, there's the physical differences (Thor's supposed to be a redhead, and with a great big bushy beard too), along with the parts of the mythology that never got carried over to the comics (like Loki giving birth to horses). Thor also has a magic belt and gloves along with the hammer, can't fly, and is married to Sif. The worlds are mostly different too, with some similarities - like the World Tree, which is actually way more complicated - and, duh, humans and gods don't interact nearly as much in the old myths. They certainly don't fight much.