12

With Thor referred to as a god in the Marvel universe, what effect did the explicit appearance of a god (especially one not of their pantheon) have on mainstream religions in the Marvel universe?

Note: split out from Religion in the Marvel universe? to get a specific answer.

2
  • In the Marvel Universe the Asgardians merely believe they are Gods. They are not, they are aliens who tap a mystical energy force. Their resemblance to humans is most probably hereditary. Commented Apr 16, 2013 at 13:38
  • 4
    @Cheeriosrgood It really doesn't matter what the Asgardians are, or even what they believe. This question is asking about the effect of humans' perception of the Asgardians as gods on human religious beliefs.
    – Kevin
    Commented Apr 16, 2013 at 15:49

1 Answer 1

6

It's not Marvel Canon, but in Neil Gaiman's 1602 it affected a specific character.

Donal is a Templar - one of the last IIRC - guarding a powerful artifact. What nobody realizes due to in story events is that the artifact the Templars had been guarding for so long is Donal's walking stick, which is in fact a sort of counterpart to Mjolnir. Donal is forced to use the staff to defend people and this summons Thor. Eventually Mjolnir plays a major role in the story, setting the universe right. However, Donlan is devastated by this turn of events - the existence of Thor directly refutes one of the central tenets of his Christian faith. He falls to heavy drinking. There's this amazing line Thor says at one point, where someone asks him about Donal, when Donal/Thor is Thor. He says something to the effect of "he is inside me. I can hear him screaming still". It is implied that Donal/Thor will travel somewhere - I can't recall where - with the purpose of trying to reconcile the existence of Thor with God, whose existence Donal must now be calling into question (and loathing himself all the more for doing so).

1
  • 2
    There was also a Thor-centric religion in Marvel 2099 (which is also not canon). I recall reading a story on the main universe discussing Thor's effect on politics and religion, but can't remember details. I think it was on the arc where Asgard was a floating mountain over the US.
    – Wilerson
    Commented Apr 10, 2012 at 16:53

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.