What does it mean to be a god (like Loki and Odin) in the Marvel Universe?
‘God’ seems to be more like a title in the MCU. It means having a combination of advanced or mystical powers. They may or may not be worshipped or revered by others.
Common characteristics include but are not limited to:
- Strength
- Durability
- Longevity
However, being a god does not make you omnipotent in the way some traditional deities are considered. Gods in the MCU can be:
- Challenged
- Defeated under certain circumstances
- Can be evil and greedy
- Can kill other people for more power
- Aren’t always immortal
Here are the types of Gods you’ve seen in the MCU:
Table of Contents
1. Asgardians (god)
Characters like Odin, Thor, Hela and Loki are called gods.
Although Thor is the God of Thunder, a Taser quickly takes him down. Hela was almost immortal. However, Surtur still killed her.
Odin was the most powerful in his prime, but there must be some battles that he would have lost.
Similarly, Loki, the God of Mischief, was defeated by Hulk with strength and was later killed by Thanos.
Loki, the current God of Stories, is still very powerful, but he will also be challenged in the future.
2. Celestials
These are ancient, powerful cosmic entities that have significantly shaped the universe. Due to their immense power and influence over life and creation, they are considered gods.
Although their mortality isn’t tested yet, there must be another one who can kill them.
3. Eternals
The Celestials created them and possessed powers. They are immortal and have various superhuman abilities. But if Celestials want them killed, they can be killed.
Also, one Eternal can kill another one.
4. Cosmic Entities
Beyond traditional gods, the MCU includes beings like Dormammu, who rule the Dark Dimension, and entities like the Living Tribunal, which are considered powerful due to their cosmic roles and abilities.
Note that Dormammu was tricked by Doctor Strange, a mere novice compared to him, into an endless time loop until he was ready to bargain.
5. Other Deities
Others come from different mythologies and pantheons, such as the Egyptian Khonshu, the “Moon Knight,” or Greek gods like Zeus, who appear in Thor: Love and Thunder. Humans often worship these beings and possess unique, divine powers.
But you know how Khonshu tricked Steven Grant and how selfish Zeus was.
Gods in the MCU generally mean they have expertise in a particular field. Gods can’t always be trusted to do the right thing.
They’re complex to understand, just like normal human beings, and are driven by desires for power.
