Throughout the stories published in Marvel Comics since his first appearance in Journey into Mystery #83 (August 1962), the Thor character has accumulated a number of recognizable supporting characters. Like Thor, many of these characters are based on mythological figures, however a number of original characters have appeared as well. Thor has also formed strong bonds or close working relationships with other superheroes since becoming a founding member of the Avengers in 1963. In addition, Thor has an extensive rogues gallery.
Family Like Thor most of his family members are based on figures from Norse Mythology and as in those myths they fill major roles throughout the publication. Thor's relationship with his family has been described as "shakespearean".
Angela: The daughter of Odin and Frigga, who as an infant was presumably killed by Angels of the Tenth Realm known as Heven, during their attack on Asgard.Original Sin #5.1. Marvel Comics. Balder: A god of light based on the deity Baldr, is one of Thor's closest friends since childhood. It is revealed that he is actually the son of Odin and Frigga thus making him Thor's half-brother. Odin kept Balder's true identity hidden as he feared a prophecy that stated Balder's death would one day trigger Ragnarök, for this spells were cast making him near-indestructible in Asgard.Thor (vol. 3) #10 (September 2008) Balder assumes the throne of Asgard when Thor is exiled.Thor #600 (February 2009) Bestla: A Jötunn based on Bestla, is married to Borr, mother of Odin and grandmother of Thor.Journey into Mystery #97 (October 1963) Bor: Odin's father based on the deity Borr, was turned into snow by Loki during a war with the frost giants.Thor (vol. 3) #7 Loki later revived Borr, who attacked Thor out of confusion. Thor subsequently kills Bor, not knowing his identity, and is banished from Asgard as a result.Thor (vol. 3) #600 Buri: Odin's grandfather, based on the deity Búri, was the first of the gods.Thor Annual #4 (1976) Cul: The god of fear, he is the brother of Odin and uncle of Thor. He is supervillain who had clashed with various Asgardians and other Heroes. Frigga: The goddess of marriage based on the deity Frigg, is Odin's wife, step mother of Thor and foster mother to Loki. Frigga is seen as mother figure to most Asgardians even consoling a heartbroken Sif.Thor: Son of Asgard #09 It is revealed later that she is also mother to Balder whom she once used her powers to make almost completely invulnerable (the notable exception being mistletoe). Frigga was also instrumental in the rearing and training of the Young Gods. Gaea: The goddess of the Earth based on the deity Gaia from Greek mythology, is Thor's biological mother. Gaea as Jord (Jörð) mated with Odin, who wanted a son who would be strong on Earth (not just in Asgard) and gave birth to Thor. Hermod: God of speed based on the deity Hermóðr, is Thor's half brother by Odin and Frigga. Hermod is employed as Odin's messenger due to his great speed. His greatest mission was when he traveled to Hel in order to ask the goddess Hela for information on how to revive Balder the Brave after Loki tricked Hoder into shooting Balder with an arrow tipped with mistletoe.Thor #275 (September 1978) Hoder: God of winter based on the deity Höðr, is Thor's blind cousin, son of his uncle Vili. Loki tricks Holder into shooting Balder with an arrow tipped with mistletoe when testing Balder's invulnerability. Loki: God of mischief based on the deity Loki, is Thor's principal antagonist. Loki was orphaned when Odin slew his father Laufey, a frost giant in battle. Odin taking pity on Loki, adopts him as his own son.Thor (vol. 3) #8 It is later revealed that Laufey had been killed by a time-traveling Loki.Thor (vol. 3) #10 Mimir: Based on Mímir, is Odin's uncle and guardian of the well of wisdom. Mimir was beheaded during the Æsir–Vanir War and his living head was brought to Odin, who turned it into fire. In this state, Mimir was given the power of prophecy and Odin made him his advisor.Thor Annual #6 (1978) Odin: The all-father, ruler of Asgard based on the deity Odin, is Thor's father. Odin with his brothers Vili and Ve slew the frost giant Ymir, who he was descended from, and with his body created the heavens and earth. Odin and his brothers then ventured to Múspellsheimr and fought Surtur. Overwhelmed Vili and Ve sacrificed themselves to allow Odin to escape. Their deaths also granted Odin the "Odinforce".Thor #349 Tyr: God of war based on the deity Týr, son of Odin is Thor's older brother. Tyr a veteran who lost his left hand while binding the Fenris wolf was the defender of Asgard before the time of Thor. Tyr becomes resentful when Thor replaces him.Thor #312 (October 1981) Vidar: God of strength based on the deity Víðarr, is Odin's son by the jötunn, Grid. Being a half-giant, Vidar was not accepted and lived outside Asgard as a farmer.Thor Annual #11 (1984) During Ragnarök, Vidar is killed by trolls while defending his lands.Thor (vol. 2) #82 Vili and Ve are Odin's brothers, sons of Borr and Bestla. Vili also has a son, Hoder. They sacrificed themselves early in Asgard's history to allow Odin to survive and realize his dreams for Asgard.
Genealogy Thor family tree Odin has another brother, Cul, introduced in the 2011 miniseries, Fear Itself, who in the comics was erased from all known history. Odin and Frigga have two daughters; Angela, whose parentage was kept secret until the 2014 miniseries Original Sin, and Laussa, born during the 2015 series Angela: Asgard's Assassin.
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Other superheroes Thor regularly interacts with other Marvel superheroes as a member of the Avengers. A few, however, have marked a presence in the core Thor titles:
Beta Ray Bill: An alien from the Korbinite race, the warrior Bill proved worthy to lift Mjolnir. He beat Thor in a battle for the right to wield the hammer, but when he decided to let the thunder god keep it after all, he was awarded the mystical hammer Stormbreaker by Odin as a reward.Thor #337 (November 1983) Since receiving Stormbreaker, Bill has been a loyal ally of Thor and the Asgardians, especially Sif whom he has developed a particularly close relationship.Thor #359 (September 1985) Captain America: The honorary co-founder of the Avengers has developed a close bond with Thor over the years as a brother in arms. This bond was further strengthened when Captain America proved worthy to lift Mjolnir.Thor #390 (April 1988)Thor (vol. 2) #80-81 Hercules: The son of Zeus based on the hero Heracles from Greek mythology, is both the longtime friend and rival of Thor. Their friendly rivalry begins after Thor (without his powers) is beaten by Hercules but then rescues him from Hades.Thor #126-131 Hulk: A co-founder of the Avengers shares one of the most significant rivalries in the Marvel Universe with Thor. The rivalry begins after the Hulk leaves the Avengers and allies with Namor as the latter bids to rule over humanity.Journey into Mystery #112, 1965 The two's rivalry comes to a head during the events of Fear Itself, in which Thor fights Hulk, who has been turned into Nul.Fear Itself #5 (2011) Iron Man: A co-founder of the Avengers like Captain America has developed a friendship with Thor. Iron Man with Captain America even aided Asgard during Ragnarök. However this friendship was strained when Thor returns and learns that Iron Man and others used his DNA to build a clone to fight in the Civil War.Thor vol. 3, #3 Silver Surfer: A former herald of Galactus, the Silver Surfer became an ally of Thor after Loki attempted to use the Surfer as a tool to defeat his brother. Convinced Thor is evil by Loki, the Surfer is transported to Asgard and challenges Thor to a fight. However, the Surfer realizes that he has been deceived when he sees Thor's honor in battle.Silver Surfer #4 (1969) Thor Girl: An alien destined to become the Designate, a being who will help evolve sentient beings to the next level of existence becomes an ally and admirer of Thor after he helps defeat Thanos who destroyed her home world.Thor (vol. 2) #24-25 (2000) She then comes to Earth, transforms herself into an Asgardian and takes the name Thor Girl.Thor (vol. 2) #33-35 (2001) Thunderstrike: An architect by the name of Eric Masterson is initially bonded with Thor after Thor is punished for apparently killing Loki.Thor #432 (May 1991) Masterson carries the mantle of Thor for several years, continuing Thor's dual roles as a member of the Avengers and protector of Midgard. Thor is eventually freed,Thor #457 (January 1993) and in gratitude for his services, Odin provides Masterson with an enchanted mace, which he uses under the alias of Thunderstrike.Quasar #47 (June 1993) Storm: A member of the X-Men, when she along with the New Mutants were captured by Loki,Thor #352. Marvel Comics he gave her a replica of Mjolnir called Stormcaster in order to discredit Thor,Uncanny X-Men Annual #9. Marvel Comics however, this backfired.The Uncanny X-Men #200-201. Marvel ComicsX-Men: Gold (vol. 2) #33-35. Marvel Comics
Villains
Love interests Thor has had several notable romances throughout his long history:
Sif, a warrior based on the deity Sif, is one of Thor's main love interests. However, Thor's draw to Earth has been a constant distraction. Sif did for a time try to live a mortal life on Earth, but found it to be mundane and returned to Asgard. Furthermore, their relationship has suffered from numerous interruptions by other women, particularly Jane Foster, the Enchantress, and Lorelei.Thor (vol. 3) #1-12, #600-602 Jane Foster: A nurse, Foster was involved in a love triangle with Thor and Donald Blake, not knowing they were the same person. Thor eventually reveals the truth to Foster and takes her to Asgard where she is granted immortality and status as a goddess. Disapproving, Odin strips Foster of her powers and returns her to Earth without memories of Asgard, where she marries Keith Kinkaid and has a child. Much later, Donald Blake returns to Earth after emerging from the void of nonexistence and encounters Foster, who has since divorced Kinkaid. After a rocky exchange, the two agree to go on a date.Thor (vol. 3) #8,11 The Enchantress is one of Thor's most notable antagonists and lovers. Since her introduction, the Enchantress has often tried to use her magic to seduce Thor and eliminate her competition for Thor's affections. However, Thor did form a willing romance with Amora during a vulnerable state when Odin abandoned him without his powers on Earth.Thor #491-494 This relationship reached its pinnacle when Thor assumed the throne of Asgard and took the Enchantress as his bride. Amora helped Thor create a dark future in which they ruled Asgard and Earth with an iron fist and even had a child, Magni. However, this was all undone when Thor traveled back in time to prevent this future from occurring.Thor (vol. 2) #68-79 Shawna Lynde, a fellow doctor of Donald Blake's. Both had supposedly graduated from medical school together. Lynde had an open crush on Blake, but was unaware of his connection as Thor. She too was briefly caught in a love triangle between herself Blake and Sif, however she was unaware of Sif's identity and thought that she was Blake's cousin Sybil.Thor #328-329 When Donald Blake ceased to exist, Lynde had her memories of him wiped by Fandral.Thor #354 Lorelei, like her sister Amora, the Enchantress, has also used magic to gain the affections of Thor. Loki persuaded Lorelei into giving Thor an elixir that would cause him to fall in love with her. Loki hoped Lorelei could then use her influence over Thor to gain his support for Loki's bid for the throne of Asgard. However, the Enchantress jealously cast a spell of her own, which caused Lorelei to fall in love with Loki. Heimdall in turn used this to expose Thor to their plot.Thor #357-359