Throughout the stories published in Marvel Comics since his first appearance in Journey into Mystery #83 (Aug. 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".

List of Thor (Marvel Comics) supporting characters

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. Balder; 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. Balder assumes the throne of Asgard when Thor is exiled. Bestla; a Jötunn based on Bestla, is married to Borr, mother of Odin and grandmother of Thor. Bor; Odin's father based on the deity Borr, was turned into snow by a powerful sorcerer (revealed to be Loki) during a war with the frost giants. Loki later revived Borr in New York City, confused and enraged Borr attacked Thor. Thor subsequently killed him, not knowing it was his grandfather and as a result is banished from Asgard. Buri; Odin's grandfather based on the deity Búri, was the first of the gods. Buri came into being when he was licked out of the ice that was Ymir's body by Auðumbla. Cul; god of fear, he's the brother of Odin and uncle of Thor. He is supervillain who had clashed with various Asgardians and other Heroes. Frigga; 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. 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; 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. Odin kept the true identity of his mother hidden from Thor. However this was later revealed to Thor when Gaea pleads with Arishem the Judge to spare his life and heals his wounds from the preceding battle. 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. 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. It is later revealed that Loki himself was the one that set these events into motion. Loki eventually brings ragnarök to Asgard when he steals the forge that created Mjolnir and revives the demon Surtur, who forges new uru hammers for Loki and his allies. After Thor recreates Asgard in Oklahoma, Loki manipulates Thor into restoring him as well. 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. Odin sacrificed his right eye to Mimir's well for the wisdom to forestall ragnarök. Later Thor sacrifices both his eyes for insight on how to end the ragnarök cycle. 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.

List of Thor (Marvel Comics) supporting characters