Why Asgardians Forget Odin’s Warmongering Past in the MCU

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the perception of Odin as a warmonger is largely shaped by his own actions and the narrative established in the films. Here are a few reasons why Asgardians may not remember Odin that way:

Reputation and Legacy

Odin is portrayed as a revered king who brought peace to the Nine Realms after a long history of conflict. His later actions and the legacy he built as a ruler of Asgard overshadow his past as a conqueror. This legacy is a significant factor in why the Asgardians might not remember Odin’s warmongering past.

Selective Memory

The Asgardians may have a collective memory that emphasizes Odin’s achievements rather than his past as a conqueror. This can be attributed to a combination of cultural storytelling and the desire to focus on a more heroic narrative. The emphasis on Odin’s later actions and his peaceful reign helps to overshadow his more violent past.

Odin’s Transformation

As depicted in the MCU, Odin may have undergone a transformation in his later years. This transformation could include a shift in his priorities and his methods of governance, leading to a more peaceful and benevolent leadership style. This change in character helps to shape a more positive perception among the Asgardians.

Manipulation of History

It’s possible that Odin himself manipulated the historical narrative to present himself in a more favorable light. As a powerful figure, he could have influenced how history was recorded and remembered in Asgard. By controlling the narrative, Odin ensured that future generations revered him as a just and benevolent ruler rather than a warmonger.

Focus on Threats

The focus of Asgardians may have shifted to external threats such as Loki, Hela, and other enemies. This constant attention to potential dangers might have led them to overlook or forget Odin's more violent past. The MCU often highlights Asgard's vigilance against these threats, which diverts attention from the past behavior of Odin.

The Role of Magic

Although Asgard is an extremely scientifically advanced civilization, they do use magic as well. Odin, as the All-Father, could have cast a spell powerful enough to erase Hela and his past of conquest and cruelty. This magical manipulation could have contributed to the Asgardians' forgetfulness about Odin’s warmongering past.

Furthermore, the idea that the winners write the histories and dictate what’s taught to schoolchildren adds another layer to this. Odin, being really really old, would have had a significant influence on the historical records. His age and the few remaining Asgardians who remember the old days could be retired and focused on their peace, rather than shouting about past wars.

These elements combine to create a complex view of Odin where his past as a warmonger is overshadowed by his later actions and the legacy he built as a ruler of Asgard. While the MCU does not explicitly show Odin at his full might, the possibility of him using a spell to erase certain memories is certainly not far-fetched.

Conclusion

The reasons for Asgardians forgetting Odin’s warmongering past are multifaceted. Cultural storytelling, selective memory, and even magical manipulation all play a role in shaping the narrative. The ongoing focus on external threats further blurs the lines of the past, leading to a more heroic and benevolent portrayal of Odin in the MCU.

Keywords: Odin, Asgard, Marvel Cinematic Universe