Why Odin Didn't Pursue Thanos in His Younger Years: A Closer Look

Odin, the All-Father of Asgard and a powerful figure from the Marvel Universe, may have had the opportunity to confront Thanos in his younger years. But why didn't he do so? This article explores the possibility and provides an in-depth analysis based on the lore of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Odin and the Nine Realms

Long before the events of the films, Odin and his sister Hela conquered the Nine Realms and established peace. Given that Odin's rule was characterized by an age of peace and that he had traversed the universe during his younger days, it is plausible that he encountered Thanos in his quest for the Infinity Stones.

The Legend of the Tesseract

Odin had a deep understanding of the Infinity Stones, having kept the Tesseract—the Space Stone—in his vault for thousands of years. He eventually hid it on Earth, entrusting it to a village in Tnsberg, Norway. This action suggests that Odin had prior knowledge of the Infinity Stones and their potential for catastrophic damage. Here's a quote from The Watcher:

In your universe Odin entrusted the Tesseract to a village on Earth after achieving an age of peace.

Additionally, it is notable that once Thor returned Loki and the Tesseract to Asgard, Odin placed it in his Vault. This further supports the idea of Odin's interest in the Infinity Stones and his efforts to secure them.

The All-Father's Quest

Odin may have sought out all the Infinity Stones and managed to obtain some of them. However, he likely stopped short of collecting the Soul Stone due to the dire necessities of its acquisition. As the Soul Stone demands a significant sacrifice, even a more belligerent Odin might have been unwilling to make such a sacrifice. If Odin collected any of the Stones, he probably encountered Thanos or learned about his quest.

Odin commissioned Eitri, a renowned Dwarven craftsman, to create a fake Infinity Gauntlet for him. This indicates that Odin had knowledge of the power and dangers of the Stones. The fact that Thanos attacked Nidavellir, one of the Nine Realms, only after Odin was incapacitated or lost on Earth due to Loki suggests that Thanos was shrewd and knew when opportunity knocked.

Einherjar: Odin's Champion

Odin's army, the Einherjar, consisted of the bravest warriors from Asgard. They would have been formidable opponents for any force, including Thanos's. Together, Odin, Hela, and the Einherjar would have posed a significant threat to Thanos. Hela's presence, in particular, would have added an extra layer of danger to any conflict.

Thanos's Rise and Odin's Response

After Hela was trapped in Hel, Thanos gained his reputation as an intergalactic warlord, conquering world after world with the help of the Chitauri, Sakaarans, and the Outriders. Despite Odin's apparent strength, he may not have seen Thanos as a direct threat to Asgard or the Nine Realms during his early years of reigning. Additionally, Odin's focus during his age of war and conquest with Hela by his side suggested a different priority at the time.

It's also worth noting that Thanos did not dare attack Asgard until both Odin and Hela were dead. This action demonstrates his respect and fear for Odin and the strength of his armies. Given these events, it's highly likely that Odin had multiple chances to face Thanos, but chose not to due to the potential consequences.

In conclusion, while Odin may have encountered Thanos in his quest for the Infinity Stones, he chose not to pursue him during his younger years, possibly due to the immense risks involved or the fact that Thanos did not pose an immediate threat to Asgard.

So, while in theory Odin could have confronted Thanos, his decision not to do so was likely a strategic choice aimed at maintaining peace and protecting his realm.

Related Topics: Odin, Thanos, Infinity Stones