#( asgard world-building . ) — to bridge and river . forest and waterfall . orchard . sea and sky .

[magnusmodig]

— The All-Fathers & . History of Asgard.

||. I'm thinking pretty long and hard about Asgard and my personal thoughts and headcanons about the culture and potential major events in Asgardian history, so I'm putting those thoughts officially together. As always, inspiration is taken from the marvel comics and norse mythology, though most are just myself filling in the blanks. All headcanons are subject to change, and shared with sister blog @mischiefmodig !

This is what my Thor will refer to as his planet and family's history when in conversations with other aliens, and with other MCU muses.

NOTE: If you are a duplicate Thor or Loki, please do not claim any idea written here as your own if it is not derived explicitly from canon. (Inspiration is fine but please link back to this post at least!) If you are an Asgardian character, yes, you can reference this timeline of events and broad strokes of history in your threads with me or mischiefmodig. Please do not reference this as canon.

Glossary:

Asgardian - A space-faring warrior race that hail from the dimension-planet Asgard, and the ruling populace of the Nine Realms.

Aesir - A sub-species of the Asgardian race uniquely limited to the royal family line, whose progenitor is Buri, the first King of Asgard, and All-Father of the Nine Realms.

Vanir - A sister race to the Asgardians who live in the realm of Vanaheim. The leader of the chief clan of the Vanir is Njörðr, the father of Frigga.

Magic - Synonymous with the scientific study of the natural world, and/or the highly advanced usage of science, including properties and theories. Includes both Sorcery and Dark Magic.

Sorcery - A branch of 'magic' that focuses solely on the natural world. Sorcery aims to utilize the natural elements and work within the limitations of the order of the universe. (e.g., you cannot use sorcery to raise the dead.) Can be taught.

Dark Magic - A branch of magic that aims to bend elements of the natural world to the user's will. This often results in a distortion of natural elements and overextending the limitations of the universe. (e.g., you can use dark magic to raise the dead.) Can be taught.

All-Force - The name of the cosmic, natural-born magic specific to the Aesir line. Each known Aesir has an affinity for a niche of magic that is personalized and specific to the user. Overuse of the All-Force demands a period of hibernation from its user called the All-Sleep. (This power may sometimes colloquially referred to by Asgardians with the naming convention of the current monarch. e.g., the Odin-Sleep, the Odin-Force.) Cannot be taught. (but can be briefly enchanted.)

A Foreword: Asgardians and the Sister Race.

A foreword: The race now known as 'Asgardian' and the race known as 'Vanir' once originated from the same planet. The race's original name has been lost to time.

The Vanir are virtually the same as Asgardians almost every way save for cultural and magical differences.

Due to the discrepency of space-time dilation and the differences between the planets (and galaxies of) Vanaheim and Asgard, there are technically also aging differences, but this is negated if a Vanir lives on Asgard. (Due to this discrepancy, Asgardians are, ironically, closer to the original species than the Vanir.)

The Vanir are more nomadic, have deep ties to sorcery (witches (aka seiðr), fates, etc.) and do not often dabble in technological advancement. This is especially true of and most strictly upheld towards Dark Magic.

"Witches" are commonly known as Völva/Vǫlva (f) and Seer (m) respectively and are great sorcerers, healers, and prophets of the Vanir clans. They are figures of great importance, and can be (but are not always) the leaders of the Vanir.

All-Father Buri and the Origins of Asgard.

Buri is born with exceptional power, and is the first Aesir known to history.

As a result of his leadership, strength and magical power, Buri gains a following and becomes leader of his people's clans.

Buri gifts Heimdall's ancestor with the gift of the All-Sight, which allows him to see across the many realms and keep watch for any threats to their people and their territories. This Ancestor was Buri's right hand man.

After a period of darkness and war, Buri defends his people and planet amidst a long standing feud with Ymir, the first King of Jotunheim. This would later be known as The Battle of the Gods during The Celestial Wars.

The Hidden Stronghold is built in defense of Asgard during The Celestial Wars.

After defeating the Frost Giants and assuming supremacy under his command, Buri begins the conquest of what would one day become the official territories of the Nine Realms. He establishes sovereignty over Midgard, Nidavellir, Vanaheim, and Jotunheim.

Buri uses the All-Force to manipulate light and the force of black holes, Buri creates a hidden pocket dimension out of Ginnungagap - a great chasm of deep space. Within that pocket dimension, Buri fortifies their home planet for all those who follow him to reside on. This planet, connected to Vanaheim and the rest of the conquered realms, becomes Asgard: the realm eternal, and the heart of the Nine Realms.

With Asgard in an unreachable position, Surtur gains strength enough to pose a threat to Vanaheim, Nidavellir, and the rest of the galaxy.

In an effort to establish a unified offensive, Asgard becomes allies with Alfheim and Svartalfheim, and is able to navigate a tenuous peace between the two elf realms, with Asgard acting as the two territories' supreme authority.

Buri discovers the various Waters of Sights, which are strictly guarded by the Rock Trolls who live in Nornheim/Urðarbrunnr.

After a five-year conflict known as the Troll Wars, Buri successfully establishes peace, and a reach in Nornheim.

Using the guidance of the Nornns, and the allegiance of the other realms, Muspelheim is conquered under Asgardian rule.

Those who would later become the Vanir distinguish themselves from Asgard by keeping strictly to Forn Siðr (the ancient ways). They are nonetheless in full alignment with their sister realm. (Eventually, the Vanir lose touch with most of their previous dwelling places, cities, temples, and some magics, becoming a nomadic, sorcery seeking race instead.)

Asgard and the Infinity Stones.

After establishing the Nine Realms and securing Asgard's position of power, Buri discovers and seeks out the Infinity Stones. This puts Buri in the same path as the Dark Elves of Svartalfheim, although the Dark Elves intentions with the Aether were unknown.

Borr, the first Prince of Asgard, is born.

Borr manifests the power of the great earth. (What is essentially earth-bending. His talents specifically create what is later known to be Gundershelm and the Glade of Crystals, as well as the nurturing the ash tree seen in the Hall of Knowledge, which was originally planted by Buri. The concept for the shield around the palace of Valaskaljalf is visually modeled after his power.)

Buri commissions the original draft of what would later be known as the Infinity Gauntlet from the Dwarves, although it goes mostly unused. A mock of the gauntlet is not forced until early into Borr's reign.

Malekith of the Dark Elves comes into power.

Buri hunts down and aims to retrieve various Infinity Stones. Notably: Space, Mind. He dies during battle while in pursuit and successful acquiring of the Space Stone.

Borr becomes the second King of Asgard, and All-Father of the Nine Realms. He continues the pursuit of the Infinity Stones in ode to his father's legacy, and is known as the Architect of Asgard.

Reign of All-Father Borr &. the Convergence.

Borr marries the sorceress Bestla.

Odin, the second Prince of Asgard is born.

Odin manifests powers of enchantments, specifically in the way of runes.

Various infinity stones are found, documented and studied, and lost again throughout this time by Borr and his followers.

During the pursuit of the Infinity Stones, Asgard instates itself as a peacekeeper of not only the Nine Realms, but beyond its intergalactic borders. It is a known and prominent power in what would later become Omnipotence City.

The Dark Elves begin to utilize the Reality Stone (whether they have always harbored it or recently reacquired it is unknown.)

The Dark Elf leader, Malekith, utilizes the Reality Stone - known as the Aether - to enact a war upon the realms in the hopes of extinguishing life across the universe to create a new world. This is known colloquially as The First Dark Elf Conflict.

Asgard engages with Svartalfheim in a series of long wars called the Aeon Wars.

Eventually, at the height of the Convergence (2988 B.C.) the Dark Elf Conflict of the Aeon Wars leads to the (near) complete destruction of the Dark Elves, and the extinction of all life on Svartalfheim (presumably caused by the Aether).

The Aether, under Asgardian protection, is locked and hidden away deep inside of Midgard under the express instruction of All-Father Borr.

Asgard experiences a cultural shift away from collecting the Stones. Instead, Asgardian sorcerers, scientists, researchers and historians pivot towards studying, preserving the history of, and ultimately separating the stones whilst keeping them all under Asgardian protection and/or supervision.

The Space Stone remains in the Asgardian vault, where it is under strict Valkyrie and Einherjar protection.

The construction of the Himinbjorg (the Bifrost bridge and observatory) begins to ensure safer and efficient travel between realms.

Heimdall is born.

Borr is grievously wounded in battle and dies of his wounds.

Odin prematurely assumes the throne as the third King of Asgard and All-Father of the Nine Realms.

Reign of Odin All-Father, and the Executioner of Worlds.

Heimdall is instated as the gatekeeper of Himingbjorg after full construction of the Bifrost is completed. With the Bifrost, Dark Magic is no longer necessary to travel in and outside of Asgard to the other realms.

Odin establishes a strict regime in which he suppresses various intergalactic conflict with races such as the Kree.

Omnipotence City is established as a gateway between all galactic powers, which Odin supports. Most notable are the Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Norse Pantheons, all of which dispute over a claim to planet Earth..

Odin and an unknown beau sire the first Princess of Asgard, Hela.

Hela shows exceptional talent with sorcery, similarly to her father. Odin pursues all knowledge, and encourages Hela's pursuit of all magic.

Hela uses her magic to create the Berserkers through the Berserker Staffs. Odin is is unaware of Hela's growing exploitation of Dark Magic.

Hela is named Crown Princess and Executioner to Odin All-Father.

Odin and Hela utilize their combined strengths to subjugate various skirmishes and oppositions in outskirt territories of the realms.

Asgardian territories expand to include extraneous planets such as planet Ria.

During a visit to Vanaheim in search of greater magical power, Odin meets Frigga, the daughter of the Vanir Seer, and falls in love with her during the beginning threshold of The Great Wars.

Various outside threats constitute in unrest throughout the realms. In secret, Hela begins her exploitation of Dark Magic to create a legion of Draugr, bastardizing the final resting places of Asgardian Einherjar.

Odin marries Frigga Njörðrdottir during a brief tide of peace.

Under the suggestion and guidance of Queen Frigga, Odin begins to pursue peace and diplomacy to end the Great Wars.

Hela successfully uses the Eternal Flames to raise her Draugr, and reveals her success to her father. With even greater power to fuel the mastery of Dark Magic that she possesses, Hela bids to utilize the Berserkers and the Draugr against King Laufey, when Jotunheim begins to seize more control. Odin forbids this process and condemns the bastardization of death. Hela refuses to engage with a diplomatic outcome.

When Hela threatens to seek the Infinity Stones (specifically: the Power Stone) as a fuel to her Draugr, Odin sends the Valkyrie are sent to stop her. All Valkyrie (save one) are slaughtered by Hela.

Odin is forced to use his runes, sorcery, (and possibly the Space Stone) to banish Hela to the Cave of Ages deep within Helheim/Niflheim.

Thor, the third prince of Asgard, is born.

Odin seals the Space Stone in Norway, under the protection of the norsemen.

The Frost Giants attempt to invade Midgard in a war of conquest and in pursuit of the Space Stone. Odin drives them back to Jotunheim with the Einherjar and Berserkers.

The last Great War continues until Odin breaks through Jotunheim defenses and finally defeats King Laufey. He loses an eye, the Casket of Eternal Winters is taken from the Frost Giants. Prince Loki is saved by Odin, who returns to Asgard.

Loki is announced as the second-born son of Odin All-Father.

Odin ushers in 1,000 years of peace across the Nine Realms.

[magnusmodig]

— on the nine realms ; a general study of asgard .

aka vi's world-building reference .

The following details are what I consider to be canon for the Nine Realms. This is primarily based on what we know from the MCU, some minor spinoffs (the thor video game comes to mind), concept art + screenplays and some inspirations pulled from the marvel comics (no particular runs just in general)

It's what I'll be referencing when Thor speaks of the Nine Realms, specific planets within them, and Asgard.

THE NINE REALMS (general.)

The following are all the known realms under Asgardian Protection (pulled from the MCU.) Technically there are 10 realms but only 9 if you don't count Asgard.

Asgard || A flat planet also known as 'the realm eternal' . Home of the Asgardians . Asgard resides in its own pocket dimension in deep space and can only be accessed by wormholes. The center of Yggdrasil .

Vanaheim || Sister planet to Asgard . Where the Vanir (sister species) live . Also where skraelings, some breeds of trolls, and mire giants live . (hc : frigga's homeland.) Where hogun is from.

Alfheim || Home of the Light Elves . Highly magically inclined . To the north live the Falligrians and Falligar the Behemoth .

Svartalflheim/Harudheen || Home of the Dark Elves . Once prosperous, Svartalfheim and its surrounding planets have been completely corrupted by Dark Matter . The Dark Elves (and all other life) are now extinct, with a barren land destroyed by war and the Aether (reality stone) .

Muspelheim || Realm of fire. Where Surtur lives. Various Infernir live here . (Infernir also known as Fire Demons and Fire Giants.) Home to The Infernal Forge and a material called "Scabrite" . Scabrite makes up all Muspelheim's armor and weapons . It can absorb incredible amounts of heat .

Niflheim || A realm of the mists and cold . Helheim exists within the depths of Niflheim . Notoriously, Niflheim's legends say that the spirits of the dishonorable dead and the damned travel the dense fogs there . Hela was banished to Helheim, sealed in the Cave of Ages .

Jotunheim || Realm of the Frost Giants and eternal ice and snow . Led by King Laufey . A portion of Jotunheim was destroyed by Loki during the events of "Thor" (2011) .

Nidavellir || A small planet built around a neutron star . Where King Eitri and the dwarves live. The birthplace of urdu metal and its enchanted objects and weapons, including the Infinity Gauntlet, Gungnir, Mjolnir and Stormbreaker .

Midgard || A realm surrounded by its own solar system with 8 other planets. The main inhabitants of Midgard reside on Earth . Home of the Avengers and Jane Foster. A known host of a wellspring of the 'water of sights' that is connected to the Nornns.

Nornheim/Urðarbrunnr || Presumably: a realm connected to the nornns/water of sights, that is inhabited by other beings beyond the nornns , such as rock trolls. (it's implied the nornns themselves are kept to the waters and are semi-supernatural beings.) Filled with forests , swamps , and large mountains .

ASGARD (overview.)

A flat planet with a top side and a bottom side. Topside features various biomes including but not limited to: forests, mountains and cliffs, deep mines and cave systems, jungles, beaches, and small deserts. The bottom plane of Asgard is host to large crystal structures. (hc: mined and utilized as energy sources and magic storage for spells, weapons, and various other mechanisms throughout Asgard.)

Has day and night cycles, an atmosphere, and various weather patterns. Yearly consists of two (and a half) seasons. Its primary two are summer and spring. (Summer has warm days and evenings/nights that result in easily-melting flingsnö , or a light and powdery falling snow.) Spring (Asgard's longest season), is most hallmarked by its near-perpetual twilight hours. Asgard also exhibits some signs of the beginning of fall, which presumably a farmer's season of rest, but Asgard itself does not experience cold snaps or winters.

Asgard boasts a vast series of waterfalls, rivers, and fjords, though all ultimately lead to, and end in, the Sea of Space. The central city is built around and above these waterways.

The Bifrost spans from the Palace of Valskjalf to Himinbjorg, the Bifrost's observatory. This bridge spans the broad length of the Sea of Space, and reveals the cosmos of space the farther out towards the observatory one travels.

Asgard has 1 sun (that orbits around Asgard perpendicularly), 2 (stationary) moons that can be seen during the day.

Asgard's main colors are red and gold. Its main symbol is the celtic triquetra (sometimes also referred to as the trinity knot.)

Asgard uses all forms of viking art styles, but its main three consist of: Jellinge Style, Mammen Style, and especially Urnes Style .

ASGARD (places.)

Locations in Asgard (based on the 1960s comics - present comics. Not comic or mcu accurate obvsly but i'm taking liberties and referencing what I can within reason.)

Valaskjalf - (hc'd) name of the city of Asgard. It houses the Royal Palace of Valaskjalf where Thor + co live. The palace gardens are run by the Queen of Asgard (currently: Frigga) and are called Fólkvangr. Within the great city of Valaskjalf is the Hall of Science, within which is a great ash tree representing Yggdrasil, and acting as an observatory of the Nine Realms.

Himinbjorg - Heimdall's observatory, which can only work upon use of Hofund, an uru-made sword wielded by Heimdall.

The Sea of Space - the name of the sea that stretches from the Asgardian fjords and out into the void of space (also synonymous with "the void of Yggdrasil".)

Gundershelm - the mining region of Asgard. From here can be found the descent into the crystal caves beneath Asgard, known as the Glade of Crystals. A series of waterfalls and great fjord surrounds this place. The crystals begin to form even outside of the mouth of the mining caves descending down. Hence the name 'glade' of crystals, as the fjord looks something like an open patch in a field of snow from above and afar. Therein also lies the Amethyst Cavern and Boulder Road (which is said to span all the way past Varinheim into Skornheim. The trek can be dangerous due to how long it is, and its intense heat.) One of the more popular mines, the "Mines of Andvari" also is here in Gundershelm.

Varinheim - the mountainous area of Asgard, where the asgardian wolves dwell, amongst other hazardous beasts. Varinheim is where the Trials of Virtue (an Asgardian 'coming of age' trial) is held. It is often filled with mists from the snowy peaks far overhead, and the more uncommonly traveled lands are referred to by commoners as the 'land of the lost'. Hreidmar's Hol is deep within the land of the lost, which is a mysterious valley Asgardians dare not pass into for long. Here there is a strange old man called Hardol who is an ancient healer.

Ringsfjord - a merchant town nestled in one of Valakjalf's fjords. It's a place where the finest smithies and weapons makers make their shops, as well as magical enchanters. Legends have it that four enchanter brothers named Brona, Enrakt, Forsung and Magnir lived in Ringsjford, and that Brona was one of the first Asgardians to discover the rifts between realms. (One of which was named 'Brona's Barrier'.) But Brona's discoveries had long since been lost to time, especially after the creation of the Bifrost (until Loki, an equally adept sorcerer, was able to rediscover the passageways between realms for himself). Their forge is called "Forge of the Sons of Ivaldi" and boasts some of the finest asgardian-made weapons in the city.

Skornheim - another old and magic-rife land that's filled to the brim with danger. Including but not limited to; dense swamp-woods, quicksand, spiny plants (called 'nightmare plants'). The most important point of interest here is Skornheim's Stronghold which is a surviving ruin from the first battles against Surtur.

Gymirsgard - west of Skornheim. To reach Gymirsgard, one would have to traverse through the dense forest/swamps and brave the threat of unusually large water-dragons the likes of the fabled Jormangundir.