In Norse mythology, Odin is the ruler of the gods of Asgard. Marvel Comics has taken some liberties with Odin that aren't found within the ream of Norse mythology itself. Marvel's version of Odin, depicted most frequently in the pages of Thor, depicts him as an extradimensional being worshiped on Earth, alongside the other "gods" of Asgard, many centuries ago. In the Marvel Universe, much of the public at large is aware of the Asgardians' existence, thanks to Thor's membership in The Avengers, but do not believe that they are the actual gods who were worshipped by the Scandinavian people.

Odin is the father of Thor with Jord (actually Gaea ), and the adoptive father of Loki. He is sometimes erroneously said to be Loki's biological father, although various comics reiterate the mytholgical position that Loki is not related to Odin or Thor by blood. Odin is ruler of the Asgardians, although he has been believed dead twice, both times in combat with Surtur ; during the first instance Heimdall and later Balder ruler Asgard, and the latter time Thor inherited Odin's full power and ruled over Asgard and, later, Earth, although this later part of Thor's lordship has been erased due to time travel. Odin is currently thought to be deceased.