When did the Asgardians Become Aliens Instead of Gods?

Defining Alien and God

Technically, the term 'alien' simply refers to something foreign and unknown to someone. It does not necessarily imply extraterrestrial beings or inhabitants of Area 51. Similarly, a god is a social construct, often worshipped by different cultures and traditions.

Therefore, any foreign entity, including Asgardians, would be classified as an alien before they are considered gods.

In-Universe and Marketing Perspective

There is also another in-universe explanation, but a crucial part of this transformation involves a strategic marketing decision. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the Asgardians are not truly gods for a reason. The blending of ancient legends with modern narratives helps accommodate a broader audience, especially avoiding potential religious sensitivities.

Religious individuals might have been offended by the portrayal of Pagan gods in the MCU, and a few vocal critics on social media could potentially generate a public backlash, negatively impacting the brand's image and revenue.

For these reasons, the Asgardians are portrayed as godlike aliens residing in nearby dimensions, protecting Earth from extraterrestrial threats such as the Celestials. This depiction aligns more with the contemporary human understanding of so-called gods and immortals.

Humans, Aliens, and Gods

Ultimately, the distinction between gods and aliens is a human construct. Words like 'alien,' 'god,' 'immortal,' and 'mortal' are merely labels within our language and culture. When humans started discovering science, this classification shifted. Previously, humans would consider Asgardians to be gods due to their advanced technologies and natural charisma.

In early MCU films, Asgardians were indeed treated as gods. However, over time, the MCU has consistently depicted humans as technologically inferior. In nearly every movie, humans perceive enemies as aliens, reflecting our current belief in the absence of gods and the prominence of different people from various places.

Thus, the transformation of Asgardians from gods to aliens is a direct reflection of human progress in perception and understanding. Humans began to view them as extraterrestrial beings rather than divine figures.

Historical and Cultural Context in Thor

The idea that Asgardians were not gods but god-like aliens was hinted at as early as the 1980 comic series "Thor" #300. In the universe, it was proposed that the Asgardians are dimension-bound entities attempting to protect Earth from cosmic threats, akin to the Celestials, who are unknowable, powerful beings from beyond the Earth’s realm.

This narrative aligns with the evolving human understanding of celestial beings and the gradual acceptance of advanced extraterrestrial life forms in popular culture. The shift in perception is a critical element in the unfolding of the MCU story, reflecting the journey of human consciousness and its openness to new ideas and realities.