Why is Odin Considered Inferior to Celestials and Galactus When Thanos, with the Infinity Gauntlet, Keeps Them in the Same Tier?

The perception of Odin's power relative to Celestials and Galactus in the Marvel Comics universe is a matter of considerable discussion. This article explores the various factors that influence these perceptions, including the nature of their powers, cosmic hierarchies, narrative context, and more.

Nature of Power

Odin, as the All-Father of Asgard, possesses tremendous magical abilities, wisdom, and combat skills. His power is predominantly based on his connection to the Odinforce, which grants him formidable strength and the ability to manipulate magic to a significant extent. However, this is just one aspect of the Marvel cosmos.

Celestials: These ancient, god-like beings are responsible for significant cosmic events, such as the creation of the Eternals and Deviants. Their abilities often surpass those of individual gods, allowing them to manipulate matter on a universal scale, alter reality, and even judge entire civilizations. The sheer scale of their power is awe-inspiring, making them formidable forces in the Marvel universe.

Galactus: Known as the Devourer of Worlds, Galactus wields the Power Cosmic, an immense force that allows him to consume planets to sustain himself. His power is vast and often presented as a fundamental force of the universe, making him a significant threat to even the most powerful beings. The scale of his power and the universality of his influence place him in a different league entirely.

Cosmic Hierarchies

In many stories within the Marvel Universe, the cosmic entities like the Celestials and Galactus occupy a higher tier than most gods, including Odin. This hierarchy is often based on their roles as fundamental forces of the universe rather than localized deities. Celestials and Galactus are seen as creators and sustainers of the cosmos, while Odin is often portrayed as a more personal and protective deity.

Narrative Context

Charles Xavier's perspective with the Infinity Gauntlet is a unique case. Thanos, when wielding the Infinity Gauntlet, gains the ability to manipulate time, space, and reality to a degree that makes him almost omniscient. This can sometimes lead to a more generalized classification of these beings, making them seem more equal in his reality-altering framework. However, such views may be more reflective of Thanos's narrative needs and his ability to interact with these entities on a different level rather than an accurate representation of their actual power levels in the grand scheme.

Character Development

Odin's portrayal in Marvel's history varies widely. At times, he is depicted as incredibly powerful, while at other times, he is shown as more vulnerable or limited when compared to the cosmic entities. This inconsistency can lead to different interpretations of his place in the power hierarchy. For instance, Odin's power is significantly enhanced when he is connected to the Odinforce, but this may not be the case in every storyline.

Influence of Infinity Gauntlets

Thanos's Infinity Gauntlet is a powerful tool that grants him immense control over the cosmos. When he wields it, he can manipulate time, space, and reality, placing him on a level that allows him to interact with beings like Odin, Zeus, Galactus, and the Celestials on equal footing. This perspective, however, is more a reflection of Thanos's altered perception due to his Infinity Gauntlet rather than an objective measure of their true power levels outside of his influence.

In summary, while Odin is an incredibly powerful being, the cosmic scale of entities like the Celestials and Galactus often positions them as superior in the grand scheme of the Marvel Universe. The classification of these beings in the same tier by Thanos with the Infinity Gauntlet is more a reflection of his unique reality-altering abilities and narrative needs rather than a definitive measure of their power levels.