Why Marvel Changed Hela in Thor: Ragnarok - A Dive Into Norse Mythology and Terminology

When Marvel decided to make Hela the daughter of Odin and Frigga in the Thor: Ragnarok movie, many fans were left questioning the authenticity of Norse mythology. This article delves into the reasons behind this change and explores the broader context of Norse mythology in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Contextual Setting of Norse Mythology

Norse mythology is a rich tapestry of gods, goddesses, and legendary figures. In the original myths, Hela is indeed the daughter of Loki, the trickster god. However, for the purposes of Thor: Ragnarok, Marvel made a significant adjustment to this narrative.

Reasons for the Change

The decision to have Hela be Odin’s daughter rather than Loki’s was multifaceted. Firstly, it simplefied the plot and narrative flow. If Hela was Loki’s daughter, it would have been awkward to explain her lineage, especially since Loki has a complex history within the MCU.

Another significant reason was the shifting focus of the story. Thor: Ragnarok was primarily about Thor’s personal growth and the destruction of Asgard. By making Hela Odin’s daughter, the spotlight would naturally fall on Thor, his family, and their epic battle against Hela.

Motivations Behind the Change in the MCU

The MCU is not a direct translation of the pages of Marvel comics; it is a separate narrative that operates under different rules and constraints. The MCU’s storytelling often takes liberties with Norse mythology to fit the narrative needs of its films.

In Thor: Ragnarok, the cast and crew of the MCU had the freedom to re-imagine characters and their origins to create a more coherent and entertaining storyline. This flexibility is a hallmark of the MCU and is extended to other mediums such as games and TV shows.

For example, in the comics, Loki is not just Odin’s adopted son but also his oath-brother. However, in the MCU, the character of Loki is portrayed differently, which allows for more creative storytelling and diverse character development.

Consequences and Fan Reactions

Fans of Norse mythology and the original comics were initially taken aback by this change. The MCU often takes creative liberties with its source material, which can sometimes lead to frustration among purists.

However, understanding that the MCU operates in a multiverse where inconsistencies can be attributed to different timelines and alternate realities, fans can appreciate the narrative choices made by the MCU team.

Exploring the MCU Multiverse

The MCU is not just a single, consistent reality but a collection of connected but separate worlds. Each earth or timeline within the MCU has its own unique history and storyline. For instance, the Earth-199999 universe, where Thor: Ragnarok is set, is significantly different from the Earth-616 comics universe.

This allows the creators to experiment with character origins, plotlines, and even change entire mythologies to serve the narrative. The freedom to re-write and reinterpret is a major advantage for the MCU, but it also requires fans to approach the films with an open mind and an understanding of this multiverse concept.

Conclusion

The decision to make Hela Odin’s daughter in Thor: Ragnarok is a perfect example of how the MCU creates a new and engaging version of Norse mythology. While this change may upset some fans who adhere strictly to the original myths, it is a necessary step to make the MCU narrative coherent and entertaining for its audience.

Related Articles and Further Reading

Thor #27 (2017) - A look at the original canonical source material for Hela. Thor: Ragnarok (2017) - The official comic series based on the movie, which explores the origins and story of Hela. Norse Mythology in the MCU: Comics Plus Movies - A deep dive into Norse mythology and its representation in both the comics and the MCU.