Asgardian power is celebrated at GOMA

Sat 26 Aug 2017

Inspired by Norse mythology, Asgard is home to a proud intergalactic warrior race, first seen in Thor 2011 and later in Thor: The Dark World 2013. The Asgardians have been responsible for keeping the peace across the interconnected realms scattered throughout the stars, known as the Nine Realms. Ruled by Odin, King of Asgard, the realm of Asgard was home to Queen Frigga and sons Thor and Loki, until dynastic rivalry saw the family torn apart and Loki’s animosity spill across the universe, wreaking havoc on Earth.

The ‘Asgard: Protector of the Nine Realms’ room in Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe’ celebrates the heart of Asgardian power – the Throne Room of Asgard. It features major set pieces from the forthcoming Thor: Ragnarok 2017, and costumes and weaponry from Thor: The Dark World 2013.

The Nine Realms refers to a group of planets, cosmically distant from each other yet connected by the branches of Yggdrasil, the metaphysical ‘world tree’. At the head of tree is Asgard, ruled by a god-like people, including Odin and Thor, who aim to protect the other realms and the universe from evil forces. Other realms include Jotunheim, land of the Frost Giants; Svartalfheim and its Dark Elves; Midgard – the Asgardian name for Earth; and Niflheim, the location of Hel, where the dead of the Nine Realms dwell.

Asgardian throne room

Asgardian life

Situated on opposite sides of the throne are two significant elements of Asgardian life – its history as detailed in the Book of Yggdrasil, depicting The Birth of the Nine Realms; and The Observatory, a gateway between Asgard and the rest of the universe. Gatekeeper of Asgard, Heimdall’s costume, sword and dais are also on display.

Heimdall, a loyal, all-seeing and all-hearing Asgardian, is the Watcher of Worlds. His never-ending vigil over the Nine Realms sees him posted at an observatory at the entrance to the Bifrost Bridge, which is an Einstein-Rosen bridge, or wormhole, that connects Asgard to the other realms, including Earth. His sword, called Hofund, is the key to opening the Bridge.

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‘Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe’ has been organised by QAGOMA in collaboration with Marvel Entertainment. Experience ‘Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe’ only showing at GOMA in Brisbane until 3 September 2017.

Amanda Slack-Smith is exhibition curator ‘Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe’ and Associate Curator, Australian Cinémathèque, QAGOMA