Hermod Odinson (Earth-616)

Hermod
Name	Hermod Odinson
Aliases	Howard "Howie" Barker, God of Speed
Affiliation and Relationships
Affiliation	Asgardians Formerly Lost Gods
Relatives	Ancestors: Buri (Tiwaz) (paternal great-grandfather) Grandparents: Bor (paternal grandfather); Bestla (paternal grandmother) Parents: Odin (father); Frigga (alleged mother, see notes) Siblings: Angela, Laussa (sisters); Balder, Tyr Odinson, Ullr, Honir (brothers); Vidar, Thor (paternal half-brothers); Loki Laufeyson (paternal adoptive brother) Other Relatives: Mimir, Njord (paternal great-uncles); Cul, Vili, Ve (paternal uncles); Hoder (paternal cousin); Large extended family via Loki and others
Marital Status	Single
Physical Characteristics
Gender	Male
Height	5′11″ (1.8 m)
Weight	415 lbs (188.24 kg)
Eyes	Irises: Blue
Hair	Brown
Origin and Living Status
Origin	Asgardian (son of Odin of the Aesir and presumably Frigga of the Vanir)
Living Status	Deceased
Reality	Earth-616
Place of Birth	Asgard
Cause of Death	Erased from existence by an Oblivion-possessed Tyr
Personal Information
Identity	No Dual
Citizenship	Asgardian
Occupation	Deity; God of Speed
Base of Operations	Asgard
Creators and Appearances
Creators	Roy Thomas, John Buscema
First	Thor #275 (June, 1978)
First	Thor #275 (June, 1978)
Death	Immortal Thor #12 (June, 2024)
Death	Immortal Thor #12 (June, 2024)

History

Young in the ranks of other Asgardian Gods, Hermod was often employed by Odin as a messenger, thanks to his speed. One mission involved traveling to Hela to learn of ways in which his brother, Balder, might be revived.

Cul's return

When Thor was imprisoned for objecting Odin's plan to raze Earth in order to defeat the Serpent, Hermod was one of the few who agreed with the Thunderer. When Loki freed Thor and met up with the Warriors Three, Sif, and himself, Hermod offered to help him escape to Midgard; however, this was discovered by Odin.

Attributes

Powers

• Asgardian Physiology: Hermod had the conventional powers of the Asgardian Gods, however, as a son of Odin some of them are more developed than the majority of his race.
  • Superhuman Speed: He can also move at incredible speeds, rivaling Hermes.

Abilities

• Allspeak: Thanks to the Allspeak he can communicate in all of the languages of the Nine Realms, Earth's dialects, and various alien languages.

Notes

• Although being usually stated to be Frigga's son, those statements were balanced by others.
  • Of note is the time when Odin cast the Asgardian people into human guises to avoid Ragnarok. Heimdall and Sif remained siblings as mortals, Volstagg and his wife remained married, but Hermod became Howie Barker, raised by his Aunt Freida (Frigga in mortal form).

See Also

• 31 appearance(s) of Hermod Odinson (Earth-616)
• 4 appearance(s) in handbook(s) of Hermod Odinson (Earth-616)
• 2 minor appearance(s) of Hermod Odinson (Earth-616)
• 5 mention(s) of Hermod Odinson (Earth-616)
• 5 mention(s) in handbook(s) of Hermod Odinson (Earth-616)
• 5 image(s) of Hermod Odinson (Earth-616)

Links and References

• Marvel Directory: Hermod
• Marvel Appendix: Hermod (Asgardian God)
• Hermod at the Guide to the Mythological Universe