Tyr (Marvel Comics)

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Tyr
Cover of The Mighty Thor -312.jpg
Thor fighting Tyr on the cover of The Mighty Thor vol. 1, #312 (October 1981). Art by Keith Pollard.
Publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
First appearance Journey into Mystery #85 (Oct 1962)
Created by Stan Lee (Writer)
Larry Lieber
Jack Kirby (Artist)
In-story information
Species Asgardian
Place of origin Asgard
Abilities
  • Superhuman strength, endurance, and longevity
  • Ability to summon the Soul of the God of War

Tyr is a character in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #85 (October 1962). [1] Tyr is Thor's brother and the eldest son of Odin. As the Asgardian God of War, he is known for his courage, strategic skill, and fierce temperament. [2] Although he has at times rebelled against Odin, Tyr remains loyal to Asgard in moments of crisis and has fought alongside Thor when the realm required defending. In one storyline, he joins Thor on a mission into Hel in an effort to redeem himself. [3]

Contents

The character made his live-action debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Thor: The Dark World (2013), portrayed by Clive Russell.

Publication history

Tyr debuted in Journey into Mystery #85 (October 1962), [4] created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby. He subsequently appeared in several Marvel series, including Thor (2018), [5] The Sword of Surtur (2021), [6] Jane Foster & the Mighty Thor (2022), [7] and Immortal Thor (2023). [8]

Fictional character biography

Tyr is the Asgardian god of war. Tyr was renowned throughout Asgard as being the only god brave enough to place his hand in the mouth of the wolf-god Fenris during the latter's binding which Fenris would not allow unless a god placed his hand in his mouth; his left hand is missing as a result, having been bitten off by Fenris, and is now usually covered by a metal cup. He has fought in the defense of Asgard numerous times. [9] He has several times rebelled against Odin due to his love of battle,[ volume & issue needed ] and fought Thor due to resentment of Thor's relationship with Sif,[ volume & issue needed ] and the fact Thor usurped his role as Asgard's greatest warrior. Once he was nearly exiled for this, but Thor pleaded for mercy.[ volume & issue needed ]

At a time before the loss of his hand Tyr is one of the executioners chosen to slay Balder for the crime of ignoring his comrades on the battlefield. Tyr fires an arrow, which is snatched away by an eagle. [10]

Tyr battled with Asgardian forces against a false Ragnarok which Odin had engineered to delay the real Ragnarok. [11] He later lost a friendly wager to Thor over whether his strength had declined after battling the Celestials. [12] Tyr later allied with Loki against Odin, and captured the goddess Idunn and her Golden Apples of Immortality, without which the gods would grow old and die. He unleashed the Midgard Serpent on Earth when it had been strengthened by the Apples, and it is used as a bridge by their army to attack Asgard. With the enemies of Asgard, he followed Odin and the other gods to Earth, where he was betrayed by Loki and defeated by Odin. [13] Alongside Beta Ray Bill, the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and the Asgardian forces, Tyr battled Surtur's demons on Earth. Tyr then returned to Asgard. [14] Later, in a battle, Thor references Tyr's ancient homeland and wise 'Hymir', who is often thought of as Tyr's father. [15] Tyr answers the call to the defense of Asgard when it is threatened by the Egyptian death-god Seth.[ volume & issue needed ]

Tyr is part of a small group of Asgardian warriors who petition Odin for the lives of the Warriors Three and their guardsman ally. Odin, influenced by an outside force, angrily dismisses Tyr's groups and declares the Warriors and the guardsman will die for being traitors to Asgard. [16]

During the events of Ragnarok, Tyr fought alongside Beta Ray Bill and the armies of Asgard against Surtur, the Fire Demons, trolls and giants, and was killed in battle. [17]

Asgard's return involves a brief stay in the country of Latveria, where its ruler, Doctor Doom murders several Asgardians. Tyr is part of the force leading an attack on Doom's fortress. [18]

During the Siege of Asgard, Tyr was present with the Asgardians when news of Volstagg turning himself over to the Broxton authorities reaches Asgard. [19] He assumes command of the Asgardian forces when Balder takes leave. Tyr suffers a personal crisis when it is predicted he will fall in battle. After he sees those who have he rallies himself to return to the front lines where he is seriously wounded by The Hood's Norn stones. [20] Tyr takes control of the spirits of the fallen Asgardians and they pray for someone to lead them to the afterlife. This prayer is answered in the form of Danielle Moonstar, who has regained her old role as a Valkyrie. On her heels come 'Disir', predatory Valkryies from ancient times, who try to feast on the souls of the fallen. Danielle and Tyr fight off the creatures but lose three Asgardians to oblivion. Tyr reassures Danielle she fought well regardless. The "survivors" are led to an afterlife while Tyr stands behind. Danielle tells him he is not really dead, but close to it. [21]

Tyr is later seen, alive and well, investigating the theft of the Golden Apples of Idunn. Said apples help support the long lives and vitality of his fellow gods. Tyr is tricked into thinking the perpetrator is the heroic Amadeus Cho. The real perpetrator is Agamemnon, a former Asgardian who has gone mad with power and the sheer number of years he has lived. [22] When an invading army from beyond the universe threatens all the nine realms, Tyr and Balder volunteer to strike directly at the enemy. They suffer in their battle but the army is soon forced back with the assistance of Odin. [23]

Tyr becomes the commander of Hela's underworld forces. The two share an attraction they try to deny.[ volume & issue needed ] [24]

When Angela leads a rebellion against Hela, Tyr leads Skurge and Balder to oppose her. During the fight he admits he loves only Hela. [25]

Tyr later assists a group of Asgardians, some dead, some alive, in fighting an invasion of Hel itself. He ends up drawn into the realm of Valhalla, not as a feasting warrior, but as a kitchen worker. [26]

Powers and abilities

Tyr possesses the typical attributes of an Asgardian god, including superhuman strength, stamina, and resistance to injury. Like other Asgardians, he has an extended lifespan and is immune to terrestrial diseases. The loss of his left hand has limited his ability to lift extremely heavy weights, but does not otherwise affect his durability. As the Asgardian God of War, Tyr is a highly skilled combatant. He is proficient in all forms of Asgardian weaponry and is considered one of Asgard’s most accomplished battlefield strategists. While he can heal from most injuries at an accelerated rate, he is unable to regenerate his missing hand. It has not been established whether he possesses any mystical abilities. [27]

In other media

References

  1. Jalali, Jessica (June 13, 2023). "10 Most Powerful Thor Siblings in Official Marvel Lore (Ranked)". Screen Rant . Retrieved December 12, 2025.
  2. Ceco, Andrew (June 18, 2020). "Thor and the Asgardian Family Tree". Sideshow Collectibles . Retrieved December 12, 2025.
  3. Vejvoda, Jim (September 24, 2012). "Thor: The Dark World Casts Thor's Brother Tyr". IGN . Retrieved December 12, 2025.
  4. Barnhardt, Adam (August 25, 2018). "'Thor' Concept Artist Reveals Balder Almost Appeared". ComicBook.com . Retrieved December 12, 2025.
  5. Davison, Joshua (July 24, 2018). "Thor #3 Review: Cracks are Showing in the Formula, but the Book is Still Great". Bleeding Cool . Retrieved December 12, 2025.
  6. Dinh, Christine (December 21, 2020). "The God of War Seeks to Reclaim Glory in 'The Sword of Surtur' Prose Novel". Marvel.com . Retrieved December 12, 2025.
  7. Cacciatore, Francesco (September 30, 2022). "Marvel's Two Strongest God Avengers Are Heading for a Fight". Screen Rant . Retrieved December 12, 2025.
  8. Connolly, Spencer (May 25, 2024). ""God of Doom": Thor & Loki Officially Have a New Brother in Marvel Continuity (& He's Terrifying)". Screen Rant . Retrieved December 12, 2025.
  9. Thor: Heaven and Earth #1 (2011)
  10. Journey Into Mystery #106 (July 1964)
  11. Thor #275
  12. Thor #302
  13. Thor #324-327
  14. Thor #350-352, 359
  15. Thor #379 (May 1987)
  16. Thor #454 (Nov 1992)
  17. Thor vol. 2 #85
  18. Thor vol. 3 #605 (December 2009)
  19. Thor #607
  20. Thor #608
  21. New Mutants vol. 3 #11 (March, 2010)
  22. Heroic Age: Prince of Power #3 (2010)
  23. Thor #615-621 (2010-2011)
  24. ["https://www.amazon.com/Journey-into-Mystery-Vol-Itself/dp/0785148418 Journey Into Mystery: Fear Itself Vol. 1 (2012)
  25. Angela: Queen Of Hel #4 (Jan. 2016)
  26. Thor vol. 5 #2-4 (2018)
  27. "Tyr (Asgardian god)". Marvunapp.com. February 22, 2004. Retrieved December 12, 2025.
  28. Patten, Dominic (September 24, 2012). "'Thor: The Dark World' Adds Pair To Cast". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on September 26, 2012. Retrieved September 24, 2012.
  29. Colwander, Michael (November 18, 2022). "10 Norse Figures That Appeared In God Of War And The MCU". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved December 12, 2025.