Gods of Asgard (Ultimate Earth)

The Gods of Asgard, or the Asgardians are the inhabitants of a dimension called Asgard, a small planetary body whose laws of physics are different from planets we know in the earthly realm. Though these god-like beings are generally peaceful, they are a brave and powerful warrior race whose passion for adventure is their religion. Like the Vikings of Earth, they believe that the only way to gain access into Valhalla (heaven) is to die in glorious battle.

The Asgardians are a brave and a powerful warrior race whose passion for adventure is their religion, and their reputation as one of the mightiest races in the universe has earned them the respect and fear from other races. Having interacted with humans in Scandinavia centuries ago, they informed their culture and religion and thus share many characteristics with the ancient Norse.

Early History
The Origin of the Gods of Asgard is not clearly known, but it is believed that unlike other races of the Nine realms, the gods are not native to Asgard. Legend has it they were born on earth, after the godwave came to the planet, but moved to Asgard in the far distant past. At first in the universe there was nothing but the primordial abyss of nothingness known as Ginnungagap.

Millions of years ago warm air from the realm of fire, Muspelheim, crossed a dimensional barrier into the location of the magical Well of Life, Tons of ice from Niffleheim, the realm of ice and cold, formed above the Well of Life. It was said that in time the warm air from Muspelheim caused these tons of ice over the Well to transform into the living, sentient Ymir. Another being appeared from the ice, the enchanted cow Audumla. She was allegedly conceived from Ymir's melting.