After 62 Years, Marvel Reveals the True Form of an Iconic God

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Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Doctor Strange of Asgard #5For the first time in Marvel history, an Asgardian icon takes the shape of a hero. As Doctor Strange investigates the murder of Asgard’s resident skald by Loki, new similar crimes are committed until their real culprit reveals his identity. Strange realizes he has been betrayed yet again after Doctor Doom stole the Sorcerer Supreme title and led him to Asgard.

This time, one of his first Asgardian allies, Aslak Agnarsson, turned out to be the murderer. In Doctor Strange of Asgard #5, written by Derek Landy, a weakened Stephen Strange meets his match in Aslak. However, the human sorcerer stops Aslak before he sacrifices another friend to Yggdrasil.

Doctor Strange of Asgard #5 marks an unprecedented event in Marvel history, as Yggdrasil itself intervenes in Doctor Strange’s battle with Aslak.

Marvel Finally Unveils Yggdrasil’s Anthropomorphic Form

Doctor Strange of Asgard #5 Written by Derek Landy; Art by Carlos Magno & Espen Grundetjern

Doctor Strange of Asgard #5 depicts Yggdrasil as the Asgardian bard Holt, who previously introduced himself to Stephen as an aspiring writer. In Marvel Comics, Yggdrasil binds together the Ten Realms across countless cycles of death and rebirth. Just like in traditional mythology, the World Tree offers Asgardians wisdom and prophecy. For instance, to acquire knowledge during different Ragnarok cycles, both Odin and Thor sacrificed their eyes to the World Tree. Yet, Yggdrasil had never adopted a human or Asgardian form.

Since its debut in Journey Into Mystery #97, Yggdrasil has communicated through visions, dreams, or cryptic signs, mainly to the All-Father, much like the mythological Yggdrasil of Norse lore. The World Tree has long been considered sentient and been associated with hidden knowledge, but always as a passive cosmic force. The fact that Yggdrasil presents itself as an Asgardian now raises several questions, especially considering that it had just accepted Aslak’s sacrifice without questioning the evil sorcerer’s morals.

Yggdrasil Had Never Taken An Anthropomorphic Form, Even Through Cataclysmic Events

Yggdrasil hadn’t unveiled his anthropomorphic form, even when Asgard and the other Nine Realms’ fate hung by a thread. While Aslak has been causing trouble in Asgard, the World Tree’s decision to help Doctor Strange doesn’t seem like a proportionate response when compared to every event Asgard has had to witness throughout the ages. However, Thor’s death at the hands of Loki may have something to do with it.

While Doctor Doom took over Earth and Doctor Strange solved murder mysteries in Asgard, Thor went through increasingly difficult challenges that led to his definitive, indisputable death. Marvel’s upcoming Thor reboot will likely affect all of Asgard, so Yggdrasil may be preparing for this drastic change. Yggdrasil may even become one of Marvel‘s next Thor allies in full anthropomorphic form once Thor #1 arrives.

Doctor Strange of Asgard #5 is now available from Marvel Comics!

“}]] Marvel unveils the new form of an old icon.  Read More