Odin and the Infinity Stones: Theories and Speculations in Marvel's MCU

The question of whether Odin, the All-Father from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), ever collected the Infinity Stones is a speculative and fascinating one. In the MCU, Odin's awareness and extensive knowledge of the stones set him apart from other characters. He is known to be one of the few beings, alongside Aesir gods like Hela, who could fully wield and understand the power of the stones. This unique knowledge has led to numerous theories and discussions among fans.

Odin's Knowledge and Power

Odin, as the wise and powerful ruler of Asgard, had access to comprehensive information about the Infinity Stones. Unlike Thanos or 99.9% of other beings in Marvel, Odin was one of the few who could fully harness the power of the stones. Due to this, he would have been one of the most feared beings in the universe - a point that even Thanos likely feared gaining Odin's wrath. This is evident from the scenes in The Avengers: Infinity War where the summoning of the Soul Stone seems to require elements of Asgardian magic to fully materialize, rather than merely a sacrifice.

Odin's Role in the Collection Process

It is theorized that Odin was responsible for choosing the locations for each of the five stones, making it nearly impossible for anyone to access them. For example, the Soul Stone's acquisition required not just a sacrifice but the opening of a portal using the Bifrost, a feat that would be beyond the capabilities of most beings. When Thanos sacrificed Gamora, the remnants of the Bifrost opened up to give him the Soul Stone. Odin's probable involvement in creating such intricate conditions for the stones adds to the speculation.

Prototypes and Gauntlets

Another intriguing theory suggests that Odin possessed a prototype of the Infinity Gauntlet, similar to the one Eitri created for Thanos. It is noteworthy that Odin may not have had all the stones initially. For instance, who would Odin have loved and sacrificed for the Soul Stone if the concept of such self-sacrifice exists in Asgardian lore? This lends credence to the idea that Odin held the stones at some point in the past, possibly using them to rewrite reality and ensure their collection took place.

Linking Asgard to the Stones' History

There is a Marvel Comics one-shot where Thanos tracks down an old Loremaster who reveals the story of the stones' origins to have begun in Asgard. This would explain the stones' names and why Asgard has a galaxy-wide reputation as a formidable force. It might even account for the advanced culture that is a mix of medieval Norse and classic Kryptonian, as well as the humanoids overrunning the MCU galaxy.

Conclusion: The collection of the Infinity Stones and their interplay with various characters, including Odin, continues to be a compelling topic of discussion in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While Odin may not have physically collected the stones, his role in understanding and preparing for their collection makes him an integral part of the cosmic saga.