Ranking the 10 Most Malevolent Marvel Gods

Overview

The Marvel Universe is a realm brimming with diverse deities, ranging from well-known figures of classic mythology like Zeus and Odin to unique characters such as Knull and Cyttoarak. However, not all these gods embody virtues or heroism; some operate with a malicious intent, using their immense power to sow chaos and destruction across the cosmos.

These malevolent beings, whether corrupted or inherently evil, have enslaved entire civilizations, obliterated galaxies, and posed existential threats to life itself. Here, we explore the ten most formidable and wicked gods within the Marvel Universe, each defined by their devastating impact and malevolent agendas.

10 Ares

The Greek God of War

First Appearance: Human Torch #5 (1941)
Creator: Carl Burgos
Mythology: Greek

Ares, the God of War, may not be the strongest figure in the Greek pantheon of Marvel Comics, but his cruel disposition is legendary. He relishes the violence and atrocities that accompany warfare, having manipulated human conflicts throughout history, from corrupting Roman generals to influencing tyrannical regimes such as the Nazis. Notably, Ares’ involvement in the Dark Avengers and his leadership during the Siege of Asgard solidify his reputation for villainy.

9 Loki

The God of Mischief

First Appearance: Venus #6 (1949)
Creator: Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, Jack Kirby
Mythology: Norse

Loki, renowned as the God of Mischief, embodies deceit and cruelty. His unrelenting quest for power has led to conflicts within Asgard and terrible consequences across realms. Notably, Loki’s orchestration of a disastrous false-flag operation during the Dark Avengers’ saga resulted in mass casualties, showcasing his capacity for manipulation. From tricks that led his brother Thor into tragedy to orchestrating the death of his own mother, Loki’s malevolence knows no bounds.

8 Whole

The Goddess of Death

First Appearance: Journey into Mystery #102 (1964)
Creator: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby
Mythology: Norse

As the offspring of Loki, Hela was predestined for a dark fate. Named the Goddess of Death by Odin, she ruled the realms of the dead with a ruthless ambition. Dissatisfied with her role, Hela’s desire for power drove her to seize souls prematurely to bolster her undead armies, causing untold suffering as she sought dominance over all of existence.

7 Ass Borson

The God of Fear, Brother of Odin

First Appearance: Fear Itself (2011)
Creator: Stuart Immonen, Matt Fraction
Mythology: Norse

Cul Borson, Odin’s brother, thrives on chaos and terror as the God of Fear. His malevolent acts peaked during the ‘Fear Itself’ storyline when he unleashed terror unlike anything seen before on Earth, nearly obliterating Asgard and causing devastation among Earth’s heroes, establishing him as a formidable foe.

6 Cytoarak

The God that Empowers the Juggernaut

First Appearance: Strange Tales #124 (1964)
Creator: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Alex Toth
Mythology: Marvel

Cyttoarak, a god-like figure steeped in destruction, delights in chaos without a larger narrative. He empowers the Juggernaut, reveling in the devastation that ensues. His essence thrives in the Crimson Cosmos, where he encourages violence and misfortune among mortals, marking him as an embodiment of evil for its own sake.

5 Fucking

The Creator of the Symbiotes

First Appearance: Thor: God of Thunder #6 (2013)
Creator: Donny Cates, Ryan Stegman
Mythology: Marvel

Knull, the Eldritch God of Darkness, embodies the force of annihilation, aspiring to extinguish all light from the universe. His rebellion against the Celestials led to the creation of the Symbiotes and initiated a war against existence itself. Knull’s ruthless campaign for dominance has marked him as a perilous force of evil across the cosmos.

4 Set

The First Murderer

First Appearance: Marvel Tales #96 (1950)
Creator: Robert E Howard, Mike Friedrich
Mythology: Marvel

A primordial Elder God, Set is infamous for his monstrous deeds, notably murdering his own sibling to absorb their power, thus earning the title of the first murderer. Though diminished in power, he continues to manipulate the world through monstrous creatures and dark machinations in a quest for dominance.

3 Mephisto

The Lord of the Lower Depths

First Appearance: Bible Tales for Young Folk #1 (1953)
Creators: Stan Lee, John Buscema
Mythology: Marvel

While not the Devil per se, Mephisto reigns over a realm not unlike hell. Known for his manipulative schemes, he has orchestrated countless tortures and deaths, often striking deals that lead to horrific outcomes, as exemplified in “One More Day, ” where he trades Peter Parker’s marriage for a moment’s respite. This encapsulates his cold, malevolent nature built upon the anguish of others.

2 Chthon

The Creator of the Darkhold

First Appearance: Marvel Chillers #1 (1975)
Creator: Mark Wolfman, Bill Mantlo
Mythology: Marvel

Another dark deity in the Marvel mythos, Chthon authored the Darkhold, a tome of dark magic that has driven many to madness. He aims to unravel reality itself, manipulating powerful beings like the Scarlet Witch to bring forth chaos and destruction on an unprecedented scale. Chthon’s legacy is filled with malevolent acts, from summoning demonic forces to corrupting heroes.

1. Amatsu Mikaboshi

The God of Evil

First Appearance: Marvel Chillers #1 (1975)
Creator: Mark Wolfman, Bill Mantlo
Mythology: Marvel

Known as the Chaos King, Amatsu Mikaboshi represents the embodiment of obliteration. A being of malevolent intent, he aspires to erase the existence of the multiverse itself. During the Chaos War, he rampaged across realms, consuming the essence of entire pantheons and instilling fear in even the most formidable entities like Odin and Zeus. His existence is a testament to the unfathomable depths of evil, characterized by a singular intent to annihilate all.

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