While Bruce Banner’s Hulk is often considered the mightiest mortal in the Marvel Universe, numerous deities surpass him in power. Engaging in epic confrontations with these godly beings, Hulk’s mythology intertwines with some of the universe’s most formidable mythological entities, from ancient Greek gods to the enigmatic One Above All. In his relentless pursuit of strength, Hulk has encountered many of these powerful figures.
This article highlights the top ten gods intricately linked to Hulk’s lore, each contributing uniquely to his narrative and showcasing some of his most memorable battles. We will focus on those with significant connections to Hulk, making their presence felt in his epic saga.
10. Kukulcan and the Mayapan
The Hulk Family’s Battle Against Divine Forces
In Hulk Volume 2, Issue #53, penned by Jeff Parker and illustrated by Dale Eaglesham, the Mayapan, Marvel’s rendition of the Mayan gods, make their debut. These once-mortal beings transformed into deities by absorbing life energy from others. After being imprisoned by their own kind, they re-emerged, capturing heroes like She-Hulk and Hulk’s daughter, Lyra, to enhance their powers.
Thanks to the Hulk family—comprising A-Bomb, Red Hulk, and Alpha Flight—the malevolent Kukulcan and the Mayapan were defeated and confined within a superhuman prison. Though currently under lock, their fixation on the Hulk, as the ultimate energy source for their power, signifies a looming threat when they inevitably escape.
9. Hulk, aka Bruce Banner
The Hulk’s Divine Recognition
The nature of divinity in the Marvel Universe is complex, often raising questions about what constitutes a god. Nevertheless, many consider Hulk to fit this description. Both on Sakaar and Hulk Planet, entire civilizations revere him as a god, their creation myths stemming from his infusion of gamma energy into their world.
Thor himself acknowledges Hulk, deeming him “Midgard’s God of Wrath”in Immortal Hulk #47 by Al Ewing and Joe Bennett. Interestingly, the demonic figure known as the Eldest also refers to him as a god, positing that “fear has always been the truest worship.”Regardless of the semantics, Bruce Banner’s potential for godhood is evident, especially highlighted in his eventual ascension to become the next Galactus in a trajectory leading to universal destruction.
8. Nul, Breaker of Worlds
Hulk’s Possession by the Dark Asgardian
During the epic crossover event Fear Itself by Matt Fraction and Stuart Immonen, the serpent god known as the Serpent unleashed calamity on Earth, manifested through seven enchanted hammers containing the souls of his fallen demonic allies. Hulk fell prey to one of these hammers and became the avatar of Nul, Breaker of Worlds—an embodiment of entropy whose touch causes decay and destruction.
In his brief tenure on Earth, the devastation caused by Nul revealed the full extent of his chaotic nature, leading to widespread insanity around him. While the demon-god’s influence was fleeting, his hammer remains a potent symbol of danger, currently wielded by villain Galehaut.
7. Nyx and Her Children (Dolos, Apate, Oizys and Hypnos)
Hulk’s Power to Defy Divine Beings
Nyx, the ancient goddess of darkness, predates creation itself and has had a tumultuous history with the Olympian pantheon. Re-imprisoned by Zeus, she broke free during Avengers: No Road Home, leading to a clash with the Hulk, who had transformed into the more cunning and ruthless ‘Devil Hulk’ persona. In his confrontations, Hulk demonstrated his strength by killing Hypnos, the God of Dreams, showcasing his ability to defy even divine beings.
However, the sunlight’s effect on the Devil Hulk forced a transformation back into Bruce Banner, leading to temporary defeat. Ultimately, the combined might of the Avengers was required to neutralize Nyx and her offspring.
6. Zeus and the Olympians
Experiencing the Might of Zeus
In a significant clash depicted in Incredible Hulks #622 by Greg Pak and Paul Pelletier, Hulk decides to confront Zeus on Olympus, seeking a boon to mend his shattered family. The clash reveals the full superiority of Zeus, who brutally defeats Hulk, chaining him to a fate of being fed upon by vultures—a grievous punishment the likes of which Hulk had never endured before.
Fortunately, Hulk is freed by Hermes and the Hulk family, who are moved by Hulk’s selfless determination. With the emergence of the Dark Olympians, now wielding even greater powers, a potential rematch with Zeus hangs ominously on the horizon.
5. Thor Odinson
The Timeless Rivalry between Thor and Hulk
Thor has consistently been one of Hulk’s most formidable adversaries since their initial encounter in Avengers #1 in 1963. This rivalry evolved, with moments of tension regarding Hulk’s resemblance to foes Thor fought in his past. Their recent tussle during the ‘Banner of War’ crossover saw Hulk wielding Mjolnir, heightening the stakes between them.
As of now, Thor wields Odin’s All-Power, making him nearly omnipotent, rendering him a significant threat to the Hulk, whose best bet may be to steer clear for the time being.
4. Gaea
Moments of Affection from Thor’s Mother
In the Marvel comic universe, Gaea, the embodiment of the Earth and Thor’s biological mother, holds a distinctive place in Hulk’s life. Gaea views all monstrous beings as her children but expresses a unique fondness for Hulk, whom she deems the most entrusted and cherished of her fierce progeny in Hulk vs. Hercules: When Titans Collide #1.
Recognized as the last surviving Elder God, Gaea’s influence resonates widely, earning respect even from Odin himself.
3. The Mother of Horrors and the Eldest
Eldest’s Quest for Hulk’s Might
The Mother of Horrors represents a fresh facet in Hulk’s narrative as a being uncreated by the One Above All. This entity birthed Eldest and Udru while being imprisoned in a realm beyond time. Eldest, in his quest for power, aims to harness the Hulk’s abilities to further unleash the Mother of Horrors from her entrapment.
Possessing the ability to defy Hulk’s strength himself, the arrival of the Mother of Horrors would undoubtedly elevate the threat level considerably, as evidenced in the recent issues of Incredible Hulk Volume 4.
2. One Below All
The Dark Counterpart of Creation
The manifestation of ultimate evil in the Marvel realm, the One Below All came into existence as a counter to the One Above All. This dark entity encapsulates every ounce of hate and seeks to obliterate creation itself. In Immortal Hulk, the One Below All capitalizes on Hulk’s power to threaten universal destruction.
Though Bruce successfully imprisoned this entity at the climax of Ewing and Bennett’s run, ongoing narratives suggest that the Green Door will swing open, allowing the One Below All to reclaim his influence over those touched by gamma radiation.
1. One Above All
The Supreme Being Behind the Hulk
As Marvel’s ultimate deity, the One Above All embodies infinite creation and guardianship over the multiverse. In Immortal Hulk, Hulk confronts this being, questioning the purpose behind his creation amidst suffering. The entity’s cryptic answer suggests Hulk plays an intricate role within the Marvel universe’s grand narrative, potentially linked to the containment of its darker aspect, the One Below All.
Despite their shared essence, these two entities symbolize polar opposites—creation versus annihilation—mirroring Bruce Banner and the Hulk’s own dichotomy. The struggle between the One Above All and the One Below All is ongoing, as is Hulk’s critical role in these cosmic battles.
These ten gods encapsulate the most potent figures connected to Hulk in Marvel lore, including the overarching powers of both the One Above All and the One Below All. Share your thoughts in the comments: Which other divine entities do you think should be listed, and how would you rank them?