Many of the Avengers’ famous characters have been around for thousands, millions, or even billions of years, having the group’s official beginning in 1963. Marvel Comics has a huge cast of ancient characters whose history spans time itself, ranging from Olympian gods to cosmic giants. They are connected to mythologies, multiverses, and timelines that are beyond the realm of common understanding; therefore, they are not just old in the traditional sense.
The ten oldest Marvel characters who have worked as Avengers, either formally, informally, or honorarily, are listed here. Every character contributes a unique quality to Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, along with an interesting past and a cosmic or divine family history.
10 Oldest Marvel Characters
1 – Galactus
2 – Sersi
3 – Gilgamesh
4 – Starfox (Eros)
5 – Valkyrie (Brunnhilde)
6 – Ares
7 – Thor
8 – Doctor Strange
9 – Venom (Symbiote)
10 – Hercules
1 – Galactus
- Approximate Age: 14,000,000,000+ years
- Joined in: Honorary Member during Multiversal War
Backstory:
Galactus, once a mortal named Galan in the Sixth Cosmos, became a cosmic force at the beginning of the Seventh Universe. As the Devourer of Worlds, he exists beyond time and mortality, predating our universe by eons.
Avengers Legacy:
Though not a regular member, Galactus was honored by the Avengers after helping them defeat a multiversal army of Doctor Doom and Mephisto variants. His presence in the Marvel Universe is timeless and universal.
2 – Sersi
- Approximate Age: 1,000,000+ years
- Joined in: Avengers (Post-Gilgamesh’s Injury)
Backstory:
Known as Cerce in ancient Greece, Sersi shaped human myth and manipulated matter at the molecular level. A key figure in stories like Odysseus’s journey, she helped shape civilization’s earliest beliefs.
Avengers Legacy:
Sersi joined the team after Gilgamesh’s injury and faced her mental health crisis due to Mahd Wy’ry—a condition caused by eternal life. Her mind was stabilized through a bonding ritual with Black Knight, allowing her to stay with the Avengers.
3 – Gilgamesh
- Approximate Age: 1,000,000+ years
- Joined in: Avengers (Post-Inferno Event)
Backstory:
Also called the Forgotten One, Gilgamesh is another ancient Eternal who walked among humans as a king and mythological hero. He was part of humanity’s early development and earned divine legends in Mesopotamia.
Avengers Legacy:
Gilgamesh joined the Avengers during the Inferno event and remained for several years before being seriously injured in battle. Though his tenure was brief, his legacy is foundational.
4 – Starfox (Eros)
- Approximate Age: 1,000,000+ years
- Joined in: Avengers #243 (1984)
Backstory:
Eros, younger brother of Thanos and an Eternal, is gifted with the power of emotional manipulation. Known for his charm and hedonism, he often walked a fine line between hero and playboy.
Avengers Legacy:
Starfox helped the Avengers fight his brother Thanos, eventually earning a spot on the team. He was asked to change his name to avoid the inappropriate connotation of “Eros.”
5 – Valkyrie (Brunnhilde)
- Approximate Age: 1,000,000+ years
- Joined in: Secret Avengers #1 (2010)
Backstory:
Chosen by Odin himself, Brunnhilde became leader of the Valkyrior after defending her realm with unbreakable courage. She guided the souls of fallen warriors to Valhalla for millennia.
Avengers Legacy:
After years of being controlled by the Enchantress, Valkyrie was reborn post-Ragnarök and joined the Secret Avengers. Her divine might and warrior spirit made her a vital part of the team.
6 – Ares
- Approximate Age: 1,000,000+ years
- Joined in: Mighty Avengers #1 (2007)
Backstory:
Ares, the Olympian God of War, is the son of Zeus and a brutal warrior with a long and bloody history. He hid on Earth to raise his son away from the politics of Olympus.
Avengers Legacy:
Though initially an outsider, Ares joined the Mighty Avengers post-Civil War and even served in the controversial Dark Avengers. His warrior’s instinct made him both unpredictable and invaluable.
7 – Thor
- Approximate Age: 1,000,000+ years
- Joined in: Avengers #1 (1963)
Backstory:
The God of Thunder, son of Odin and a half-Elder God, Thor has lived countless lives, restored again and again by the Ragnarök cycle. Despite myths dating back only to 900 BCE, Marvel lore establishes Thor as existing even during Avengers 1,000,000 B.C.
Avengers Legacy:
As a founding member of the Avengers, Thor represents the mythic strength of the team. He’s battled beside them across time and space, always returning when Earth’s might is needed.
8 – Doctor Strange
- Approximate Age: 5,000+ years
- Joined in: New Avengers #11 (2007)
Backstory:
Stephen Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme, has experienced non-linear time more than any other human. During the War of the Seven Spheres, he served for nearly 5,000 years in another realm before returning to Earth, his memory of that time erased by the Vishanti.
Avengers Legacy:
Doctor Strange’s mastery of the mystic arts has made him indispensable in combating threats involving magic and multidimensional forces. His inclusion in the Avengers often comes when reality itself is at stake.
9 – Venom (Symbiote)
- Approximate Age: 1,500+ years
- Joined in: Secret Avengers #23 (2012)
Backstory:
The Venom symbiote was created by Knull, god of the abyss, and is one of his last creations before being imprisoned by the Klyntar. The symbiote has bonded with various hosts over centuries, but truly gained hero status while paired with Flash Thompson.
Avengers Legacy:
Though not part of the main Avengers roster, Venom joined the Secret Avengers as Agent Venom under Captain America’s blessing. Together, Flash and the symbiote helped tackle multiversal threats, proving their value despite Hawkeye’s initial resistance.
10 – Hercules
- Approximate Age: 3,200+ years
- Joined in: Avengers #45 (1967)
Backstory:
The son of Zeus and a mortal woman, Hercules was born with immense strength and a near-immortal lifespan. Raised among the Olympian gods, he matured into a warrior of legend and became one of Earth’s noble protectors.
Avengers Legacy:
Though first appearing as an enemy under the Enchantress’s control, Hercules would eventually prove himself, becoming a longstanding ally of the team. While he often leaves to tend to divine matters, he always returns in times of need—viewing the Avengers not just as comrades, but family.
Frequently Asked Question
Q1: Is Galactus an Avenger?
A: Not officially, but he was dubbed an honorary member after helping during a multiversal crisis.
Q2: Why are so many Avengers millions of years old?
A: Many members are gods, Eternals, or cosmic beings tied to ancient myth or multiverse origins.
Q3: How old is Thor in Marvel Comics?
A: Roughly over 1 million years, due to reincarnation through the Ragnarök cycle.
Q4: Did Venom become an Avenger?
A: Flash Thompson as Agent Venom was accepted into the Secret Avengers.
Q5: Who is the youngest member among these oldest Avengers?
A: Hercules, at around 3,200 years old, is the “youngest” among the ancient heroes on this list.
Conclusion
From Olympians to Eternals and beyond, these ancient characters have helped shape the Marvel Universe—and Earth’s mightiest team. While some remain active protectors, others drift in and out of cosmic affairs. Regardless of how long they served, their ages—and their legacies—dwarf even the most legendary modern-day heroes.
