The old man would gladly raze the Earth if it meant the protection of Asgard.

[He doesn't speak metaphorically either, seeing as Odin very nearly did that until they stopped him.]

A distant Laufey... that's probably the greatness kindness he's capable of. My father was one of the stupidest beings alive, and I knew he'd never succeed against Asgard.

[Picking up one of his books from the ground, his voice goes quiet.]

... Even then, I knew it could only be destroyed from the inside.