Thor: The Norse God of Thunder

Mythology

Thor is one of the most prominent deities in Norse mythology, known primarily as the god of thunder, lightning, storms, oak trees, strength, the protection of mankind, and hallowing and fertility. He is the son of Odin, the chief of the gods, and Jörð, the personification of earth.

Within the Norse pantheon, Thor is depicted as a robust, red-bearded warrior who wields a mighty hammer named Mjölnir. His primary role in the Norse myths includes protecting both the gods and humans from the forces of chaos, particularly the giants (Jotunn). His stories are mainly preserved in two key sources: the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda.

Significant Myths

• The Journey to Jotunheim: Thor ventures into the land of giants, facing immense challenges, which demonstrates his bravery and strength.
• Thor's Duel with the World Serpent: One of his most famous exploits involves battling Jörmungandr, the serpent that encircles the Earth, prophesied to cause Thor’s demise during Ragnarök.

Symbols

Thor's principal symbol is Mjölnir, his enchanted hammer, which is renowned for its destructive power as well as its ability to return to Thor after being thrown. Mjölnir symbolizes protection and is often used in rituals to bless marriages and childbirth.

Other symbols associated with Thor include:

• The Belt of Strength (Megingjörð): A magical belt that doubles his already prodigious strength.
• The Iron Gloves (Járngreipr): Necessary for him to wield Mjölnir effectively.
• Goats: Thor travels in a chariot pulled by two goats named Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr.

Modern Representations

In contemporary culture, Thor has been popularized through comics and films, most notably by Marvel Comics. The character Thor made his first appearance in Journey into Mystery #83 in 1962, created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) introduced Thor as a part of its franchise with Thor (2011), featuring Chris Hemsworth in the lead role. This portrayal blends traditional elements of Norse mythology with modern storytelling, often focusing on Thor's journey of self-discovery and responsibility.

Thor in Literature and Media

• Literature: Thor appears in various novels, poems, and stories, celebrating his legendary feats and adventures.
• Video Games: He features prominently in video games such as God of War and SMITE, representing various aspects of his mythological attributes.