Featuring Mythologies #6: The Worthiest

 If you are a Marvel fan, you’ve heard of Thor. However, you’ve really only heard an altered version of who Thor really is. There is a totally different side of Thor. The Thor who was worshipped by Scandinavians and held in high regard by many.

    Thor is the son of the kings of the Norse  Aesir gods, Odin, and Odin’s wife Fjörgyn. However, the mother figure is not always the same, it can vary from tale to tale. In another, Jord is considered Thor’s mother. Even though they are two completely different deities, they both have some connection to “earth”. Despite conflicting theories on who Thor’s mother is, Odin is his father in all theories.

   As the son of the king of the Aesir, he is held in a high place in Asgard and Midgard, specifically Asgard his place of residence. Thor has his own hall named Bilskirnir in the region Thrudheim (place of might). He is known as the god of thunder, the strongest of the Aesir. In his strength, he is the most popular of the Aesir gods, surpassing his father Odin. He has a wife, Sif the golden hair goddess. Though married, he has a lover, the giantess Járnsaxa. Contrary to popular belief, Loki is not related to Thor through being a brother. However, he is somewhat an uncle to Thor. Loki is the blood-brother of Odin, and this was from a blood pact with Odin.

   In Norse mythology, he is pictured as a burly man with thick, red hair and a big beard. This contrasts the Marvel version most are familiar with, but they both have in common a depiction of a large and powerful man. He is commonly seen with his hammer, Mjollnir. Mjollnir was crafted by the dwarves, Brok and Eitri, and the name is Norse for “that smashes”. Another noticeable trait of Thor is his belt, Megingjard, which doubles his already formidable strength.  

  Not only is Thor seen with his trusty hammer and belt, but also will be seen riding through thunderstorms on a chariot pulled by two goats. His goats’ names are Tanngrisni, “gap tooth”,  and Tanngost, “tooth-grinder”. Thor would use his goats for food, and he would cook them each night. The next day they would be back to life because Thor would use his hammer Mjollnir to resurrect them. He would repeat this process over and over again.

  By the way, Thor is the protector of all Midgard. Midgard is one of the nine realms and is also known as Earth. Thor battles against giants with which he uses his famous hammer, Mjollnir. His battles against the giants are famous and known by most. It’s one of the aspects Marvel got right, but they also got his short temper right, which he would use against the giants.    

  Considering this, Thor has another predestined battle. The end of the world in Norse mythology is the grand battle Ragnarok. It’s said that all Aesir gods and goddesses will perish. Even Thor. Thor will battle against the Midgard serpent,  Jörmungandr, who is his greatest enemy. In this battle, Thor defeats the Midgard serpent but is poisoned by the serpent’s venom.

  At last, we have reached an end. Though we may all love the Marvel heartthrob of Thor, the Norse Thor is incredible.