Thor is one of the most powerful and most revered gods in Norse mythology. His name evokes fearsome storms, the flash of lightning and an unyielding strength that no enemy could resist. Many myths and stories have grown up around Thor, portraying him as a fearless protector of gods and men. Despite his harshness, Thor was also a dedicated protector of humanity, fighting enemies who threatened the order of the worlds.
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The Norse god of thunder and lightning is associated with weather control and combat. He belongs to the powerful Aesir dynasty, being one of the most influential deities. His character is equivalent to the Old German Donar, and his features resemble other gods professed in Europe. Among them can be mentioned Greek Zeus, Roman Jupiter or Slavic Perun.
Thor is most often depicted with the hammer Mjolnir. Associated with mighty power, he was also the protector of the people, patron of crops and protector of sacred groves and trees. From the time of the ancient Germanic tribes to the Viking Age, Thor was a central figure of pagan religion. His cult gained prominence in the face of Christianization, when Scandinavians began wearing amulets in the shape of Mjolnir, and the word Thor appeared in many place names and first names.
The name Thor derives directly from Norse mythology and is most likely derived from the Old Norse word Þórr, which has taken various forms in other Germanic languages over the centuries, such as Donar, Þunor, or Thunar. All of these terms refer to thunder and lightning strikes, emphasizing the god’s association with the elements of thunder. Although these names were used in different regions and periods, in Scandinavia it was Þórr that gave rise to the modern form Thor.
It is noteworthy that names alluding to Thor, containing the theonym Þórr, began to appear particularly frequently in the Viking Age. Earlier records are much rarer. The flourishing of such names can be interpreted as a reaction to Christianization, as can the popularity of wearing amulets in the shape of Thor’s hammer, which stood as a symbol of pagan resistance to the new religion. The name Thor has left its mark so strongly that we encounter it in everyday life. In English thursday, German donnerstag and in Scandinavian languages, the names of the day of the week derive directly from the Norse god of lightning and mean “Thor’s day”. In a similar way, the chemical element thorium gained its name.
Thor has many names that appear in Old Norse poetry and literature. Some of them come from The Prose Edda (also known as The Younger Edda), though not all of them have gained confirmation in other sources. In myths and sagas written in medieval Iceland, Thor is mentioned under at least fifteen different names. Below is a list of selected alternative names of Thor.
Most of the myths about Thor revolve around his heroic adventures and countless battles against giants and other adversaries of the gods. As the son of Odin, the supreme god of the Norse pantheon, Thor has gained immense popularity. Particularly because of his directness and caring nature toward humans, in contrast to his more mysterious and cunning father. Although described as violent and full of anger, his actions were often aimed at defending the nine worlds. The hammer Mjolnir, a symbol of his immense strength, always accompanied him in battles, and he traveled in a chariot pulled by two goats. According to myths, Thor was able to eat and drink almost without limit. During one of his bets, he was cheated, resulting in Thor drinking half the sea.
Among gods and humans, the stories of Thor’s adventures were legendary. One of the most famous myths is his confrontation with the giant Thrym, who stole Mjolnir and demanded the hand of the goddess Freya in exchange for its return. Thor, with the help of the gods, outsmarted Thrym, recovering his hammer and defeating the giant.
The most dramatic event in Thor’s history, however, will be his duel during Ragnarok. In this decisive battle, Thor will face the giant serpent Jormungander, the descendant of Loki. Neither warrior will prove stronger in this duel, both will fall from their injuries. We described the story in detail in the article “Ragnarok – Prophecy of the End of the World in Norse Mythology“.
Thor is the son of Odin and Jord, who is the personification of the earth. The god of lightning has a wife, Sif, and two sons named Magni and Modi. According to some sources, the first of the boys is the son of Jotunka named Jarnsaxa. The couple also has a daughter, Thrud, who was to become one of the famous Valkyries. Thor also has many brothers, including the god Baldur. The intricacies of the Aesir and Vanir families are described in the article “Norse Gods – Pantheon of the Gods, History of the Aesir-Vanir War“.
Thor was one of the most important figures in Norse mythology, and his cult played a key role in the history of the Germanic peoples. From Roman times, through the era of the Great Migrations of Peoples, to the peak of his popularity in the Viking Age.
In the 11th century, chronicler Adam of Bremen described a powerful statue of Thor that occupied a central place in a temple in Uppsala, Sweden. According to the description, Thor was placed on a throne surrounded by other gods. His power included the sky, lightning, winds, storms, but also beautiful weather and fertility. The inhabitants of Uppsala made sacrifices, especially in the face of famine or pestilence. They believed that Thor had the power to restore balance to nature and protect them from misfortune.
The thundering hammer and violent storms were considered manifestations of Thor’s wrath and his battle against the forces of chaos. Lightning in the sky evoked fear of the god’s vengeance, while reminding us of his unparalleled power.
Thor served as the chief protector of Asgard, the seat of the Norse gods. His presence was crucial to maintaining the balance between the forces of Asgard and the Jotuns. Thor often represented the last hope in moments of crisis. Many of Odin’s brilliant plans would have failed had Thor not pulled the gods out of trouble with the help of Mjolnir.
Unlike other gods who may have seemed distant or difficult to understand, Thor was seen as a more accessible and sympathetic god to humans. Associated with the forces of nature, Thor also influenced fertility and crops, further bringing him closer to people who asked for crop protection and a successful harvest. He gained particular popularity during the Christianization of Scandinavia, when people wore jewelry with his symbols as a sign of rebellion.
Thor and the Midgard Serpent are mortal enemies, and their clashes have been described in numerous sources. They first met when Thor caught Jormungander on the hook while fishing. They are destined to fight a decisive battle during Ragnarok.
The Norse god of lightning was surrounded by attributes and magical objects during his many quests. Many myths describe the adventures of Thor and Loki, who repeatedly led the warrior into a trap or made it difficult to complete a task. The most important attributes that enhanced Thor’s power are described below.
Thor’s hammer, is one of the most recognizable symbols in Norse mythology. Mjolnir was not only a weapon, but also a symbol of power and divine strength. Mjolnir was also used during important ceremonies, providing blessing and protection from danger. In the Viking Age it was used as jewelry, which we can also observe in modern times.
These gloves are one of Thor’s most important attributes. According to the Younger Edda, they are essential for holding Mjolnir in his hands. The reason for this may be the hammer’s extremely short shaft, created as a result of Loki’s sabotage. Jarngreipr also strengthens the lightning god’s grip when throwing and summoning Mjolnir.
The magic belt has extraordinary magical properties. With its help, Thor doubles his unparalleled physical strength. Megingjord makes it so that no being can match the god, making him almost invincible.
Tanngrisnir and Tanngnostr are the two goats that Thor uses to guide his chariot. Their names literally mean “one who gnashes his teeth” and “one who has gaps between his teeth.” During the journey, Thor eats the goats and then brings them back to life intact with Mjolnir. According to one myth, the Scandinavian god of lightning shared his food with children named Thjalfi and Roskva. The boy broke one of the goat’s bones during the meal, causing permanent damage to the animal. As a result of these events, Thjalfi and Roskva became servants of Thor.
The All-Father is a key figure in Norse mythology, and has received the most attention. He held a unique place in Viking beliefs, being both a ruthless warrior and a wise, far-sighted guide to his people.
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