1. The name of Thor’s hammer is Mjollnir. The etymology of the name is questionable. One possible connection is to an ancient Scandinavian word meaning smash, crush, or grind. The modern word mallet is related. Another possibility is that it originates from an ancient word for lightning. Both options fit the temperament and qualities of the mighty weapon. Interestingly enough, the word hammer itself, used in Scandinavian texts, is also related to the Indo European word for hammer, rock and stone and the Sanskrit word for thunderbolt. Indeed, when Thor used the hammer, witnesses often heard low rumbling thunder and saw streaks of lightning chase across the sky.
2. Mjollnir was crafted by two dwarves who were challenged by Loki during one of his elaborate pranks. He bet his head that they couldn’t create three precious things as wonderful as the ones made by another set of dwarves. Even though Loki tried to obstruct the work of the dwarves in the forge by turning himself into a fly and biting the artisan’s face as he worked the bellows, all this did was cause the forehaft or handle of the hammer to be shorter than originally intended. In the end the dwarves came through, and the unique weapon was deemed the most precious thing of all, as it could smite the frost giants. Loki got to keep his head with the argument that it could only be hacked off by cutting his neck and his neck had not been part of the wager.
3. Qualities of Mjollnir, the hammer of Thor, included the wonderment that Thor could hit anything as hard as he wanted and the weapon would never fail. In addition, when he threw it, the hammer would never miss and would also boomerang back to his hand. Though totally different in appearance, this reminds me of Xena’s trademark weapon, the chakram.
4. Over and above its primary function as a weapon, Mjollnir was also used on occasion as an instrument of magic. Thor liked to ride around the countryside in a fearsome chariot drawn by two goats. Once when he stopped to sup with an elderly peasant couple, Thor slaughtered the goats to be cooked for the meal. The next morning, Thor gathered the skin and bones of the goats, waved his hammer over the remains and blessed the animals, and the goats instantly returned to their original healthy form.
5. During Viking times, many people possessed protective charms fashioned after Thor’s hammer. Some were worn, while others were hidden about the home. These were thought to ward off disasters, lightning, destructive fires, disease, vermin, and creatures such as marauding trolls and evil witches. The charms were also used to bless medicines, food, horses, and babies.
6. Thor and his belongings are associated with justice. Thor’s oath ring could seal contracts, and the Althing or assembly in Iceland opened sessions on Thursday, Thor’s Day. Thor’s hammer innately possessed the qualities of Thor—strength, might, and justice. Think of the gavel used by modern judges to illustrate authority and maintain order. What are they but modern remnants of Mjollnir? I love to consider the interconnectedness between the symbols of myth and those inherent in modern society. Many times there’s a definite continuity of culture and belief. After all, we didn’t spring up out of nothing. These are stories that still resonate deep in our blood.
How wonderful that Thor and Mjollnir continue to mesmerize us even now with the new movies that bring the old myths to life. I think Chris Hemsworth makes a sexy, magnificent Thor, and Tom Hiddleston a fascinating Loki. What do you think?
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Paranormal Fantasy Romance
More: The Masks of God: Occidental Mythology by Joseph Campbell
Thank you, Flossie, for the detailed info on Thor! I watched several weeks ago, on our Romanian Discovery channel, an episode of Ancient Aliens. ( I strongly believe in the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations, since times out of mind). Among others, they spoke about Thor and his hammer. The idea is that Thor is seen more as an ancient alien than a mythological god. And that his hammer was, in fact, a very advanced technological weapon/device. The hammer was made to be used with the aid of two “iron” gloves, perhaps giving some kind of a magnetic signal to the hammer, so when thrown, the hammer would return to Thor. To the people of that time it seemed magical, but to modern-day people it really seems like a modern day weapon helping Thor reign throughout the lands and protect his people.
I’ve seen many of those alien shows too but not the one on Thor. I’ll have to watch out for it. I also enjoy Von Daniken’s books on the subject. Have you read him? I could certainly envision Thor of all the gods being from another location either in outer space or inner space. His hammer was just so different from other weapons, and I do remember his special iron gloves. The concept makes sense. I’m toying with a book featuring an alien. Thanks so much for sharing this information!
I love Nordic myths, Flossie, so this look at Thor’s hammer was wonderful. And Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston as Thor and Loki today in the movies do a wonderful job of introducing people to these old myths.
Have you heard that Marvel Comics is planning on changing Thor to a female character in coming issues? I was really disappointed by that news, as I hate the idea of changing the original myth. I’m all for female empowerment, but that just feels SO WRONG to me! Blech!
Thanks for reminding me of the original Thor and the myths associated with him. Many of these items, I didn’t know before.
Mae, I feel the same way you do about Marvel’s decidedly unmarvelous change of Thor to a woman. I mean, for one thing women are not going to enjoy the concept nearly as much as the sight of a hunky male Thor. Secondly, as you said about the original myth, why not just add Freya or a Valkyrie instead of going in the direction of an unpalatable sex change on Thor?
Love the image, beautiful craftsmanship. I read all the stories I could find about Thor when I was a child. I loved the idea Thursday is named for him. He is one of my favourites out of the Scandinavian pantheon.
Daisy, it’s just another good reason to love Thursday as after hump day and the day before Friday! I would love to see in person some of the hammer charms.
Great post! As a fan of mythology (Greek being my preferred but I also enjoy Norse and Celtic) I really enjoyed refreshing my knowledge about the Odin Son.
Thanks, Vicki! I love all varieties of mythology too. I like the way you said the Odin Son.
What a fantastic post, Flossie. I love the myth of Thor and yeah Chris Hemsworth is pretty easy on the eyes.
Yes, he is, Carol! Thank you for stopping by and commenting.