Thor, O God of thunder, is one of the best known gods of Norse mythology. His popularity was thanks to the films from Marvel and the superhero inspired by you.
In mythology, he was also the protector of farmers, and controlled the climate and crops.
Index
- Thor's family
- The representation of Thor
- Thor's Powers
- the ax
- Mythology and Superhero
- celebrations
- Thor's death
Thor's family
Thor is the son of Odin, the most important figure in Norse mythology (supreme god), and of Fjorgyn, considered the goddess of the earth, besides being known for her strength.
Thor is believed to have been born in a cave in Norway, not Asgard, the realm of the gods. His father, Odin, took him away again, being raised by his stepmother, Frigg, who she thought for a long time was her birth mother.
In some writings, Thor is the brother of Meelli, Balder and Vali. Balder is regarded as an inferior deity, and his mother Frigga did everything to protect him from death. As for Vali, it is not known if he was just a literary figure or if he was really adored by the Norsemen.
From an early age, the thunder god was recognized for his size and strength. So, his mother, aiming to control him, decided to send him away from home, delegating them to the care of Vingnir (the winged one) and Hlora (heat).
The adoptive parents, also seen as the personification of diffuse lightning, in an agile way, controlled and raised him.
Sif, the goddess of golden hair, married Thor and they had two daughters: Thrud and Lorrine.
And from the union of Thor with the giantess Jarnsaxa they had Magni, whose meaning is “strength”, and Modi, which is “courage”.
The representation of Thor
Unlike the Marvel representation, Thor was a muscular-looking man with red hair and beard, and who carried his hammer everywhere.
O Thor's hammer it was carried in a belt, called a megingjord, and it also had special gloves, called a jarngreip.
His figure is linked to strength, protection and storms.
Thor's Powers
Associated with thunder, lightning and storms, Thor is strong, full of courage and considered the savior for the vikings.
Thor is honest and fair, except that he has a somewhat furious temper, also called a short fuse.
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Most Norsemen of the period preferred Thor to Odin, who was known for his bloodlust.
the ax
Mjölnir is the nomenclature given to Thor's hammer, one of the scariest weapons and full of attributes.
Considered one of the greatest symbols of nordic mythology, meant strength, protection, integrity and tradition. He could send lightning and knock down mountains, as Mjölnir could hit any target. And, shortly after the target was hit, the hammer returned of its own accord to Thor's right hand.
Thor's vehicle was guided by a pair of goats, which were sacrificed and cooked for food. However, then, they were reborn when placing the hammer on the bones of animals, provided they are unharmed.
In short, Mjölnir was used both to kill and to destroy, as well as to revive people or animals. Another attribution of the object was to be part of the sacred ceremonies, ceremonies about birth and death.
Mythology and Superhero
It is no accident that Thor is one of the gods best known in mythology, this is due to the influence of cinema and comics, by turning him into a superhero.
In the 20th century, Thor becomes even more popular, joining the superhero comics. In 2011, it reaches yet another audiovisual medium – movie screens.
However, it is not only the god who goes into the dark of cinema, other gods from Norse mythology take over the space, such as: Loki, Frigga, Odin and Sif.
celebrations
Thor's party, entitled Thorrablot, was held on January 19, in the winter period, and was the time when families met to eat special dishes.
In the country of Iceland, the celebration was remembered in the 19th century, by the independence movement, being held until today.
Still, anyway, the Norse dedicated an exclusive day of the week to each god. Thus, the Germanic name of Thor entered the English language as “Thursday”, Thursday.
Thor's death
THE Thor's death takes place in Ragnarok, as the god fights the serpent Jormungand and defeats it. The animal, which lives in the oceans, has grown so loud, being able to bite its own tail.
The great battle was attended by gods, dwarves, monsters, giants and marked the end of time, or rather, the beginning of a new cycle.
Read more about the gods of Norse mythology at:
- Forseti, the Host – The God of Justice in Norse Mythology
- Hela or Hel – The Goddess of Death in Norse Mythology
- Njord – The Norse god Vanir of the seas
- Freya – The most beautiful goddess in Norse mythology
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