Thor the god of thunder is the most famous of the ancient Norse gods. He was the most popular god of the Vikings, even surpassing his father the chief Viking God Odin . Thursday (Thor's day) is named after him. His modern day popularity has been perpetuated by the Marvel comic book character Thor and Thor the movie (May 2011). According to Viking mythology Thor is the son of the chief god Odin. His mother is Jord and he is married to a fertility goddess named Sif. Their sons are Modi and Magni and they have a daughter named Thrud. Thor's assistant is Thialfi. According to Viking mythology Thor dies during Ragnarok which is the huge battle between the Norse gods and the giants which ends the reign of the gods. Thor fights and kills the serpent Jormungand but later dies from its poison.
The Vikings portrayed Thor as a very intimidating character. He was a large powerful man who had eyes of lightning and a short temper. There are many old Scandinavian stories of how he protected gods and humans from evil. In times of trouble the Vikings would pray to Thor for help before they would pray to any other god. His main weapon was a huge hammer called Mjollnir which would always return to him after being thrown. During the Christianization of Scandinavia (during the Viking Age) jewelry and other emblems of his hammer were worn as a sign of defiance. Thor wore iron gloves which helped him use his weapon effectively. The legend goes that during thunderstorms Thor rode his chariot, pulled by two goats named Tanngnost and Tanngrisni, through the heavens and how when he threw his hammer lightning would flash. He also wears a belt named Megingjard which doubles his already incredible strength.
Thor the Movie
Thor the movie was released by Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment in May 2011. The movie was directed by Kenneth Branagh and starred Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman. In Thor the movie Thor's father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) cast, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) down to earth as punishment for his reckless behavior. While on earth he meets a scientist (Natalie Portman) and falls in love. He soon finds himself defending the earth from dark forces sent by the most dangerous villain from Asgard.
Thor the Marvel Comic's Superhero
Thor the Marvel comics superhero made his comic book debut in August 1962 in Journey into Mystery #83. The character is based on the ancient Viking god Thor. He has been included in several comic book series and is a member of the superhero team the Avengers. He has also appeared on several television shows, on clothing, and trading cards.
Stories (Myths) Involving Thor the God of Thunder
Thor the god of thunder has several myths associated with him. One of the most famous is of Thrym, the king of a race of giants, stealing his hammer (Mjolnir). The giant will only return the hammer if Freyja, the goddess of love and beauty will marry him. Thor dressed as Freyja goes to Thrym. When the giant puts the hammer on Thor's lap (thinking it is Freyja) he quickly grabs it and kills Thrym and all the other giants.
