Thor Raises His Hammer in the Storm

About this drawing

Thor with hammer in hand is Marvel's take on one of the best-known gods of Norse mythology. The old peoples of Scandinavia, including the Vikings, believed Thor was the god of thunder and that lightning flashed whenever he hurled his hammer at the giants.

In those myths, Thor was the son of Odin, father of the gods, and lived in Asgard. His hammer was called Mjolnir, and it always flew back to his hand after he threw it. Many people wore small hammer-shaped charms to ask for his protection.

Marvel took that legend and turned it into a superhero who first appeared in 1962. In the comics, the hammer carries an inscription saying that only someone worthy can lift it. So when another character manages to raise it, it is a huge moment.

Thor was one of the founding Avengers and has starred in several movies. On screen he travels between worlds, clashes with his brother Loki and learns that being a good king takes humility. His red cape, his helmet and the lightning around him make him a fan favorite.

• thor
• marvel
• norse mythology
• avengers