Thor - God of Thunder
According to The Prose Edda, Thor was the strongest of all gods and men. He ruled the lives of all mortal men, alongside his father, Odin. "He was very popular as the protector of both gods and humans against the forces of evil" (mythicalrealm.com). Thor acquired a powerful hammer associated with thunder and lightning, Mjollnir; a belt that doubles his strength, Megingjard; and iron gloves required to wield Mjollnir that also played a part in doubling his strength.
Ancient History Encyclopedia states, "As a weather god, Thor was associated with the fertility of the earth. He was also regarded as a guide for those traveling over the sea because of his power over storms and wind." It is believed that during a thunderstorm, Thor rode through the heavens on his chariots pulled by two goats. Because of his quick and hot temper, Thor would smash the giants' heads using Mjollnir, and when he threw this hammer it was perceived on Earth as lightning. The hammer would then return to Thor's hands.
Ancient History Encyclopedia states, "As a weather god, Thor was associated with the fertility of the earth. He was also regarded as a guide for those traveling over the sea because of his power over storms and wind." It is believed that during a thunderstorm, Thor rode through the heavens on his chariots pulled by two goats. Because of his quick and hot temper, Thor would smash the giants' heads using Mjollnir, and when he threw this hammer it was perceived on Earth as lightning. The hammer would then return to Thor's hands.
Closer Analysis
1. What evidence can you find of the god in modern day?
Thor is a very popular Marvel comic character, and most recently can be seen in movies such as Thor and The Avengers. The first Thor comic book was published in 1962. In Norse mythology, Thor was typically depicted as red-headed and bearded with a ferocious appearance, however, in the movies Thor has blonde hair and does not look very scary or ferocious. Thursday is named after him (Thorsday).
2. What is the god's role in relation to others in the pantheon?
Thor, being the strongest of all gods, served as the protector of the gods.
3. Explain one god that has a similar role in another pantheon.
In Baltic mythology, the thunder god Perkunas is the king of the skies and even rides on a chariot pulled by goats. Just like Thor's Mjollnir, Perkunas wields an ax that always returns to his hands after it is thrown at demons. Perkunas is viewed as the one in charge, and the all-encompassing thunder deity of the Baltic.
Thor is a very popular Marvel comic character, and most recently can be seen in movies such as Thor and The Avengers. The first Thor comic book was published in 1962. In Norse mythology, Thor was typically depicted as red-headed and bearded with a ferocious appearance, however, in the movies Thor has blonde hair and does not look very scary or ferocious. Thursday is named after him (Thorsday).
2. What is the god's role in relation to others in the pantheon?
Thor, being the strongest of all gods, served as the protector of the gods.
3. Explain one god that has a similar role in another pantheon.
In Baltic mythology, the thunder god Perkunas is the king of the skies and even rides on a chariot pulled by goats. Just like Thor's Mjollnir, Perkunas wields an ax that always returns to his hands after it is thrown at demons. Perkunas is viewed as the one in charge, and the all-encompassing thunder deity of the Baltic.