By D.W. Roach
Few figures from Norse mythology loom as large in modern imagination as Thor. Whether he’s appearing in comic books, blockbuster films, or video games, Thor remains one of the most recognizable gods in human history. Yet the Thor of the Eddas and sagas is far from the blond-haired superhero we know today. By comparing the historical sources, archaeological finds, and modern portrayals, we can see both continuity and reinvention in how Thor is remembered.
Thor in the Historical Sources
Our clearest depictions of Thor come from Old Norse literature, particularly:
- The Poetic Edda (13th century, Iceland) – A collection of older oral poems where Thor frequently appears as a defender of gods and men against the giants (jötnar). In Hymiskviða, he goes fishing for the world serpent Jörmungandr; in Þrymskviða, he recovers his stolen hammer by disguising himself as Freyja.
- The Prose Edda (Snorri Sturluson, 13th century) – Provides a systematic account of Norse cosmology. Snorri describes Thor as the strongest of the gods, the protector of Asgard and Midgard, with his hammer Mjölnir, iron gloves, and belt of strength (Megingjörð).
In these sources, Thor is not a wise strategist like Odin but a brute force protector, quick to anger but essential in keeping chaos (the giants) at bay.
Archaeological Evidence of Thor Worship
Thor was one of the most widely worshiped gods in Viking Age Scandinavia. Archaeology gives us glimpses of his cult:
- Mjölnir Amulets: Thousands of miniature hammer pendants have been found across Scandinavia, often worn as protective charms. They suggest Thor was invoked by everyday people for strength, fertility, and protection.
- Runic Inscriptions: Several Viking Age runestones invoke Thor to “hallow” or protect the inscription, underscoring his role as a guardian.
- Place Names: Across Scandinavia, many towns and natural features bear his name (e.g., Torslunda, Torshov), reflecting widespread devotion.
- Archaeological Sites: Some temple sites, like at Uppsala (described by Adam of Bremen), suggest Thor was at the center of sacrificial rituals.
Thor, it seems, was the people’s god—a deity of farmers, warriors, and sailors alike.
Thor as the God of Thunder—Accurate?
Yes, but with nuance. In the sources, Thor is often associated with thunder and storms:
- The Old Norse word Þórr (Thor) is connected to þunraz, meaning thunder.
- His hammer strikes were believed to cause thunder and lightning, echoing wider Indo-European storm-god traditions (e.g., Zeus, Perun, Indra).
But Thor was not only a storm god. He was also a deity of fertility, sanctification, and protection, invoked in weddings and legal oaths. His role was broader than the Marvel version’s lightning-throwing superhero.
Thor in Modern Media
Thor’s transition into modern culture has been dramatic:
- Marvel Comics & Films: First appearing in Journey into Mystery #83 (1962), Marvel’s Thor became a superhero, part of the Avengers, wielding Mjolnir as both weapon and badge of worthiness. While loosely inspired by the myths, Marvel adds elements foreign to Norse lore (Asgard as a space-faring civilization, Thor’s romance with Jane Foster, the concept of “worthiness”).
- God of War (2018 & Ragnarök 2022): The video game series depicts Thor as a brutal, menacing figure—closer to saga descriptions. Heavyset, red-haired, and ruthless, this Thor is feared rather than idolized, echoing the destructive side of the Eddic Thor.
- Pop Culture Thor: From comic parodies to fantasy novels, Thor is often portrayed as the archetype of raw strength, sometimes heroic, sometimes foolish—a thread that does exist in the myths (see Þrymskviða).
Thor Then vs. Thor Now
| Thor in the Myths | Thor in Modern Media |
|---|---|
| Red-bearded, strong, protector of gods and men | Blond-haired superhero (Marvel), cosmic defender |
| Wields Mjölnir, iron gloves, and belt of strength | Mjölnir as enchanted, “worthiness” test |
| Associated with thunder, storms, fertility, hallowing rituals | Mostly god of thunder/lightning |
| Quick-tempered, sometimes comical, always direct | Noble, stoic, often romanticized |
| Feared by giants, invoked by common folk | Pop culture icon, entertainment hero |
Conclusion
Thor’s journey from Viking Age protector to Hollywood Avenger is one of cultural transformation. Archaeology and the Eddas reveal a red-bearded, storm-bringing, hammer-wielding god who was loved by farmers and warriors alike. Modern media reshapes him into a hero fit for comic books and screens, but the heart of Thor—strength, protection, and defiance against chaos—remains.
When thunder rumbles in the sky today, it’s easy to imagine why the Norse heard Thor’s hammer at work. And whether in sagas, video games, or movies, Thor still commands awe, proving that gods can be reinvented, but never forgotten.
D.W. Roach is a historical fiction author exploring Norse myth, Viking culture, and their echoes in modern storytelling.
D.W. Roach "Marauder" 