The Thunderer
Thor is the red-bearded god of thunder, the strongest of the Aesir and the tireless defender of both gods and mortals against the giants. Son of Odin, he rides a chariot pulled by two goats whose rumbling wheels make the thunder, and wields the hammer Mjolnir, which always returns to his hand.
His name is simply the Old Norse word for "thunder," from Proto-Germanic Þunraz. The same deity appears as Thunor in Old English and Donar among the continental Germans, and his day survives as Thursday, "Thor's day."
Of all the gods, Thor was the most beloved by ordinary Norse people, who wore tiny hammer amulets for protection. His myths are full of vigor and humor: he fishes for the world-serpent Jörmungandr, dresses as a bride to recover his stolen hammer, and matches strength against giants in their own halls.
At Ragnarok, Thor faces Jörmungandr a final time. He slays the great serpent but staggers only nine paces before falling dead from its venom — the protector of the world dying with the world he defended.
Common Questions
What is Thor's hammer called?
Mjolnir — a weapon forged by dwarves that never misses its target and always returns to Thor's hand. Worshippers wore miniature versions as protective amulets.
Who are Thor's parents?
Thor is the son of Odin, the Allfather. In the Prose Edda his mother is named as Jörð, the personified earth.
