Thor

Thor is a famous god from old stories of the Germanic peoples, especially in Norse mythology. He is known for using a strong hammer called Mjölnir. Thor is linked to thunder, storms, strength, and protection. People from many Germanic cultures, like those who spoke Old English, Old Frisian, Old Saxon, and Old High German, have stories about Thor.

Thor has been an important figure for a long time. He was very popular during the Viking Age, even when Christianity began in Scandinavia. Many people wore symbols of his hammer and had names that included Thor. In stories, Thor fights monsters, including a big serpent called Jörmungandr. His adventures, family, and special items like his hammer and magic belt are written about in old texts from Iceland.

Today, Thor is still remembered. His name is used for the day we call Thursday. He also appears in many artworks and popular culture. Some people today honor Thor in a practice called Heathenry.

Name

The name Thor comes from ancient Norse stories. In old Germanic languages, Thor was called different names such as Donar in Old High German, Þunor in Old English, Thuner in Old Frisian, and Thunar in Old Saxon. These names all mean "Thunder."

The word Thor is connected to thunder and storms. The English word "Thursday" comes from an old phrase meaning "Thor's day." During the Viking Age, many people used names that included Thor, showing how much they liked this strong god.

Historical attestations

The earliest records of Thor come from Roman writers. They often identified him with their own god Jupiter or Hercules. The historian Tacitus wrote about Thor in the late first century. He said Thor was venerated by the Suebi, a group of Germanic tribes, along with other gods like Odin and Týr.

In later centuries, Thor's name appeared in many forms across different Germanic languages. He was called Thunor in Old English, Thuner in Old Frisian, Thunar in Old Saxon, and Donar in Old High German. These names all come from an ancient word meaning "Thunder." During the Viking Age, Thor was a central figure in Norse mythology. He was worshipped in temples and remembered in poems and stories. He was seen as a powerful protector, especially against giants and other threats.

Archaeological record

Hammer pendants, hammer coins, and Eyrarland Statue

Main article: Mjölnir § Archaeological_record

Many pendants shaped like Thor’s hammer have been found in many places. These include the Nordic countries, England, northern Germany, the Baltic countries, and Russia. Most of these pendants are simple and made from iron or silver. But about 100 have more detailed designs with decorations. These pendants were found in many different places. Coins showing Thor’s hammer have also been found.

The Eyrarland Statue, a copper figure from around the 11th century found near Akureyri, Iceland, might show Thor sitting with his hammer.

• Drawing of a silver-gilted Thor's hammer found in Scania, Sweden
• Drawing of a 4.6 cm gold-plated silver Mjölnir pendant found at Bredsätra on Öland, Sweden
• Drawing of a silver Thor's hammer amulet found in Fitjar, Hordaland, Norway
• Drawing of Thor's hammer amulet from Mandemark, Møn, Denmark
• A bronze statue of a seated figure from about AD 1000 that was recovered at the Eyrarland farm in the area of Akureyri, Iceland

Swastikas

Further information: Swastika (Germanic Iron Age)

The swastika symbol has been linked to Thor’s hammer or lightning. It was used by both women and warriors for protection. The swastika appeared on many objects from the Migration Period to the Viking Age. These include a 3rd century fibula from Zealand, Denmark; a Gothic spearhead from Brest-Litovsk, Belarus; many Migration Period bracteates; early Anglo-Saxon England cremation urns; an 8th century sword from Sogn, Norway; and a 9th century stone from Ramsø, Denmark.

Eponymy and toponymy

Many places in Scandinavia have names that come from the Old Norse word for Thor, Þórr. Some of these names include special words like -vé, -hóf, and -lundr, which point to old religious sites. For example, Þórslundr is common in Denmark, and Þórshof is often found in southern Norway. There is also a place called Torsö, meaning "Thor's Island," on the Swedish west coast.

In England, place names from the Old English Thunor are fewer, with examples such as Thundersley. In Germany, some places named Donnersberg might come from the Germanic name for Thor. Old traditions in Iceland and Sweden also show the influence of Thor. Even a river in Spain, called Torío in Cármenes, León, takes its name from Thor.

Origin, theories, and interpretations

Thor is like many gods from different cultures who are linked to thunder. These include Taranis from the Celtic tradition, Taara from Estonian beliefs, Perkūnas from the Baltic, Perun from the Slavic tradition, and Indra from Hindu mythology. Scholars believe Thor comes from an ancient Proto-Indo-European deity.

Thor is often seen as a god of strength. Some experts think he helps with good weather and fertile land, especially for farmers. His stories show him fighting powerful enemies to protect people and their homes.

Modern influence

Today, Thor still inspires art, stories, and science. Poets have written about Thor since the 1700s. Artists have painted and sculpted Thor in many scenes from myths.

Thor also appears in many books and movies. In comics, Thor became a popular superhero created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee in 1962. He has been played by actor Chris Hemsworth in several films. Thor is also a character in video games, books, and even a Netflix show.

Scientists even named a special kind of shrew after Thor because of his strength.