Thor

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

Throughout history, Thor has been a very important figure. He was especially popular during the Viking Age, even as Christianity spread in Scandinavia. Many people wore symbols of his hammer and had names that included his name. In stories, Thor fights many monsters, most famously a huge serpent called Jörmungandr. His adventures, family, and special items like his hammer and magic belt are well recorded in old texts from Iceland.

Today, Thor is still remembered. His name lives on in the day of the week we call Thursday, and he appears in many works of art and modern popular culture. Some people today even honor Thor again in a practice called Heathenry.

Name

The name Thor comes from ancient Norse mythology. In different old Germanic languages, Thor was known by various names such as Donar in Old High German, Þunor in Old English, Thuner in Old Frisian, and Thunar in Old Saxon. These names all share a common root meaning "Thunder."

The word Thor is linked to the idea of thunder and storms. The English word "Thursday" comes from an old phrase meaning "Thor's day," just as other European languages have days named after gods. During the Viking Age, many people began using names that included Thor's name, showing their strong connection to this powerful god.

Historical attestations

The earliest records of Thor come from Roman writers, who often identified him with their own god Jupiter or Hercules due to similar characteristics. The historian Tacitus, writing in the late first century, described Thor as being 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 various forms across different Germanic languages. The god was mentioned in Old English as Thunor, in Old Frisian as Thuner, in Old Saxon as Thunar, and in Old High German as Donar. These names all trace back to a common ancient word meaning "Thunder." During the Viking Age, Thor was a central figure in Norse mythology, 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 across many places, including 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 discovered in many different places and settings. 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, including 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, like a special breed of fox and stones thought to be thrown by Thor. Even a river in Spain, called Torío in Cármenes, León, takes its name from Thor.

Origin, theories, and interpretations

Thor is similar to many other 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 things like good weather and fertile land, especially for farmers. His stories include battles with powerful enemies, showing his role in protecting people and their homes.

Modern influence

In modern times, Thor continues to inspire art, stories, and even science. Many poets have written about Thor over the years, with works dating back to 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.