Thor (Old Norse: Þórr; meaning "thunder") is the god of thunder, strength, and storms in Norse mythology. Thor is generally the second most popular god among the Vikings, behind only his father Odin.
Biography
Along with Odin and Loki, Thor was among the three most important figures in the Norse pantheon. He was responsible for the weather and crops, as well as sea voyages that might be affected by the weather. The cracking of thunder was not regarded with dread by the Norse; instead they they regarded it as a sign that Thor was doing his duty, killing Giants. Thor was associated with thunder, the sky, fertility and the law. Armed with his hammer, Mjölnir, and his girdle of strength, he righted wrongs by killing threats to mankind and the gods. The other gods, notably Loki, took advantage of Thor's simplicity on numerous occasions.
One of the most famous stories about Thor is his battle with the giant sea serpent Jörmungandr. Thor was the only god ever purposely baited Jörmungandr. One time Thor goes fishing with the giant Hymir. Thor threw an ox head on a hook into the sea and pulled up the monster serpent. The two eyed each other in hatred, Jörmungandr blowing poison. Hymir is frightened and as Thor grabs his hammer to kill the serpent, Hymir cuts the line, leaving Jörmungandr to sink back beneath the waves and return to his position encircling Midgard.
In Vikings
During the initial voyage to England, Floki interprets the thunderstorm as Thor testing the strength of the longship Floki built. This is underscored by Lagertha simultaneously telling Bjorn and Gyda the story of how Thor battles Jörmungandr using a bull's head and the gigantic storm their struggle creates. Later, the Seer tells the story of Ragnarok, and Thor's role in this ultimate battle, to Athelstan. While at the Uppsala temple, Bjorn asks Athelstan to identify a statue at the famous temple. Athelstan identifies Thor and describes him as "defeater of fire and frost."
Erlendur performs a blood sacrifice to Thor in order to get revenge for his murdered family. Ivar is seen wearing the image of Thor's famous hammer, Mjölnir, as an amulet. Both Athelstan and Rollo have agonized over the fact that despite their apparent Christianity they still hear Thor in thunder.
Ingrid invokes Thor, among many other gods, as she casts her spell on a charm she makes to remove Erik from the throne and her bed.
Description
- Symbols: Mjölnir (his war-hammer, means "lightning"), Megingjörð (his belt, means "power-belt"), gloves
- Animals: goats named Tanngrisni (means "teeth-barer, snarler") and Tanngnjóstr ("teeth grinder"), black ram
- Colors: sky blue, cloud white, lightning gold, red
- Runes: Thurisaz, Sowelo
- Offerings: food, mead
- Time to Honor: Mabon (Autumn Equinox)
Gallery
