Thor (Marvel Comics)

Thor cosplayer at Wizard World Chicago 2013.

Thor is a superhero created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Larry Lieber for Marvel Comics. He first appeared in the comic Journey into Mystery #83 (dated August 1962). His full name is Thor Odinson.

Origin

A long time ago in the distant land of Asgard, Odin and Frigga bore their firstborn son, Thor. He would grow up to be a mighty warrior and one of the strongest in all of the Nine Realms, a collection of galaxies and planets that were held together by the mythical tree of life, Yggdrasil.

Despite his talent as a strong warrior, Thor was incredibly arrogant. He wished to one rule the Nine Realms with an iron fist, leaving no one to challenge Asgard's rule. Worried that his son would grow up to be a tyrant, Odin stripped Thor of his powers, memories, and identity and banished him to Earth, where he would live as a disabled doctor named Donald Blake.

On Earth, Donald Blake experienced the hardship of mortal life and, within his subconcious, learned true humility. One day, Donald stumbled into deep cave, and discovered a strangely shaped stick. Upon striking the stick on the ground, Donald was transformed into his true identity, Thor. Now having regained his memories, Thor realises the importance of selflessness and that a good ruler is one who does not seek war.

Now realising the importance of Earth, Thor spends his time fighting evil throughout the planet as The Mighty Thor, the God of Thunder.

Powers

Being born into a family of gods, Thor is incredibly powerful. He is effectively immortal, and is predicted to live for millions of years. He posesses super-strength, durability, and a keen warrior's mind.

Thor's hammer, Mjolnir.

The most famous of Thor's weapon is his mighty hammer, Mjolnir. It is a mallet with a short handle, created by dwarf blacksmiths in the heart of a dying star, Nidavellir. It can be thrown and called back to Thor, and is made of a mysterious metal named Uru, and allows Mjolnir to carry magical enchantments.

One of these enchantments determines who can pick up Mjolnir based on their "worthiness". To be worthy, one must be compassionate, restrained, noble of character, wise, humble, and willing to take a life to protect the innocent. One of the most known "worthy" characters is Captain America.

Thor also posesses other gear. He has a magical belt named Megingjörð, and it doubles Thor's strength when buckled onto him. He also has Járngreipr, magical gauntlets that Thor sometimes uses when wielding Mjolnir.

Allies

Thor has a broad band of allies. He is the son of Odin and Frigga, and the brother of Loki (Marvel Comics).

• Odin, the "All-Father" and the ruler of the Nine Realms. He is one of the most powerful beings in both Marvel Comics and the Norse Mythology he originated in.
• Frigga, the "All-Mother" and Queen of Asgard. She is a powerful sorceress, being raised by witches.
• Loki, the God of Mischief and adoptive son of Odin, originally born as a child of a Frost Giant named Fárbauti.
• Lady Sif, a fierce Asgardian warrior and longtime romantic interest of Thor's.
• The Warriors Three, a loyal band of warriors consisting of Hogun the Grim, Fandral the Dashing, and Volstagg the Valiant who have fought by Thor's side since youth.
• Heimdall, the all-seeing guardian of the Bifröst, and a noble confidant of Thor's.
• Beta Ray Bill, a Korbinite warrior who proved himself worthy of lifting Mjolnir. For his honor, Odin had a powerful weapon forged for Bill; a mighty hammer named Stormbreaker.
• Jane Foster, a notable love interest for Thor and once mortal woman who became the Mighty Thor in Thor's absence.

Norse Mythology

"Thor's Fight with the Giants", painted by Mårten Eskil Winge in 1872.

Thor, as well as other related Asgardians, are based on characters described in Norse mythology. Thor himself is based on the Norse deity of the same name.

Film and TV

Thor has been adapted to different forms of media, including toys, movies, television series, and video games.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor is played by Australian actor Chris Hemsworth. Hemsworth played Thor in the movies Thor (2011), The Avengers (2012), Thor: The Dark World (2013), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Thor: Ragnarok (2017), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019), Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) and the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023).