Thor, the thunder deity, is not only the divine protector of farmers but also of the free-spirited individuals. He is characterized by his fiery red hair and prominent bushy eyebrows that reflect his tempestuous nature.
Equipped with three powerful artifacts essential in his struggle for cosmic order against chaos and the threats posed by giants, Thor possesses Mjölnir—his formidable hammer that precisely strikes any target he aims at, Megingjord—an empowering belt that amplifies his strength, and a pair of protective iron gloves.
As the offspring of Odin and Fjorgynn (or Jord), Thor is wed to Sif. He has a hearty appetite and has a particular fondness for mead, a drink made from honey. Acting as a protector of order, he regularly confronts giants and other formidable beings, showcasing his might and tenacity in various tales.
The Tale of the Stolen Hammer
The Thrymskvida, an epic piece from the Poetic Edda, narrates the incident where the giant Thrym stole Thor’s mighty hammer, Mjölnir, hiding it deep within the earth. Without his hammer, the gods and their entire realm faced imminent danger.
Unexpectedly, Loki—who is often duplicitous—chose to assist and approached Thrym to inquire about the conditions for retrieving the hammer. Thrym demanded to marry Freyja, who was outraged by the proposal, causing a tremor throughout Asgard.
The deities convened to devise a plan. Heimdall proposed that they acquiesce to the giant’s demands; however, Thor would don a wedding gown, wear the divine necklace Brisingamen, and represent Freyja at the wedding. This suggestion incited Thor’s indignation, as he balked at the thought of wearing feminine attire. Yet, after some persuasion from the other gods, he agreed, with Loki accompanying him as his ‘bridesmaid.’
Upon arriving at Jotunheim, the domain of the giants, a fierce storm accompanied them, and they partook in a raucous feast plentiful with delicacies. Thrym was perplexed at “Freyja’s” voracious appetite as she consumed an entire ox, eight salmon, and a full barrel of mead. In a clever ruse, Loki claimed that “Freyja” had been pining for him intensely, resulting in an eight-day fast.
As Thrym leaned in to kiss “Freyja,” he recoiled at her startled expression. Loki quickly interjected, explaining that the shock stemmed from her sleepless nights in anticipation.
Ultimately, Mjölnir was unearthed and presented to the “bride” as a traditional wedding gift. At that moment, Thor unveiled his identity and unleashed his wrath, obliterating the giants with his hammer. Order was restored, and the realm of the gods was preserved!
Thor exemplifies fiery emotion, characterized by his red hair and bushy brows.
