Thor

Mythology

Thor is one of the most prominent gods of the Norse mythology — second only to his father Odin in cosmic hierarchy, but in many ways the most popularly beloved by Vikings. Strong, brave, of red beard, of voracious appetite, simple and direct character (unlike his father Odin who is a complex strategist). His role: main defender of Midgard (the human world) and Asgard (the gods' world) against the giants (jötnar). Whenever an inhuman enormous threat arose, Thor went to the battle.

His famous myths: 1) Thor and the giant Hrungnir (combat against the strongest giant; Thor defeated him with his hammer Mjölnir). 2) Thor and the world serpent Jörmungandr (Loki's son, immense cosmic serpent that surrounds the world; Thor faces it twice — the second time will be in Ragnarök, where they will mutually destroy). 3) Thor in Útgarða-Loki (humorous adventure where Thor and his companions encounter giants who deceive them with magical illusions; despite the apparent failure, Thor demonstrates such enormous strength that his actions cause earthquakes and tsunamis in the real world). 4) Thor disguised as bride (when the giant Þrymr stole the hammer Mjölnir, Thor had to dress as the goddess Freyja "the bride" to recover it — humorous myth, but solid teaching: real warrior masculine has self-confidence enough to use any tactic, including the unconventional, when necessary).

Symbols

Symbols: Mjölnir (his magical hammer with short handle, returns to his hand after being thrown — symbol of overwhelming protective power; the famous "Mjölnir pendants" of Viking iconography are still used today as jewellery and amulet of protective masculine strength), chariot pulled by two goats (Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr — magical goats that he can sacrifice to feed his guests and resurrect intact the next day, as long as no one breaks the bones during the meal), belt of strength Megingjörð (which doubles his already enormous power), iron gloves Járngreipr (which allow him to grip the hammer Mjölnir), red lightning. Sacred animal: goat; bull. Sacred colours: red, deep brown of the earth, gold.

Comparable Greek-Roman: Thor parallels with Jupiter/Zeus (god of thunder and king of heaven) — but with one crucial difference: Zeus/Jupiter is supreme distant king of the gods who rules from Olympus; Thor is one degree below (he is son of Odin not the father), but is more directly involved in protecting humans. Thor is closer to the human warriors than Zeus to the human Greeks. That is why Thor was deeply beloved by Vikings as "god of farmers and warriors" — the common god of the Viking people, not just of the kings and elite priests.

In modern Wicca and Asatru (reconstructive Norse paganism), Thor is invoked for: 1) Sustained protection of family, home, community against threats. 2) Necessary direct courage in difficult challenges. 3) Sustained physical-warrior strength (athletes, manual workers, real warriors). 4) Just defence against bullies and abusers. 5) Sense of justice direct without political complications. His characteristic energy is healthy masculine integration: strong, brave, just, simple, direct.