Misplaced Pages

Mjolnir (comics): Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 21:33, 10 March 2007 edit203.46.189.91 (talk) No need for them. Will be taken out every time.← Previous edit Latest revision as of 05:45, 7 January 2025 edit undo68.36.180.44 (talk) →Enchantments 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Thor's Hammer in the Marvel Comics universe}}
{{otheruses2|Mjolnir}}
{{about|the ] object|the mythological object|Mjölnir|the Marvel Cinematic Universe adaptation|Mjolnir (Marvel Cinematic Universe)}}
]
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox comics elements
<!--Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Comics-->
| name = Mjölnir
| image = Thor 494.jpg
| caption = Mjölnir held by Thor on the cover of <br />''Thor'' #494 (Jan. 1996). <br />Art by ]
| publisher = ]
| debut = '']'' #83
| debutmo = August
| debutyr = 1962
| creators = ] <br />] <br />] <br />]
| type =
| weapon = y
| artifact = first
| multitype = y
| supports = ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cardona |first=Ian |date=June 6, 2019 |title=Marvel Has Quietly Introduced the Third Eye of Agamotto |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-introduced-third-eye-of-agamotto-savage-avengers/ |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>
| subcat = Marvel Comics
| sortkey = Mjolnir
}}


'''Mjolnir''' ({{IPAc-en|UK|ˈ|m|j|ɒ|l|n|ɪər}} {{respell|MYOL|neer}},<ref>{{cite web|url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=tVwM3mbwfoE|title=How to Pronounce Mjolnir|via=]|access-date=2024-09-16|date=2021-10-18}}</ref> {{IPAc-en|US|ˈ|m|j|ɔː|l|n|ɪər}} {{respell|MYAWL|neer}}),<ref>{{cite Dictionary.com|Mjolnir}}</ref> known more formally as '''Mjölnir''', is a fictional magical weapon appearing in ]s published by ]. It is depicted as the principal weapon of the ] ]. Mjolnir, which first appears in '']'' #83 (Aug. 1962), was created by writers ] and ] and designed by artists ] and ].
'''Mjolnir ''' (]:)) is a ] weapon from the ] (specifically the ] universe). Mjolnir resembles a large hammer and is the favoured weapon of the Thunder God and ] ]. Mjolnir translated into English means "That Which Smashes".


Mjolnir is typically depicted as a large, square-headed gray ], with a short, round handle wrapped in brown leather, culminating in a looped ]. The object is based on ], the weapon of the ].
==Composition==
Forged by Dwarven blacksmiths, Mjolnir is composed of the fictional Asgardian metal ], and has a strange stone-like appearance. On the side of the hammer is the inscription: "''Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor''."


==Fictional history== ==Publication history==
Mjolnir debuted in ] title '']'' #83 (Aug. 1962), being the means by which physician Donald Blake transformed into thunder god ] (by striking it on the ground). The first use of the hammer's name was in the "Tales of Asgard" feature in ''Thor'' #135 (Dec. 1966) in a story by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The weapon's origin is eventually revealed in ''Thor'' Annual #11 (1983), with another version presented in ''Thor'' vol. 2, #80 (Aug. 2004).
There are two versions of the origin of Mjolnir.


In a 2002 documentary with ], Lee says his brother and co-creator ] originally referred to Mjolnir as the "Uru Hammer".<ref name=Documentary>{{cite AV media |people=Stan Lee & Kevin Smith |date=6 November 2002 |title=Stan Lee's Mutants, Monsters & Marvels | medium=Video | language=en | url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0314724/ | access-date=6 January 2017 | publisher=DHG Productions}}</ref> Writer Roy Thomas eventually changed the name of the hammer to the mythologically correct name of "Mjolnir" but maintained the Larry Lieber concept of it being composed of fictional metal "uru".<ref name=AlterEgo>{{cite magazine |editor=Roy Thomas | title= Alter Ego 02 : A Conversation with Artist-Writer Larry Lieber | url=https://www.twomorrows.com/alterego/articles/02lieber.html | magazine=Alter Ego | issue=2 | publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing | date=Fall 1999 }}</ref>
According to Norse myth, ] the trickster cuts off the hair of the goddess ] as part of a cruel jest. Threatened with grave physical harm by Thor, Loki escapes his fate by promising to fetch replacement hair from the dwarf smiths. Loki commissions the hair from the sons of Ivaldi and the obliging dwarves also make a magic ship and spear as gifts for the gods. Loki is convinced that no one can match their workmanship, and challenges a dwarf named Eitri to make finer treasures. Eitri first makes a golden ring; then a golden boar and finally begins work on a hammer. Loki begins to panic at the sight of the treasures, and fearful that he would lose the wager, transforms himself into a mayfly and stings Eitri's assistant on the brow as he is working the bellows for the forge. The assistant stops for a moment to wipe away the blood, and the bellows fall flat - the end result being that the hammer is shorter in the handle than Eitri had originally intended.


==Origin==
Despite this, the Norse gods consider Eitri to have forged the greater treasures, and in retaliation the sons of Ivaldi sew Loki's lips shut. ] uses the hammer - called Mjolnir by Eitri - and eventually passes the hammer to his son Thor, who must first prove he is worthy to wield the weapon.<ref>''Thor'' Annual vol. 1, #11</ref>
Mjolnir's origin in Marvel continuity mirrors the original ] legend. The hammer is created when ]'s ] son ] cuts off the hair of the goddess ] as part of a cruel jest, and, when threatened with violence by Thor, promises to fetch replacement hair from the dwarf smiths. Loki commissions the hair from the Sons of Ivaldi, and the obliging dwarves create the hair and a magic ship and spear as gifts for the gods. Loki is convinced that no one can match their workmanship, and challenges a dwarf named ] to make finer treasures. Eitri creates a golden ring and golden ] with magical properties, and then begins work on a hammer. Loki panics at the sight of the treasures, and, afraid he will lose the wager, transforms himself into a ] and stings Eitri's assistant on the brow as he is working the ] for the ]. The assistant stops for a moment to wipe away the blood, and the bellows fall flat. As a result, the hammer's handle is shorter in length than Eitri had originally intended, meaning that the hammer could only be wielded one-handed.


Another more recent version claims Odin orders the dwarven blacksmiths Eitri, Brok, and Buri to forge Mjolnir, using the core of a star and an enchanted forge. The forging of the hammer is apparently so intense it destroys the star and nearly Earth itself (possibly causing the extinction of Earth's dinosaurs, although this has not been proven). When Thor and Loki were still infants, Odin used the hammer in battle to slay Loki's father, Laufey.<ref>''Thor'' vol. 1, #80</ref> Despite the error, the Norse gods consider Eitri to have forged the greater treasures. Loki loses the bet and in retaliation the Sons of Ivaldi sew Loki's lips shut. The ruler of the Norse gods, ], uses the hammer – called Mjolnir ("Grinder") by Eitri – and eventually passes it to his son Thor, on the condition that he first prove he is worthy to wield the weapon.<ref>''Thor'' Annual #11 (1983)</ref>


In ''Thor'' Annual #11, the origin is changed in small but subtle ways. First, the treasures are commissioned by Odin as gifts for both of his boys, but Loki forfeits his share when he touches Gungnir, Odin's spear. Secondly, Loki turns into a moth instead of a gadfly, and just annoys Eitri instead of biting him. Thirdly, while the dwarfs still forge the golden duplicating ring known as Draupnir and Mjolnir, instead of making a golden boar spear they just make a magic gold boar that can fly.<ref name=":0" />
== Mjolnir's enchantments==
* No living being can lift the hammer from the ground unless he or she is worthy. Provisions to that enchantment require that there can be but one worthy wielder of the hammer at a given time, and the current wielder must be bested in fair combat by a worthy contestant in order for that contestant to win it (see '''Other Wielders''' below).


In the second volume of ''Thor'', another version of the hammer's origin is depicted when Odin orders the dwarven blacksmiths Eitri, Brok and Buri to forge Mjolnir using the core of a ].<ref name="Thorv2 80">''Thor'' vol. 2 #80 (Aug. 2004)</ref>
* Causes the hammer to return to the exact spot from which it is thrown after striking its target. The hammer will also return to Thor's hand when summoned.


The series ''The Mighty Thor'' provides another version of Mjolnir's origin: after an extended battle Odin traps a galaxy-sized storm called "Mother Storm" in a nugget of uru, which Odin orders the dwarves to use to create a weapon capable of using Mother Storm's power.<ref>''The Mighty Thor'' vol. 2 #12 (Dec. 2016)</ref>
* Enables its wielder to summon the elements of storm (wind, rain, thunder, and lightning) by stamping its handle twice on the ground (note that Thor as the God of Thunder is capable of this act without Mjolnir).


==Enchantments==
* Enables the hammer to open interdimensional portals, allowing its wielder to travel to other dimensions, such as from Earth to Asgard. The hammer can also be used to create portals to travel great distances in the same dimension.
Odin placed several enchantments upon Mjolnir prior to Thor wielding the hammer:


* This is reflected in the inscription on the side of Mjolnir, which states: ''Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.''<ref name="JiM 82">''Journey into Mystery'' #82 (Aug. 1962)</ref>
* Enables Thor to transform into the guise of a mortal, physician Donald Blake, by stamping the hammer's head to the ground once. A provision of this enchantment requires that the hammer can not be out of Thor' s hand for more than one minute without his spontaneous reversion to his mortal self. When Thor transforms into Blake, his hammer takes the appearance of a wooden walking stick. When disguised, the hammer's enchantments limiting those who could lift it are not in effect. This enchantment was later transferred to ''Stormbreaker'', the hammer of ].<ref>''Thor'' vol. 1, #340</ref> Note that when Thor adopted the mortal persona of Jake Olson the stick was removed and Thor simply stamped his fist into the ground to effect a change.<ref>''Thor'' vol. 2, #1</ref>
* Once thrown it will always return to the wielder's hand after being thrown. By hurling the hammer and holding the lanyard, Thor is capable of flight.<ref name="JiM 82" />
* The wielder can control the elements of storm (], ], and ]) by stamping its handle twice on the ground.<ref>''Journey Into Mystery'' #83 (Aug. 1962)</ref>
* Mjolnir can open ] portals, allowing its wielder to travel to other dimensions (such as from Earth to Asgard)<ref name=":0">''Journey Into Mystery'' #88 (Jan. 1963)</ref>
* Also originally capable of creating chronal displacement and therefore allowing ].<ref>''Journey into Mystery'' #86 (Nov. 1962)</ref> This enchantment was removed by the entity ] with Thor's consent to aid a planet trapped in Limbo.<ref>''Thor'' #282 (April 1979)</ref> This was eventually revealed to be a deception by Immortus to eliminate the superhero team the ]' access to time travel.<ref>''Avengers Forever'' #8 (July 1999)</ref> Thor, however, is still able to manipulate time with Mjolnir.<ref>''The Avengers'' #300 (Feb. 1989)</ref>
* Thor can transform into the guise of a mortal, the physician ], by stamping the hammer's head on the ground once and willing the change. When Thor transforms into Blake, his hammer takes the appearance of a wooden walking cane. Odin also stipulated that if Thor was separated from Mjolnir for more than sixty seconds, he would revert to his mortal persona until striking the cane once again.<ref>''Journey into Mystery'' #103 (April 1964)</ref> Fortunately, Mjolnir is small enough for Thor to comfortably tuck it into his belt so he could have both hands free when desired and still be in physical contact to prevent the change.


The last enchantment was eventually removed and transferred to '''Stormbreaker''', the hammer of character ] which was commissioned by Odin as a replica of Mjolnir.<ref>''Thor'' #340 (Feb. 1984)</ref> After this the Donald Blake persona disappeared (eventually returning from the after life<ref>''Thor'' vol. 3 #1 (2007)</ref>), and Thor assumed a civilian identity simply by changing into modern clothing (carrying Mjolnir concealed within a duffel bag). Thor eventually adopts the mortal persona of Jake Olson as penance for accidentally causing the original Olson's death during a battle, and simply pounds a fist to effect a change. During this period Mjolnir would disappear when Thor became Olson, and reappear when returning to his true form. Thor was also once again bound by the original rule whereby he would revert to Olson if kept away from Mjolnir for more than a minute.<ref>''Thor'' vol. 2 #1 (July 1998)</ref>
* The hammer had one enchantment that has been rescinded. Mjolnir could be swung in such a way as to generate chronal displacement inertia enabling its wielder to travel through time. This property, separate from the hammer's dimension-spanning ability, was removed by ], whose mastery over time exceeds that of the Asgardians.


The enchantment eventually changes: during the '']'' storyline, ] whispers an undisclosed secret to Thor that causes him to lose the ability to pick up Mjolnir.<ref>''Original Sin'' #7 (Aug. 2014).</ref> The change extends to other gods, as Odin also cannot lift it (Fury's comment to Thor was simply "Gorr was right", validating to Thor that an old foe's claim that gods brought only pain and suffering was correct).<ref>''The Unworthy Thor'' #5 (May 2017)</ref> The hammer is subsequently picked up by an unknown female – later revealed to be ] – who inherits the power and title of Thor, with the inscription changing to read ''if she be worthy''.<ref name="Thorvol4.1">{{Cite comic|writer=]|artist=]| title= Thor| volume= 4| issue= #1| date=October 2014|publisher=Marvel Comics}}</ref>
'''Note:''' These enchantments are reliant on the will of Odin. When Odin "died" during a confrontation with the Celestials, Mjolnir's ability to return was suspended.<ref>''Thor'' vol. 1, #300</ref>


==Other Wielders== ==Powers and abilities==
* As one of the most formidable weapons known to man or god, Mjolnir is described as impacting with sufficient force to "level mountains" as well as destroying entire planets,<ref>''Thor'' #312 (Oct. 1981)</ref> with only ] proving to be more impervious.<ref>''The Avengers'' #228 (Sep. 1969)</ref>
]]]
'''Mainstream ] continuity''':


Capable of creating:
* Odin
* huge vortices<ref name="JiM 82" />
* ] particles<ref>''Journey into Mystery'' #85 (Oct. 1962)</ref>
* ] (capable of containing an explosion that could potentially destroy a ]);<ref>''Thor'' #407 (Sept. 1989)</ref>
* Emitting mystical blasts of energy; controlling electromagnetism; molecular manipulation;<ref>''Journey into Mystery'' #115 (April 1965)</ref>


Generating exceptional offensives:
* ] <ref>''Thor'' vol. 1, #390</ref>
* ''Geo-Blast'' (an energy wave that taps a planet's gravitational force)<ref>''Thor'' #161 (Feb. 1969)</ref>
* ''Anti-Force'' (energy created to counter-act another force)<ref>''Thor'' vol. 3 #25 (July 2000)</ref>
* ''God Blast'' (an energy blast that taps into Thor's life force)<ref>''Thor'' vol. 3 #12 (June 1999)</ref>


Mjolnir can also absorb energy;
* ] <ref>''Thor'' vol. 1, #337</ref>
* draining the Asgardian powers of the ] into the ]<ref>''The Avengers'' #277 (March 1987)</ref>
* draining the life-force of villain the ]<ref>''The Avengers'' vol. 3 #44 (Aug. 2001)</ref>
* removing the force field of the villain ]<ref>''Thor'' #411–412 (both Dec. 1989)</ref>


The hammer is also capable of empowering others – accidentally endowing the hero ] with the ability to generate electricity<ref>''The Invaders'' #33 (Oct. 1978)</ref> – and removing any harmful radiation or other toxins from a host.<ref>''The Mighty Thor'' #1 vol. 2 (Jan. 2016)</ref>
* Buri (sometimes known as Tiawaz) <ref>''Thor'' vol. 1, #355</ref>


There are also several rarely used abilities:
* Red Norvell with the aid of magical gauntlets <ref>''Thor'' vol.1, #276</ref>
* tracking a person<ref>''The Avengers'' #13 (Feb. 1965)</ref>
* locating mystical items<ref>''Journey into Mystery'' #120 (Sept. 1965)</ref>
* detecting illusions<ref>''Thor'' #310 (Aug. 1981)</ref>
* project images, as Thor shows a glimpse of Asgard to fellow Avenger ].<ref>''Earth's Mightiest Heroes'' #1–8 (Jan–May 2005)</ref>


As a former ] ], Mjolnir is also lethal to the ], causing creatures such as ]s to burst into flame and crumble to dust.<ref>''Thor'' #332 (June 1983)</ref>
* ] <ref>''Thor'' vol.1, #433</ref>


Mjolnir is also not indestructible, having been damaged or destroyed several times in continuity: a force beam from the Asgardian ] slices it in two;<ref>''Journey into Mystery'' #118 (July 1965). Repaired ''Journey into Mystery'' #120 (Sept. 1965)</ref> the ] dispels the atomic bonds between the hammer's molecules, vaporizing Mjolnir;<ref>''The Avengers''#215 (Jan. 1982). Restored in ''The Avengers''#216 (Feb. 1982)</ref> shattered after channeling an immeasurable amount of energy at the ] '''Exitar''';<ref>''Thor'' #388 (Feb. 1988) Restored by the Celestials in ''Thor'' #389 (Mar. 1988)</ref> Dark god '''Perrikus''' slices Mjolnir in half with a magical ];<ref>''Thor'' vol. 2 #11 (May 1999) Restored ''Thor'' vol. 2 #11 (June 1999)</ref> and shattered when it collided with the uru weapons of Loki's Storm Giant followers, resulting in an ]-scale explosion.<ref name="Thorv2 80" /> Mjolnir was not recreated after this last incident until Thor returned to Earth several years later.<ref>''Thor'' vol. 3 #1 (Sept. 2007)</ref>
* ]<ref>''Avengers/JLA'' #4 (2003) </ref>
Temporary wielder Jane Foster sacrifices Mjolnir and herself to defeat the monster ] by hurling them all into the Sun. Thor and Odin are able to resurrect Jane, who subsequently presents Thor with the last fragment of his hammer.<ref>''The Mighty Thor'' #700-706 (Dec. 2017-June 2018)</ref>


During the ] storyline, Thor is able to channel the power of the ancient Mother Storm to reforge Mjolnir, declaring that Gorr was right and vowing to prove himself better than the gods who had come before.<ref>''War of the Realms'' #1-6 (June-Aug. 2018)</ref>
* ] <ref>''She-Hulk'' vol. 2, #14</ref>


==Wielders==
Other than Thor and Odin, certain other individuals have proven worthy of lifting Mjolnir in the ]:<ref name="Every Character">{{Cite web |last=Marnell |first=Blair |date=2022-04-22 |title=Who Has Wielded Thor's Hammer? |url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/every-character-who-has-wielded-thors-hammer-mjolnir |access-date=2022-04-22 |website=Marvel.com}}</ref>


* ]<ref>''Thor'' #276 (Oct. 1978)</ref> (a deliberate ruse by Odin)
'''Alternate Realities''' (all non-canon):
* ]<ref>''Thor'' #337 (Nov. 1983)</ref>
* Buri (also known as Tiwaz, Thor's great-grandfather)<ref>''Thor'' #355 (May 1985)</ref>
* ] in his "The Captain" role<ref>''Thor'' #390 (April 1988)</ref>
* ]<ref>''Thor'' #433 (June 1991)</ref>
* Bor (Thor's grandfather)<ref>''Thor'' #600 (April 2009)</ref>
* ]<ref>''Loki: Agent of Asgard'' #9 (Dec. 2014)</ref><ref>''Avengers & X-Men: AXIS'' #9 (Dec. 2014)</ref>
* ]<ref>''Thor'' vol. 4 #8 (May 2015)</ref>
* ]<ref>''Thor'' vol. 4 #7 (May 2015)</ref>
* ]<ref>''The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Beats Up the Marvel Universe'' (Oct.2016)</ref>
* ]<ref>''Avengers'' vol. 8 #36 (Sept. 2020)</ref>
* ] (with help from the Enigma Force)<ref>''King in Black'' #5 (April 2021)</ref>


Alternate versions of the ], ], ], Spider-Man, and ] have lifted Mjolnir through worthiness. Other Marvel characters have lifted Mjolnir not through worthiness but through technicalities such as absorbing Thor's powers, including the ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name="CBR">{{Cite web |last=Tessier |first=Colin |date=2019-01-18 |title=Hammer Time: 10 Characters Who Lifted Mjolnir Who Are More Worthy Than Thor (And 10 Who Aren't) |url=https://www.cbr.com/10-characters-lifted-mjolnir-more-worthy-thor-10-who-arent/ |access-date=2022-03-28 |website=CBR}}</ref><ref name="IGN">{{Cite web |last=Schedeen |first=Jesse |date=2014-10-01 |title=12 Other Characters Who Have Lifted Thor's Hammer Mjolnir |url=https://in.ign.com/comics/67578/feature/12-other-characters-who-have-lifted-thors-hammer-mjolnir |access-date=2022-03-28 |website=IGN}}</ref><ref name="Do You Even">{{Cite web |last=Wyse |first=Alex |date=2017-11-13 |title=Do You Even Lift: The 15 Least Worthy Characters Ever To Wield Mjolnir |url=https://www.cbr.com/least-worthy-characters-to-lift-mjolnir/ |access-date=2022-03-28 |website=CBR}}</ref>
* Dargo Ktor (Future Thor) <ref>''Thor'' vol. 1, #384</ref>


]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who Has Wielded Thor's Hammer? |url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/every-character-who-has-wielded-thors-hammer-mjolnir |access-date=2022-06-03 |website=Marvel Entertainment |language=en}}</ref> also has the ability to lift Mjolnir as it is made from Uru, a metal ore from the ''moon'' of a dead universe. So, with the help of Khonshu's influence, Moon Knight has the ability to control the hammer.
* ] <ref>''Thor'' vol. 2, #75</ref>


Two ] characters have lifted Mjolnir in Marvel/DC crossover events:
* Woden <ref>''Guardians of the Galaxy'' vol. 1, #43</ref>


* ] <ref>''What If'' vol. 1 #39. - What if Thor battled Conan the Barbarian?</ref> * ]<ref>''Marvel Vs. DC'' #3 (May 1996)</ref>
* ] with Odin's permission, and was unable to lift it later.<ref>''Avengers/JLA'' #4 (December 2003)</ref>


Several imitations of Mjolnir have also existed:
* ] <ref> ''What If'' vol. 1 #47. - What if Loki had found the hammer of Thor?</ref>


* Odin gifts the hammer '''Stormbreaker''' to ]<ref>''Thor'' #339 (Jan. 1984)</ref>
* ] <ref> ''What If'' vol. 2 #66. - What if Rogue possessed the power of Thor?</ref>
* Odin gifts the mace '''Thunderstrike''' to ]<ref>''Thor'' #459 (Feb. 1993)</ref>
* Loki creates the hammer '''Stormcaster''' for ] in an attempt to control her,<ref>''The Uncanny X-Men'' Annual #9 (1985)</ref> but she uses Mjolnir to destroy it<ref>''X-Men: To Serve and Protect'' #3 (Jan. 2011)</ref>
* Loki provides another version to ] to spite Thor<ref>''Deadpool'' #37 (Feb. 2000)</ref>
* Loki also allows ] to use the forge Mjolnir was created from to craft copies during Ragnarok<ref name="Thorv2 80" />
* ] creates an evil version of Thor wielding a technological imitation of Mjolnir<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #520 (Aug. 2005)</ref>
* ] and ] create an imitation Mjolnir for their clone ]<ref>''Civil War'' #1–7 (May 2006–Jan. 2007)</ref>
* The frog ] discovers a sliver of Mjolnir that transforms into the hammer '''Frogjolnir'''<ref>''Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers'' #1- 4 (July-Oct. 2009)</ref>


==Other versions==
* ] <ref> ''What If'' vol. 2 #114. -What if the Secret Wars: 25 years later. </ref>
In the ] ] title '']'' and its sequel '']'', the Ultimate ] wields a Mjolnir styled after a classical ], with no restrictions on who can wield it.<ref>''The Ultimates'' #4-13 (March 2002-April 2004)</ref><ref>'' Ultimates 3'' #5</ref> The origin of this Mlojnir is first told in ''Ultimates 2'' when the ] were making a Norway super soldier program involving a battery-powered suit and hammer with the hammer acting as a portable power unit, though twisted by Loki's manipulations of reality tricking everyone that Thor was actually his mentally unbalanced brother who stole the suit.<ref>''Ultimates 2'' #4</ref> In ''Ultimate Comics: Thor'', the traditional hammer appears made by Odin's workers and sought after by Loki on Earth. This version was used a plot device when the hammer temporarily crossed over into the mainstream ] universe,<ref>''The Unworthy Thor'' #1-5 (Jan.-May 2017)</ref> being found and used by the Asgardian ] and later Jane Foster before being destroyed. The surviving fragments are reassembled into another weapon for Foster once she abandons the Thor persona.<ref>''The Mighty Thor'' #20-23 (Aug.-Nov. 2017)</ref>


==In other media==
* Captain America <ref> ''What If'' vol. 5. - What if Age of Apocalypse: What if both Xavier and Magneto were killed by Legion? </ref>
===Television===


===1960s===
*] <ref>''Marvel vs. DC'' #3 (1996) </ref>


* Thor uses Mjolnir throughout his self-titled segment of '']''.
==Uses==
Mjolnir can be used both offensively and defensively. Thor often uses the hammer as a physical weapon, with almost nothing being capable of withstanding a hammer blow or throw. A rare exception is primary ]. <ref>''Avengers'' vol. 1, #68. Thor throws Mjolnir at the adamantium robot ] with no effect</ref> Exceptionally durable opponents such as the ]<ref>''Silver Surfer'' vol 1, #4</ref> or ]<ref> ''JLA/Avengers'' #1 - 2</ref> can also recover from a hammer blow fairly quickly.
Other offensive capabilities include creating vortices; emitting mystical blasts of energy; controlling electro-magnetism; molecular manipulation and generating the awesome Geo-Blast; Anti-Force and God Blast.


===1980s===
Defensively Mjolnir can also be used to block attacks, absorb and redirect energy and by being spun in an arc repel all attacks, be they physical or energy-based.
* Thor uses Mjolnir in the '']'' episode "Vengeance of Loki".<ref name="Goldman">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/04/25/the-avengers-thors-tv-history|title= The Avengers: Thor's TV History|first= Eric|last= Goldman|date= April 25, 2012|publisher= ]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627071007/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/04/25/the-avengers-thors-tv-history|archive-date= June 27, 2013|url-status=live|access-date= May 26, 2013|df= mdy-all}}</ref>
* Thor prominently uses Mjolnir in the live action television film '']''. In the film, Mjolnir is used to summon Thor into the mortal world.


===1990s===
Thor also uses Mjolnir as a means of transportation by hurling the hammer and gripping the thong on the shaft, being pulled along by the force created. Once airborne, Thor can change direction, speed and altitude.
* Thor appears with in Mjolnir in ].
* Thor appears with Mjolnir in '']'' episode "Mortal Bounds".
* Thor makes a non-speaking cameo appearance with Mjolnir in the '']'' episode "The Dark Phoenix".


===2000s===
There are also several rarely used abilities:
* Thor wields Mjolnir in '']''.


===2010s===
* Mjolnir can detect illusions - Thor once commanded the hammer to strike the meta-physical villain ], who was hiding amongst false images of himself.<ref>''Thor'' vol. 1, #310</ref>
* Mjolnir appears in The '']''.
* Mjolnir appears in '']''.
* Mjolnir appears in '']''.
* Thor wields Mjolnir in '']''.
* Thor wields Mjolnir in '']''.
* Mjolnir appears in '']''.
* Mjolnir appears in '']''.
* Thor wields Mjolnir throughout his appearance in '']''.
* Thor also wields Mjolnir in '']''.


===Film===
* A former religious relic, Mjolnir is lethal to undead. Thor once threw Mjolnir at a vampire, with contact causing the vampire to burst into flame and then crumble to dust.<ref>''Thor'' vol. 1, #332</ref>


===Animated film===
* Mjolnir can project images, as Thor shows a glimpse of Asgard to a curious Iron Man.<ref>''Earth's Mightiest Heroes'' #1 - 6 (2005)</ref>


* The Ultimate version of Thor uses Mjolnir in '']'' (2006) and '']'' (2006).
==Limitations==
* Thor also uses Mjolnir in '']'' (2008).
Although an incredibly powerful weapon, Mjolnir is not invulnerable. It has been damaged several times over the years:
* Thor wields in Mjolnir in '']''.
* Thor wields Mjolnir during a brief flashback sequence in '']'' (2010).
* Thor uses Mjolnir in '']''.
* Thor wields Mjolnir in the anime film '']''.
* Mjolnir appears in ''Marvel Super Hero Adventures: Frost Fight''.
* Thor appears in '']''.
* Mjolnir was used by Thor in ''Lego Marvel Avengers: Code Red''.


====Marvel Cinematic Universe====
* A force beam from the ] slices it in two.<ref>''Journey Into Mystery'' vol. 1, #119</ref>
{{main|Mjolnir (Marvel Cinematic Universe)}}


Mjolnir is a recurring item throughout the ] (MCU) media franchise, most often used by ]. Like its comic book counterpart, it is a powerful Asgardian hammer used as an offensive, defensive, and projectile weapon. It is capable of controlling and conjuring weather including lightning, and allows the carrier to fly if the hammer is spun and released with enough power. Mjolnir is enchanted by ], requiring any person who lifts it to be "worthy" and grants the user "the power of Thor" if they are able to do so.
* Thor shatters Mjolnir after channelling an incredible amount of energy at the Celestial Exitar.<ref>''Thor'' vol. 1, #388</ref>


* Mjolnir is first seen in the MCU in a post-credits scene in '']'' (2010), in which ] agent ] reports on the hammer being found in an impact crater in the New Mexican desert.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/mcu-phase-1-post-credit-scene/ |title=MCU: Every Phase 1 Post-Credit Scene, Ranked|first1=Wesley|last1=Bell|publisher=ScreenRant|date=March 24, 2021}}</ref>
* ] cuts the hammer in half with a magical scythe.<ref>''Thor'' vol. 2, #11</ref>
* In '']'' (2011), the hammer is used by Thor as he battles hordes of ] on ]. Odin strips Thor of his power and casts him and Mjolnir to Earth. Crowds of humans gather in an effort to lift it, attracting the attention of S.H.I.E.L.D. Thor eventually finds Mjolnir but is unable to lift it until he later proves his worthiness by sacrificing his life against the ]. The hammer appears to instantly heal his injuries when he holds it and he uses it to defeat the Destroyer. He battles ] with it, countering ], Odin's staff, and uses the hammer to destroy the ] Bridge.
* In '']'' (2012), Thor uses the hammer in combat throughout. He battles ] in his ], and Stark's arc reactor is able to absorb the lightning conjured by Mjolnir to increase his armor's power. It clashes with ]' ], creating a massive shockwave that knocks both parties down. Thor also battles ] (who fails to lift it during the confrontation), Loki, and ] soldiers. During the ], he uses the hammer to bottleneck the massive portal above New York City, combining its lightning with the ] as an amplifier to destroy numerous Chitauri reinforcements and their ].
* In '']'' (2013), Thor uses the hammer throughout to battle the ] ] and his minions.
*In '']'' (2015), Thor uses the hammer in battle against ] soldiers, hitting it against Rogers' shield to create massive shockwaves capable of destroying tanks. When Thor challenges the other ] to lift Mjolnir at a party, all fail save for Rogers, who manages to move it slightly, shocking Thor.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brian |first1=Greg |title=Marvel Directors Confirm Captain America Was Always Worthy to Hold Thor's Hammer |url=https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/marvel-directors-confirm-captain-america-was-always-worthy-to-hold-thors-hammer.html/ |newspaper=Showbiz Cheat Sheet |access-date=19 April 2021 |date=15 August 2019}}</ref> When Stark and Banner create the ], the Avengers are mistrustful of the synthezoid until he casually lifts Mjolnir. Later, the Vision is shown capable of using the hammer during a fight. Stark and Rogers later jest that Vision is not truly "worthy" as he is an ], comparing him to an elevator that would continue to work if Mjolnir were placed inside.
* In '']'' (2017), Thor uses the hammer to defeat the fire demon ] and his minions. When Odin dies, Thor's sister ] escapes from her prison. Thor throws Mjolnir at her but she catches and destroys it. Thor's exploration of Hela's origins reveals to him that Mjolnir was originally her weapon. Odin tells Thor that the hammer is also a means to control his power and that it alone does not make him the "God of Thunder".
* In '']'' (2019), Thor retrieves an alternate version of Mjolnir from Asgard in an alternate 2013 timeline during the "]" to gather the ] and undo ]. When he returns to the main timeline, he brings Mjolnir with him and uses it during the fight against an ]. Thor combines it with ], and uses its lightning to supercharge Stark's ] during their fight. When Thanos overwhelms and nearly kills Thor, Rogers uses Mjolnir to save Thor's life, who is pleased to confirm his suspicions about Rogers' worthiness. Rogers battles Thanos with it, combining the hammer with his shield for offensive and defensive combination attacks. Rogers is also able to conjure lightning. During ], Rogers uses Mjolnir as he leads the Avengers and their allies into battle. Following Thanos' defeat, Rogers returns Mjolnir to its timeline.
* A broken, alternate version of Mjolnir owned by ] appears in ] of '']'' (2021) in the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Welch |first=Andy |date=July 7, 2021 |title=Loki episode five recap: glorious mystery with Richard E Grant |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/jul/07/loki-episode-five-recap-glorious-mystery-with-richard-e-grant |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707160238/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/jul/07/loki-episode-five-recap-glorious-mystery-with-richard-e-grant |archive-date=July 7, 2021 |access-date=July 7, 2021 |website=]}}</ref>
* An alternate version of Mjolnir appears in ] of '']'' (2021) as part of the ]'s collection on ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Elvy |first1=Craig |title=Every MCU Easter Egg In What If? Episode 2 |url=https://screenrant.com/marvel-what-if-episode-2-mcu-marvel-easter-eggs/ |website=] |access-date=August 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818212744/https://screenrant.com/marvel-what-if-episode-2-mcu-marvel-easter-eggs/ |archive-date=August 18, 2021 |date=August 18, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> Another version appears in ], which Thor uses to fight against ]. For unexplained reasons, Thor remains the only one able to lift the hammer in this universe despite Odin never shown enchanting it with the "worthy" spell.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Collington |first1=Faefyx |title=The MCU Just Forgot Mjolnir's Rules |url=https://screenrant.com/what-if-mjolnir-rules-forgotten-broken-worthy/ |website=] |access-date=September 27, 2021 |date=September 23, 2021}}</ref> It was later used to fight Infinity Ultron in the ]. A third alternate version of Mjolnir appeared in the last two episodes of season 3, wielded by ].
* Mjolnir returns in '']'' (2022) with ] wielding a reconstructed version of the hammer. Now using the alias of Mighty Thor, she uses the hammer in the battle against ] and his forces.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chapman |first=Wilson |date=April 18, 2022 |title='Thor: Love and Thunder' Teaser Reveals Natalie Portman as the New Thor |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/thor-love-and-thunder-trailer-natalie-portman-chris-hemsworth-1235220405/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418172536/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/thor-love-and-thunder-trailer-natalie-portman-chris-hemsworth-1235220405/ |archive-date=April 18, 2022 |access-date=April 18, 2022 |website=]}}</ref> When Foster is diagnosed with ], she researches that Mjolnir gives its wielder enhanced strength and stamina. She travels to New Asgard in search of the remnants of Mjolnir, which reassembles itself in Jane's presence and proclaims her worthy, surprising Thor when he meets her again. Now when the hammer is launched from its wielder, it can separate into its fragments to hit multiple targets at once before reassembling. A flashback reveals that years earlier, Thor unknowingly enchanted Mjolnir to protect her. Foster learns that use of the hammer is actually exacerbating her cancer by draining her life force. In the final confrontation with Gorr, she uses the hammer to destroy the Necrosword, at the cost of her life. Thor once again takes possession of Mjolnir following her death.


====Stormbreaker====
* Mjolnir is shattered when it collides with the uru weapons of Loki's Storm Giant followers, resulting in an atomic-scale explosion.<ref>''Thor'' vol. 2, #80 </ref>
{{main|Stormbreaker (Marvel Cinematic Universe)}}
* In '']'' (2018), Thor travels to ] with ] and ] to ask the dwarf king ] for a replacement weapon. Eitri has a design called Stormbreaker prepared, an axe meant to be the most powerful in the Asgardian king's arsenal with powers similar to Mjolnir and capable of summoning the ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=McMillan |first1=Graeme |title=How Thor's Big 'Avengers' Moment Played Out in the Comics |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/avengers-infinity-war-a-guide-thors-axe-stormbreaker-1105983 |website=hollywoodreporter.com |publisher=] |access-date=28 March 2021 |date=29 April 2018}}</ref> Thor helps Eitri restart the damaged forge to heat the ore, and Groot creates a handle to finish the axe. Stormbreaker is capable of conjuring massive lightning attacks, allows Thor to fly, and serves as a two-handed offensive weapon capable of withstanding attacks from the ].
* In ''Avengers: Endgame'', he uses the axe to decapitate Thanos and later to battle an alternate version of Thanos and his army.
* In ''Thor: Love and Thunder'', Thor uses Stormbreaker but later gives it to Love while reclaiming use of the restored Mjölnir for himself.


===Video games===
== Other Versions ==
During the ] Saga it was revealed that another version of Mjolnir had survived a previous incarnation of Asgard and the eventual Ragnarok. It was apparently thrown to Midgard (Earth) by Thor's sons - Modi and Magni - and landed in the Rhine river where it was transformed into the magical Rhinegold.<ref>''Thor'' vol. 1, #287-300</ref> It is not known whether this story is canon.


Thor wields Mjolnir in the following video games:
In the alternate universe of the ], the Ultimate Thor uses a version of Mjolnir resembling a war club rather than a hammer.<ref>''Ultimates'' vol. 1, #4</ref>


* Thor uses Mjolnir in the 1995 arcade game '']''.
==Imitations==
* Thor uses Mjolnir in '']''.
Several imitations of Mjolnir have existed. The most well-known are the two created by Odin himself: Stormbreaker for ],<ref>''Thor'' vol. 1, #339 </ref> and the mace ] for Eric Masterson. Loki has been responsible for the creation of several imitations - a version of Mjolnir is presented to the mutant X-Man ] in an attempt to control her,<ref>''X-Men Anuual'' #9(1985)</ref> while another version is given to the adventurer ] to spite Thor.<ref>''Deadpool'' vol. 1, #37</ref> Loki later allows ] to use the forge Mjolnir was created from to craft copies during Ragnarok.<ref>''Thor'' vol. 2, #80 </ref> ] and ] also create a technological imitation Mjolnir for use by the clone Thor during the events of the ].<ref>''Civil War'' #1 - 7 (2006 - 2007)</ref>
* Thor uses Mjolnir in '']''.
* Thor uses Mjolnir in '']''.
* Mjolnir is used by Thor in '']''.
* Thor uses Mjolnir in '']''.
* Thor appears as a playable character in '']'' and '']'', and he uses Mjolnir as his primary weapon throughout the games.
* Thor appears as the main protagonist in the 2011 video game '']'', which was based on the 2011 film '']''. In the game, Thor uses Mjolnir as his primary weapon.
* Thor uses Mjolnir in '']''.
* Thor appears with Mjolnir as downloadable content for the game '']'', as part of "Marvel Costume Kit 2".
* Thor uses Mjolnir in '']''.
* Thor appears with Mjolnir as a playable character in '']''.
* Thor appears with Mjolnir as a playable character in ''Marvel Avengers Alliance Tactics''.
* Thor appears with Mjolnir as a playable character in '']''.
* Thor appears with Mjolnir as a playable character in '']''.
* Thor appears with Mjolnir as a playable character in '']''.
* Thor uses Mjolnir in as a playable character in '']''.
* Thor uses Mjolnir in as a playable character in '']''.
* Thor uses Mjolnir in as a playable character in '']''.
* Thor uses Mjolnir in as a playable character in '']''.
* Thor wields also Mjolnir in '']''.
* Thor wields as Mjolnir in '']''
* The "Marvel NOW" and "Modern" versions of Thor wield Mjolnir in '']''.
* Thor uses Mjolnir in ''Marvel Powers United VR''.
* Thor uses Mjolnir in ''Marvel Battle Lines''.
* Thor uses Mjolnir '']''.
* Thor wields Mjolnir in ''Marvel Dimension of Heroes''.
* Thor uses Mjolnir in ''].
* Thor appears with Mjolnir as an unlockable playable skin in '']''.
* Thor wields Mjolnir in '']''.


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|25em}}
<div class="references-small">

<references/>
==External links==
</div>
* {{Marvelwiki|Mjolnir|Mjolnir}}
* {{Marveldatabase|Mjolnir}}
*
* https://www.marvel.com/characters/thor-thor-odinson

{{Thor}}
{{Marvel Mystic}}
{{Stan Lee}}
{{Jack Kirby}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Mjolnir (Comics)}}
]
] ]
] ]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 05:45, 7 January 2025

Thor's Hammer in the Marvel Comics universe This article is about the Marvel Comics object. For the mythological object, see Mjölnir. For the Marvel Cinematic Universe adaptation, see Mjolnir (Marvel Cinematic Universe).

Mjölnir
Mjölnir held by Thor on the cover of
Thor #494 (Jan. 1996).
Art by Mike Deodato Jr.
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceJourney into Mystery #83 (August 1962)
Created byStan Lee
Larry Lieber
Jack Kirby
Joe Sinnott
In story information
TypeMystic item/artifact, Weapon
Element of stories featuringThor

Mjolnir (UK: /ˈmjɒlnɪər/ MYOL-neer, US: /ˈmjɔːlnɪər/ MYAWL-neer), known more formally as Mjölnir, is a fictional magical weapon appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. It is depicted as the principal weapon of the superhero Thor. Mjolnir, which first appears in Journey into Mystery #83 (Aug. 1962), was created by writers Stan Lee and Larry Lieber and designed by artists Jack Kirby and Joe Sinnott.

Mjolnir is typically depicted as a large, square-headed gray sledgehammer, with a short, round handle wrapped in brown leather, culminating in a looped lanyard. The object is based on Mjölnir, the weapon of the mythological Thor.

Publication history

Mjolnir debuted in Marvel Comics title Journey into Mystery #83 (Aug. 1962), being the means by which physician Donald Blake transformed into thunder god Thor Odinson (by striking it on the ground). The first use of the hammer's name was in the "Tales of Asgard" feature in Thor #135 (Dec. 1966) in a story by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The weapon's origin is eventually revealed in Thor Annual #11 (1983), with another version presented in Thor vol. 2, #80 (Aug. 2004).

In a 2002 documentary with Kevin Smith, Lee says his brother and co-creator Larry Lieber originally referred to Mjolnir as the "Uru Hammer". Writer Roy Thomas eventually changed the name of the hammer to the mythologically correct name of "Mjolnir" but maintained the Larry Lieber concept of it being composed of fictional metal "uru".

Origin

Mjolnir's origin in Marvel continuity mirrors the original Norse legend. The hammer is created when Odin's adopted son Loki cuts off the hair of the goddess Sif as part of a cruel jest, and, when threatened with violence by Thor, promises to fetch replacement hair from the dwarf smiths. Loki commissions the hair from the Sons of Ivaldi, and the obliging dwarves create the hair and a magic ship and spear as gifts for the gods. Loki is convinced that no one can match their workmanship, and challenges a dwarf named Eitri to make finer treasures. Eitri creates a golden ring and golden boar spear with magical properties, and then begins work on a hammer. Loki panics at the sight of the treasures, and, afraid he will lose the wager, transforms himself into a gadfly and stings Eitri's assistant on the brow as he is working the bellows for the forge. The assistant stops for a moment to wipe away the blood, and the bellows fall flat. As a result, the hammer's handle is shorter in length than Eitri had originally intended, meaning that the hammer could only be wielded one-handed.

Despite the error, the Norse gods consider Eitri to have forged the greater treasures. Loki loses the bet and in retaliation the Sons of Ivaldi sew Loki's lips shut. The ruler of the Norse gods, Odin, uses the hammer – called Mjolnir ("Grinder") by Eitri – and eventually passes it to his son Thor, on the condition that he first prove he is worthy to wield the weapon.

In Thor Annual #11, the origin is changed in small but subtle ways. First, the treasures are commissioned by Odin as gifts for both of his boys, but Loki forfeits his share when he touches Gungnir, Odin's spear. Secondly, Loki turns into a moth instead of a gadfly, and just annoys Eitri instead of biting him. Thirdly, while the dwarfs still forge the golden duplicating ring known as Draupnir and Mjolnir, instead of making a golden boar spear they just make a magic gold boar that can fly.

In the second volume of Thor, another version of the hammer's origin is depicted when Odin orders the dwarven blacksmiths Eitri, Brok and Buri to forge Mjolnir using the core of a star.

The series The Mighty Thor provides another version of Mjolnir's origin: after an extended battle Odin traps a galaxy-sized storm called "Mother Storm" in a nugget of uru, which Odin orders the dwarves to use to create a weapon capable of using Mother Storm's power.

Enchantments

Odin placed several enchantments upon Mjolnir prior to Thor wielding the hammer:

  • This is reflected in the inscription on the side of Mjolnir, which states: Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.
  • Once thrown it will always return to the wielder's hand after being thrown. By hurling the hammer and holding the lanyard, Thor is capable of flight.
  • The wielder can control the elements of storm (lightning, wind, and rain) by stamping its handle twice on the ground.
  • Mjolnir can open interdimensional portals, allowing its wielder to travel to other dimensions (such as from Earth to Asgard)
  • Also originally capable of creating chronal displacement and therefore allowing time travel. This enchantment was removed by the entity Immortus with Thor's consent to aid a planet trapped in Limbo. This was eventually revealed to be a deception by Immortus to eliminate the superhero team the Avengers' access to time travel. Thor, however, is still able to manipulate time with Mjolnir.
  • Thor can transform into the guise of a mortal, the physician Donald Blake, by stamping the hammer's head on the ground once and willing the change. When Thor transforms into Blake, his hammer takes the appearance of a wooden walking cane. Odin also stipulated that if Thor was separated from Mjolnir for more than sixty seconds, he would revert to his mortal persona until striking the cane once again. Fortunately, Mjolnir is small enough for Thor to comfortably tuck it into his belt so he could have both hands free when desired and still be in physical contact to prevent the change.

The last enchantment was eventually removed and transferred to Stormbreaker, the hammer of character Beta Ray Bill which was commissioned by Odin as a replica of Mjolnir. After this the Donald Blake persona disappeared (eventually returning from the after life), and Thor assumed a civilian identity simply by changing into modern clothing (carrying Mjolnir concealed within a duffel bag). Thor eventually adopts the mortal persona of Jake Olson as penance for accidentally causing the original Olson's death during a battle, and simply pounds a fist to effect a change. During this period Mjolnir would disappear when Thor became Olson, and reappear when returning to his true form. Thor was also once again bound by the original rule whereby he would revert to Olson if kept away from Mjolnir for more than a minute.

The enchantment eventually changes: during the Original Sin storyline, Nick Fury whispers an undisclosed secret to Thor that causes him to lose the ability to pick up Mjolnir. The change extends to other gods, as Odin also cannot lift it (Fury's comment to Thor was simply "Gorr was right", validating to Thor that an old foe's claim that gods brought only pain and suffering was correct). The hammer is subsequently picked up by an unknown female – later revealed to be Jane Foster – who inherits the power and title of Thor, with the inscription changing to read if she be worthy.

Powers and abilities

  • As one of the most formidable weapons known to man or god, Mjolnir is described as impacting with sufficient force to "level mountains" as well as destroying entire planets, with only Captain America's shield proving to be more impervious.

Capable of creating:

  • huge vortices
  • antimatter particles
  • forcefields (capable of containing an explosion that could potentially destroy a galaxy);
  • Emitting mystical blasts of energy; controlling electromagnetism; molecular manipulation;

Generating exceptional offensives:

  • Geo-Blast (an energy wave that taps a planet's gravitational force)
  • Anti-Force (energy created to counter-act another force)
  • God Blast (an energy blast that taps into Thor's life force)

Mjolnir can also absorb energy;

The hammer is also capable of empowering others – accidentally endowing the hero Union Jack with the ability to generate electricity – and removing any harmful radiation or other toxins from a host.

There are also several rarely used abilities:

  • tracking a person
  • locating mystical items
  • detecting illusions
  • project images, as Thor shows a glimpse of Asgard to fellow Avenger Iron Man.

As a former religious relic, Mjolnir is also lethal to the undead, causing creatures such as vampires to burst into flame and crumble to dust.

Mjolnir is also not indestructible, having been damaged or destroyed several times in continuity: a force beam from the Asgardian Destroyer slices it in two; the Molecule Man dispels the atomic bonds between the hammer's molecules, vaporizing Mjolnir; shattered after channeling an immeasurable amount of energy at the Celestial Exitar; Dark god Perrikus slices Mjolnir in half with a magical scythe; and shattered when it collided with the uru weapons of Loki's Storm Giant followers, resulting in an atomic-scale explosion. Mjolnir was not recreated after this last incident until Thor returned to Earth several years later. Temporary wielder Jane Foster sacrifices Mjolnir and herself to defeat the monster Mangog by hurling them all into the Sun. Thor and Odin are able to resurrect Jane, who subsequently presents Thor with the last fragment of his hammer.

During the War of the Realms storyline, Thor is able to channel the power of the ancient Mother Storm to reforge Mjolnir, declaring that Gorr was right and vowing to prove himself better than the gods who had come before.

Wielders

Other than Thor and Odin, certain other individuals have proven worthy of lifting Mjolnir in the primary continuity:

Alternate versions of the Silver Surfer, Conan, Black Widow, Spider-Man, and Valkyrie have lifted Mjolnir through worthiness. Other Marvel characters have lifted Mjolnir not through worthiness but through technicalities such as absorbing Thor's powers, including the Air-Walker, Awesome Android, Magneto, Rogue, Wonder Man, and Doctor Doom.

Moon Knight also has the ability to lift Mjolnir as it is made from Uru, a metal ore from the moon of a dead universe. So, with the help of Khonshu's influence, Moon Knight has the ability to control the hammer.

Two DC Comics characters have lifted Mjolnir in Marvel/DC crossover events:

Several imitations of Mjolnir have also existed:

  • Odin gifts the hammer Stormbreaker to Beta Ray Bill
  • Odin gifts the mace Thunderstrike to Thunderstrike
  • Loki creates the hammer Stormcaster for Storm in an attempt to control her, but she uses Mjolnir to destroy it
  • Loki provides another version to Deadpool to spite Thor
  • Loki also allows Surtur to use the forge Mjolnir was created from to craft copies during Ragnarok
  • HYDRA creates an evil version of Thor wielding a technological imitation of Mjolnir
  • Tony Stark and Reed Richards create an imitation Mjolnir for their clone Ragnarok
  • The frog Throg discovers a sliver of Mjolnir that transforms into the hammer Frogjolnir

Other versions

In the Ultimate Marvel imprint title The Ultimates and its sequel The Ultimates 2, the Ultimate version of Thor wields a Mjolnir styled after a classical war hammer, with no restrictions on who can wield it. The origin of this Mlojnir is first told in Ultimates 2 when the European Defense Initiative were making a Norway super soldier program involving a battery-powered suit and hammer with the hammer acting as a portable power unit, though twisted by Loki's manipulations of reality tricking everyone that Thor was actually his mentally unbalanced brother who stole the suit. In Ultimate Comics: Thor, the traditional hammer appears made by Odin's workers and sought after by Loki on Earth. This version was used a plot device when the hammer temporarily crossed over into the mainstream Earth-616 universe, being found and used by the Asgardian Volstagg and later Jane Foster before being destroyed. The surviving fragments are reassembled into another weapon for Foster once she abandons the Thor persona.

In other media

Television

1960s

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s

Film

Animated film

Marvel Cinematic Universe

Main article: Mjolnir (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Mjolnir is a recurring item throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media franchise, most often used by Thor. Like its comic book counterpart, it is a powerful Asgardian hammer used as an offensive, defensive, and projectile weapon. It is capable of controlling and conjuring weather including lightning, and allows the carrier to fly if the hammer is spun and released with enough power. Mjolnir is enchanted by Odin, requiring any person who lifts it to be "worthy" and grants the user "the power of Thor" if they are able to do so.

  • Mjolnir is first seen in the MCU in a post-credits scene in Iron Man 2 (2010), in which S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Phil Coulson reports on the hammer being found in an impact crater in the New Mexican desert.
  • In Thor (2011), the hammer is used by Thor as he battles hordes of Frost Giants on Jotunheim. Odin strips Thor of his power and casts him and Mjolnir to Earth. Crowds of humans gather in an effort to lift it, attracting the attention of S.H.I.E.L.D. Thor eventually finds Mjolnir but is unable to lift it until he later proves his worthiness by sacrificing his life against the Destroyer. The hammer appears to instantly heal his injuries when he holds it and he uses it to defeat the Destroyer. He battles Loki with it, countering Gungnir, Odin's staff, and uses the hammer to destroy the Bifröst Bridge.
  • In The Avengers (2012), Thor uses the hammer in combat throughout. He battles Tony Stark in his Iron Man armor, and Stark's arc reactor is able to absorb the lightning conjured by Mjolnir to increase his armor's power. It clashes with Steve Rogers' vibranium shield, creating a massive shockwave that knocks both parties down. Thor also battles The Hulk (who fails to lift it during the confrontation), Loki, and Chitauri soldiers. During the Battle of New York, he uses the hammer to bottleneck the massive portal above New York City, combining its lightning with the Chrysler Building as an amplifier to destroy numerous Chitauri reinforcements and their Leviathans.
  • In Thor: The Dark World (2013), Thor uses the hammer throughout to battle the Dark Elf Malekith and his minions.
  • In Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Thor uses the hammer in battle against Hydra soldiers, hitting it against Rogers' shield to create massive shockwaves capable of destroying tanks. When Thor challenges the other Avengers to lift Mjolnir at a party, all fail save for Rogers, who manages to move it slightly, shocking Thor. When Stark and Banner create the Vision, the Avengers are mistrustful of the synthezoid until he casually lifts Mjolnir. Later, the Vision is shown capable of using the hammer during a fight. Stark and Rogers later jest that Vision is not truly "worthy" as he is an artificial intelligence, comparing him to an elevator that would continue to work if Mjolnir were placed inside.
  • In Thor: Ragnarok (2017), Thor uses the hammer to defeat the fire demon Surtur and his minions. When Odin dies, Thor's sister Hela escapes from her prison. Thor throws Mjolnir at her but she catches and destroys it. Thor's exploration of Hela's origins reveals to him that Mjolnir was originally her weapon. Odin tells Thor that the hammer is also a means to control his power and that it alone does not make him the "God of Thunder".
  • In Avengers: Endgame (2019), Thor retrieves an alternate version of Mjolnir from Asgard in an alternate 2013 timeline during the "Time Heist" to gather the Infinity Stones and undo the Blip. When he returns to the main timeline, he brings Mjolnir with him and uses it during the fight against an alternate Thanos. Thor combines it with Stormbreaker, and uses its lightning to supercharge Stark's Iron Man armor during their fight. When Thanos overwhelms and nearly kills Thor, Rogers uses Mjolnir to save Thor's life, who is pleased to confirm his suspicions about Rogers' worthiness. Rogers battles Thanos with it, combining the hammer with his shield for offensive and defensive combination attacks. Rogers is also able to conjure lightning. During the final battle with Thanos and his entire army, Rogers uses Mjolnir as he leads the Avengers and their allies into battle. Following Thanos' defeat, Rogers returns Mjolnir to its timeline.
  • A broken, alternate version of Mjolnir owned by Throg appears in the fifth episode of Loki (2021) in the Void.
  • An alternate version of Mjolnir appears in the second episode of What If...? (2021) as part of the Collector's collection on Knowhere. Another version appears in the seventh episode, which Thor uses to fight against Captain Marvel. For unexplained reasons, Thor remains the only one able to lift the hammer in this universe despite Odin never shown enchanting it with the "worthy" spell. It was later used to fight Infinity Ultron in the ninth episode. A third alternate version of Mjolnir appeared in the last two episodes of season 3, wielded by Storm.
  • Mjolnir returns in Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) with Jane Foster wielding a reconstructed version of the hammer. Now using the alias of Mighty Thor, she uses the hammer in the battle against Gorr the God Butcher and his forces. When Foster is diagnosed with terminal cancer, she researches that Mjolnir gives its wielder enhanced strength and stamina. She travels to New Asgard in search of the remnants of Mjolnir, which reassembles itself in Jane's presence and proclaims her worthy, surprising Thor when he meets her again. Now when the hammer is launched from its wielder, it can separate into its fragments to hit multiple targets at once before reassembling. A flashback reveals that years earlier, Thor unknowingly enchanted Mjolnir to protect her. Foster learns that use of the hammer is actually exacerbating her cancer by draining her life force. In the final confrontation with Gorr, she uses the hammer to destroy the Necrosword, at the cost of her life. Thor once again takes possession of Mjolnir following her death.

Stormbreaker

Main article: Stormbreaker (Marvel Cinematic Universe)
  • In Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Thor travels to Nidavellir with Rocket and Groot to ask the dwarf king Eitri for a replacement weapon. Eitri has a design called Stormbreaker prepared, an axe meant to be the most powerful in the Asgardian king's arsenal with powers similar to Mjolnir and capable of summoning the Bifröst Bridge. Thor helps Eitri restart the damaged forge to heat the ore, and Groot creates a handle to finish the axe. Stormbreaker is capable of conjuring massive lightning attacks, allows Thor to fly, and serves as a two-handed offensive weapon capable of withstanding attacks from the Infinity Gauntlet.
  • In Avengers: Endgame, he uses the axe to decapitate Thanos and later to battle an alternate version of Thanos and his army.
  • In Thor: Love and Thunder, Thor uses Stormbreaker but later gives it to Love while reclaiming use of the restored Mjölnir for himself.

Video games

Thor wields Mjolnir in the following video games:

References

  1. Cardona, Ian (June 6, 2019). "Marvel Has Quietly Introduced the Third Eye of Agamotto". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  2. "How to Pronounce Mjolnir". October 18, 2021. Retrieved September 16, 2024 – via YouTube.
  3. "Mjolnir". Dictionary.com Unabridged (Online). n.d.
  4. Stan Lee & Kevin Smith (November 6, 2002). Stan Lee's Mutants, Monsters & Marvels (Video). DHG Productions. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
  5. Roy Thomas, ed. (Fall 1999). "Alter Ego 02 : A Conversation with Artist-Writer Larry Lieber". Alter Ego. No. 2. TwoMorrows Publishing.
  6. Thor Annual #11 (1983)
  7. ^ Journey Into Mystery #88 (Jan. 1963)
  8. ^ Thor vol. 2 #80 (Aug. 2004)
  9. The Mighty Thor vol. 2 #12 (Dec. 2016)
  10. ^ Journey into Mystery #82 (Aug. 1962)
  11. Journey Into Mystery #83 (Aug. 1962)
  12. Journey into Mystery #86 (Nov. 1962)
  13. Thor #282 (April 1979)
  14. Avengers Forever #8 (July 1999)
  15. The Avengers #300 (Feb. 1989)
  16. Journey into Mystery #103 (April 1964)
  17. Thor #340 (Feb. 1984)
  18. Thor vol. 3 #1 (2007)
  19. Thor vol. 2 #1 (July 1998)
  20. Original Sin #7 (Aug. 2014).
  21. The Unworthy Thor #5 (May 2017)
  22. Jason Aaron (w), Russell Dauterman (a). Thor, vol. 4, no. 1 (October 2014). Marvel Comics.
  23. Thor #312 (Oct. 1981)
  24. The Avengers #228 (Sep. 1969)
  25. Journey into Mystery #85 (Oct. 1962)
  26. Thor #407 (Sept. 1989)
  27. Journey into Mystery #115 (April 1965)
  28. Thor #161 (Feb. 1969)
  29. Thor vol. 3 #25 (July 2000)
  30. Thor vol. 3 #12 (June 1999)
  31. The Avengers #277 (March 1987)
  32. The Avengers vol. 3 #44 (Aug. 2001)
  33. Thor #411–412 (both Dec. 1989)
  34. The Invaders #33 (Oct. 1978)
  35. The Mighty Thor #1 vol. 2 (Jan. 2016)
  36. The Avengers #13 (Feb. 1965)
  37. Journey into Mystery #120 (Sept. 1965)
  38. Thor #310 (Aug. 1981)
  39. Earth's Mightiest Heroes #1–8 (Jan–May 2005)
  40. Thor #332 (June 1983)
  41. Journey into Mystery #118 (July 1965). Repaired Journey into Mystery #120 (Sept. 1965)
  42. The Avengers#215 (Jan. 1982). Restored in The Avengers#216 (Feb. 1982)
  43. Thor #388 (Feb. 1988) Restored by the Celestials in Thor #389 (Mar. 1988)
  44. Thor vol. 2 #11 (May 1999) Restored Thor vol. 2 #11 (June 1999)
  45. Thor vol. 3 #1 (Sept. 2007)
  46. The Mighty Thor #700-706 (Dec. 2017-June 2018)
  47. War of the Realms #1-6 (June-Aug. 2018)
  48. Marnell, Blair (April 22, 2022). "Who Has Wielded Thor's Hammer?". Marvel.com. Retrieved April 22, 2022.
  49. Thor #276 (Oct. 1978)
  50. Thor #337 (Nov. 1983)
  51. Thor #355 (May 1985)
  52. Thor #390 (April 1988)
  53. Thor #433 (June 1991)
  54. Thor #600 (April 2009)
  55. Loki: Agent of Asgard #9 (Dec. 2014)
  56. Avengers & X-Men: AXIS #9 (Dec. 2014)
  57. Thor vol. 4 #8 (May 2015)
  58. Thor vol. 4 #7 (May 2015)
  59. The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Beats Up the Marvel Universe (Oct.2016)
  60. Avengers vol. 8 #36 (Sept. 2020)
  61. King in Black #5 (April 2021)
  62. Tessier, Colin (January 18, 2019). "Hammer Time: 10 Characters Who Lifted Mjolnir Who Are More Worthy Than Thor (And 10 Who Aren't)". CBR. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
  63. Schedeen, Jesse (October 1, 2014). "12 Other Characters Who Have Lifted Thor's Hammer Mjolnir". IGN. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
  64. Wyse, Alex (November 13, 2017). "Do You Even Lift: The 15 Least Worthy Characters Ever To Wield Mjolnir". CBR. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
  65. "Who Has Wielded Thor's Hammer?". Marvel Entertainment. Retrieved June 3, 2022.
  66. Marvel Vs. DC #3 (May 1996)
  67. Avengers/JLA #4 (December 2003)
  68. Thor #339 (Jan. 1984)
  69. Thor #459 (Feb. 1993)
  70. The Uncanny X-Men Annual #9 (1985)
  71. X-Men: To Serve and Protect #3 (Jan. 2011)
  72. Deadpool #37 (Feb. 2000)
  73. The Amazing Spider-Man #520 (Aug. 2005)
  74. Civil War #1–7 (May 2006–Jan. 2007)
  75. Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers #1- 4 (July-Oct. 2009)
  76. The Ultimates #4-13 (March 2002-April 2004)
  77. Ultimates 3 #5
  78. Ultimates 2 #4
  79. The Unworthy Thor #1-5 (Jan.-May 2017)
  80. The Mighty Thor #20-23 (Aug.-Nov. 2017)
  81. Goldman, Eric (April 25, 2012). "The Avengers: Thor's TV History". IGN. Archived from the original on June 27, 2013. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  82. Bell, Wesley (March 24, 2021). "MCU: Every Phase 1 Post-Credit Scene, Ranked". ScreenRant.
  83. Brian, Greg (August 15, 2019). "Marvel Directors Confirm Captain America Was Always Worthy to Hold Thor's Hammer". Showbiz Cheat Sheet. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
  84. Welch, Andy (July 7, 2021). "Loki episode five recap: glorious mystery with Richard E Grant". The Guardian. Archived from the original on July 7, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  85. Elvy, Craig (August 18, 2021). "Every MCU Easter Egg In What If? Episode 2". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on August 18, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021.
  86. Collington, Faefyx (September 23, 2021). "The MCU Just Forgot Mjolnir's Rules". Screen Rant. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  87. Chapman, Wilson (April 18, 2022). "'Thor: Love and Thunder' Teaser Reveals Natalie Portman as the New Thor". Variety. Archived from the original on April 18, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  88. McMillan, Graeme (April 29, 2018). "How Thor's Big 'Avengers' Moment Played Out in the Comics". hollywoodreporter.com. Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 28, 2021.

External links

Thor (Marvel Comics)
Supporting
characters
Antagonists
Items
Bibliography
In other media
Television
Film
Video games
Motion comic
Alternative versions
Related
Mystical Marvel entities
Mystical entities
Demons
Mystical objects
Related characters
Stan Lee
Media
Titles
Storylines
Shows
Films
Related
Created
Characters
Heroes
Villains
Supporting
Species
Locations and
businesses
Objects
Jack Kirby
Bibliography
Marvel Comics
DC Comics
Other
Television work
Related articles
Category
Categories: