Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Of Thor and the Other Gods explained
This chapter introduces Thor, the thunderer and Odin's eldest son, along with his three precious possessions: a hammer that returns to his hand, a belt of strength that doubles his might, and iron gloves for wielding his mallet.
What happens
This chapter introduces Thor, the thunderer and Odin's eldest son, along with his three precious possessions: a hammer that returns to his hand, a belt of strength that doubles his might, and iron gloves for wielding his mallet. It also describes other Norse gods including Frey, who presides over rain and sunshine; Freya, the goddess of love and beauty; Bragi, the god of poetry; Iduna, keeper of the apples of youth; and Heimdall, the watchman of the gods with extraordinary senses.
Themes in this chapter
Mortality and Immortality
Iduna's apples of youth allow the gods to remain young, highlighting the theme of immortality and the fear of aging.
Heroism and the Quest
Thor's role as the defender against giants with his powerful hammer embodies the heroic quest to protect the divine realm.
Characters to notice
- Thor
Thor, the thunderer and Odin's eldest son, is the strongest of gods and men. He possesses a hammer that returns to his hand, a belt of strength that doubles his divine might, and iron gloves for wielding his mallet.
- Odin
Odin is mentioned as the father of Thor, the thunderer.
- Baldur
Baldur is referenced indirectly as one of the gods, but the chapter focuses on other deities.
Key passages
“Thor, the thunderer, Odin’s eldest son, is the strongest of gods and men, and possesses three very precious things.”
Thor, Odin's firstborn and the god of thunder, is the mightiest among both gods and humans, and he owns three highly valuable items.
Introduces Thor's status and his three treasures.
“The first is a hammer, which both the Frost and the Mountain giants know to their cost, when they see it hurled against them in the air, for it has split many a skull of their fathers and kindred.”
His first treasure is a hammer that the Frost and Mountain giants have learned to fear, as it has been thrown to shatter the skulls of their ancestors and relatives.
Describes the hammer's fearsome reputation.
“When thrown, it returns to his hand of its own accord.”
After being thrown, the hammer automatically comes back to his hand.
Highlights the magical property of Thor's hammer.
“The second rare thing he possesses is called the belt of strength. When he girds it about him his divine might is doubled.”
His second rare possession is a belt of strength that, when worn, doubles his divine power.
Explains the function of the belt of strength.
“The third, also very precious, is his iron gloves, which he puts on whenever he would use his mallet efficiently.”
The third precious item is a pair of iron gloves that he wears to wield his hammer effectively.
Describes the iron gloves' purpose.
“From Thor’s name is derived our word Thursday.”
The English day of the week Thursday comes from Thor's name.
Connects Thor to modern language.