8

A side of the Hammer is inscribed with: "Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor."

Does this mean that, if found worthy, you'll become Thor-like or just acquire the abilities granted to Thor by Mjolnir?

Improve this question

4 Answers 4

Reset to default
8

The answer varies by interpretation of the writer. Different writers have chosen to interpret it in a variety of ways. Some transfer the powers, some just allowed Mjolnir to be lifted.**

Examples include:

We have seen people become Thor (the crippled Donald Blake became Thor). This was later rewritten to be a mortal body created by Odin to teach Thor humility.

enter image description here

Eric Masterson was an EMT who was merged with the power of Thor by Odin when Eric was mortally injured as a bystander near a battle where Thor was involved. Later when Thor was thought to have killed Loki, Masterson was deemed worthy and retained the power of Thor and Mjolnir becoming Thor and even serving as an Avenger.

enter image description here

Thor later is released from banishment and Masterson gets his own hammer and codename: Thunderstrike. Thunderstrike is later killed in battle destroying the Bloodaxe.

We have seen the acquisition of Thor-like power such as Beta-Ray Bill. Beta-Ray later gets his own hammer Storm Breaker. Beta-Ray was an alien who acquired the full powers of Thor and still retains them today.

enter image description here

We have seen people simply lift the hammer of Thor and no powers are transferred. Captain America was one such person.

When you first spoke to me about your problems, I had doubts...about you. They were quickly erased...when you lifted Mjolnir...for only a man or god worthy -- pure of heart and noble of mind -- could have done so! ... A sacred bond unites all those who have e'er been privileged to wield Mjolnir! A bond which stretches far into infinity! I salute you, Captain! --Thor Vol 1, Issue #390

Others lifting it in canon include: Erik Masterson, Beta-Ray Bill, Odin, Bor (Thor's grandfather) and Buri/Tiwaz, Thor's great-grandfather.

Several sentient machines have also lifted it (non-sentient machines cannot): Gabriel Lan, the Airwalker and herald of Galactus, Zarrko the Tomorrow Man's mining robot, and the Awesome Android by imitating Thor's abilities and worthy nature.

enter image description here

Improve this answer
3
  • 1
    There was also an issue of What If in which Jane Foster found Thor's hammer instead of Donald Blake, gained the powers of Thor, and started calling herself Thordis.
    – Kenster
    May 8, 2012 at 21:33
  • 1
    I tried not to add the non-canon (What If?) stories to keep the list relatively short. This would include: Conan the Barbarian; Dargo Ktor (Future Thor); Loki; Magni; Rogue (after absorbing the entirety of Thor's life force and thus essentially becoming Thor);Miguel O'Hara (Spider-Man 2099); Woden; Alex Power; and the DC Comics characters Superman (though he was unable to later that issue and Thor claimed Odin had briefly lifted the enchantment) and Wonder Woman.
    – Thaddeus Howze
    May 8, 2012 at 23:08
  • It might be worth adding Jane Foster to the list, since she has wielded the power of Thor for the last several years in Earth-616 continuity.
    – Thunderforge
    Apr 24, 2018 at 23:00
4

Thor #340 reveals that when Thor loses the hammer for 60 seconds, he reverts to mortal form. There have been several besides Thor who have been able to wield Mjolnir, Captain America for example (Thor #390).

They don't become Thor, but they wield the power of Thor, which is Mjolnir the epic hammer. Note that during times that others wield Thor, by the same enchantment previously noted, Thor loses his "Thor powers".

To clarify, when Captain America got Thor's hammer, he didn't get Thor's strength, he only had the abilities of Mjolnir. During this time Thor's strength was gone, but as soon as Cap' tossed the hammer back to him, his strength came back and he mashed his opponent through an island (that had water under it...).

Improve this answer
3
  • but see Beta Ray Bill.
    – Mark Beadles
    May 8, 2012 at 17:37
  • 3
    'Looses' or 'Loses'? There's a pretty big difference there.
    – phantom42
    May 8, 2012 at 18:41
  • Corrected grammar. I believe that since the powers don't always transfer, it's like one of the conditions, instead of a cup bearing the ability. Odin grants the power, on condition that he holds Mjolnir. Beta Ray Bill seems to have been granted extra powers from Odin outside of the enchantment, as he doesn't need Mjolnir to keep them.
    – Gorchestopher H
    May 8, 2012 at 19:03
1

IIRC it actually provides both to the bearer. Specifically in the instance of Beta-Ray Bill and the other members of the Thor Corps

Improve this answer
0

I believe that it says that only those who are worthy may wield the hammer, although I don't know why Hela could destroy it because she is simply not worthy.

Improve this answer
1
  • This doesn’t really answer the question.
    – Obsidia
    Apr 24, 2018 at 22:51

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.