Mjolnir

Overview

Mjolnir is one of Thor’s chief possessions in chapter 21. Skaldskaparmal 35 makes it the result of Sindri and Brokkr’s craft contest; though its handle is short, it is judged best of all the treasures because it is the greatest defence against the Rime-Giants.

Key facts

Relationships

• Thorholds

  Gylfaginning 21 and Skaldskaparmal 35 both place Mjolnir in Thor’s hands.

• Treasures of the Godsproduces Mjolnir

  Brokkr gives Mjolnir to Thor, and the gods judge it best of all the treasures.

• Theft of Mjolnirloses Mjolnir

  Thor wakes and finds Mjolnir missing.

• Thrymhides

  Thrym admits hiding Thor’s hammer deep in the earth.

• Thorrecovers

  When Mjolnir is brought to hallow the bride, Thor recovers the hammer.

• Thorfinds missing

  finds missing

• Thrymbrings to hallow

  brings to hallow

Story appearances

• Aesir, Vanir and Divine OrderArtifact of divine defence

  Mjolnir is judged the best treasure for defence against the Rime-Giants.

• Thor and the Giant-World TestsLost and recovered hammer

  Thrym first hides Mjolnir; when Thor recovers it, the situation reverses.

• Baldr's Death and Loki's PunishmentHammer hallowing the pyre

  Mjolnir is used at the funeral to hallow the pyre.

• RagnarokHammer remaining after fire

  Chapter 53 says Thor’s sons will have Mjolnir; the hammer remains the sign of continuation after the fire.

• Oaths, Treasures and Giant AftershocksDefensive hammer

  Mjolnir becomes Thor’s closing force in the Sif, builder and Hrungnir episodes.

• Hymiskvitha: Kettle, Serpent, and FeastFigure, object, or place in Hymiskvitha

  Thor’s hammer, judged the best dwarf-made work and the strongest defence against the Rime-Giants.

• Thrymskvitha: Lost Hammer, False Bride, ReversalFigure or artifact in Thrymskvitha

  Thor’s hammer, judged the best dwarf-made work and the strongest defence against the Rime-Giants.

Ancient sources

MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.

• Snorri Sturluson, Prose Edda, Gylfaginning, Chapter 21, Thor, the goats, Mjolnir, the strength-belt and iron gloves
• Snorri Sturluson, Prose Edda, Skaldskaparmal, Chapter 35, Loki cuts Sif’s hair, dwarfs make Gungnir, Skidbladnir, Draupnir and Mjolnir, and Odin, Thor and Freyr judge the works
• Snorri Sturluson, Prose Edda, Gylfaginning, Chapter 49, Baldr’s funeral, Nanna’s death, Thor hallowing the pyre, Draupnir laid on it, and Hermod’s ride
• Snorri Sturluson, Prose Edda, Gylfaginning, Chapter 53, earth rises again, gods return, Baldr and Hodr come back, Mjolnir remains, Lif and Lifthrasir survive