Myth of the Week · Norse
Thor for kids: the Norse god of thunder
· P.Sean Tales
What makes thunder? The Vikings had an answer long before anyone mentioned weather: Thor was riding across the sky in his goat-drawn chariot, and the rumble was his wheels.
The hammer
Thor's hammer is called Mjolnir, and it always returns to his hand after it is thrown. It was made by dwarf smiths, and the handle came out a little short because a fly kept pestering them while they worked — a small, funny flaw in the most powerful weapon in Asgard.
The goats
Two goats pull his chariot: Tooth-Gnasher and Tooth-Grinder. They are extraordinary animals — Thor can eat them for dinner and bring them back to life the next morning with his hammer, as long as none of the bones are broken.
The day Thor wore a dress
When a giant stole Mjolnir and demanded to marry the goddess Freyja in exchange, Thor put on a wedding veil and went himself in disguise. He got his hammer back — and Norse audiences got one of the funniest stories they told.
Did you know?
Thursday is named after him: Thor's day. You have been saying his name once a week your whole life.
Color the legend yourself
Thor leads Norse Gods & Heroes of Asgard — the gods, valkyries and saga heroes of Viking myth:
- Norse Gods & Heroes of Asgard — Thor, Odin and Loki
- Norse Giants, Trolls & Monsters
- Norse Dragons & Beasts
- Norse Elves, Nisse & Hidden Folk
Or start free: grab the free coloring pages.
You can find him in our book: Norse Gods & Heroes of Asgard.