phrase
Old Norse
Mjölnir
/ˈmjɒlnɪər/
Thor's hammer — a weapon only the worthy can lift.
Origin
Forged by the dwarves with a shortened handle (Loki's sabotage). It always returns to Thor's hand and is the gods' main defense against the giants. The 'only the worthy can wield it' enchantment is Marvel's addition, but it has stuck.
Modern usage
Used as a metaphor for a tool or office that demands moral fitness — 'not everyone can pick up that hammer.'
Tags
weapon
worthiness