Thor
The thunder god — red-bearded, hot-tempered, swinging the hammer Mjölnir.
Origin
Son of Odin, defender of gods and humans against giants. In the Eddas he is the most worshipped of the Norse gods — protector of farmers and the common man. Thursday (Thor's day) is named after him. Marvel comics and films have made his image globally familiar.
Modern usage
Used for any large, strong, hammer-wielding figure — and for the comic-book/movie character. 'Built like Thor' is a stock compliment.
Tags
Related
Norse Mythology
Loki
The trickster god — clever, shape-shifting, untrustworthy.
Norse Mythology
Odin
The one-eyed All-Father — god of wisdom, war, and poetry.
Norse Mythology
Mjölnir
Thor's hammer — a weapon only the worthy can lift.
Norse Mythology
Ragnarök
The Norse end of the world — the gods fall in a final battle, and the world burns and is reborn.