Thor and Captain America are two mythical characters from the comic strips of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. They are part of the main Marvel characters. Moreover, in the world of MCU films, seven films feature these two superheroes. Thor was treated to a series of 4 filmswhile Captain America had some 3the last of which will be released in 2024.
Why can Captain America take Thor's hammer?
You may have been surprised by the scene in Avengers: Endgame where Captain America was able to pick up Mjöllnir and use it.However, no one else has been able to lift it before. Captain America's ability to wield Thor's hammer has already been illustrated in the comics. The reason for this ability is explained in more detail there.
In the comics, Odin, Thor's father, declares that hisnly worthy can hold the hammer and whoever is able to do so will receive the power of Thor. Steve Rogers was among those worthy of wielding the gavel. But the criteria do not stop there. A pure heart was also a condition for preventing Mjöllnir from falling into the wrong hands, and Captain America proved this when he declared he was no longer a member of Hydra.
Another reason is told in the film Avengers Endgame. Thor confesses to Captain America that the hammer was also for a warrior to be on the front line against anything that might endanger the worldAnd that's exactly what happened in Avengers: Endgame. Thanos was the Ultimate Threat, and Captain America grabbed the hammer to face him. Surprised, Thor flashes a big smile when the hammer chooses Steve Rogers as the lucky winner.
Who can lift Thor's hammer?
Whether Steve Rogers is worthy of Thor's hammer in Avengers EndgameHe is not the only character to have lifted Mjöllnir in the Marvel universe. The comics show that many characters have been able to lift the hammer. This long list includes:
- Odin, who was his trainer before Thor, and the man who charmed him;
- Bor, Odin's father resurrected in Thor #600 in 2009 ;
- Beta Ray Billwhich first appeared in 1983 in The Mighty Thor #337 ;
- Visionwho appears in Avengers: Age of Ultron, returning Thor's hammer in an anecdotal scene;
- Volstagg, who has always been Thor's ally. This is illustrated in The Mighty Thor #20 of 2012 ;
- Loki : when he decided to join forces for a good cause, he became worthy of wielding the hammer during events at the Axis in 2014where he was one of the Astonishing Avengers ;
- Wonder Womanfrom the saga Amalgam in which DC and Marvel joined forces on a project in the 90. The latter used the hammer in Marvel vs. DC #2 of 1996 ;
- Super Man, who carried him in JLA/Avengers #4 of 2004 ;
- Magneto, who cheated a little since he manipulates metals and magnetic fields. This sequence appears in The Ultimates 3 #5 of 2005 ;
- Eric Masterson known as ThunderStrikeThor's alter ego, who appeared in The Mighty Thor #432 of 1991 ;
- The Last Android in She-Hulk #14 of 1990 ;
- the Red Hulk also succeeded in bringing Mjöllnir to Hulk #5 of 2008 ;
- Jane Fosterwhich has been well described in Thor: Love & Thunder.
That said, the Marvel universe includes several films in which other characters are able to lift Thor's hammer. To help you decide where to start, we've put together a guide to theorder to watch Marvel.
Although this list already seems long enough, lesser-known characters such as Darco Ktor and Air-Walker also used the famous hammer. In the What if... ?, where the stories take place in other universes, you can also contemplate other characters worthy of Mjöllnir:
- Black Widow;
- Malicia;
- Conan;
- Deadpool;
- Ragnarok, etc.
How to wear Thor's hammer
Before inspiring comic books, the Thor's hammer originates from the Nordic mythology. It symbolizes protection of the universe against the forces of chaos and is considered the most powerful weapon. It is carried in the hand of the God of Thunder to fight giants, the worst enemies of the gods. Cinema and comic books have also drawn heavily on this mythology. In these works, we see Thor swinging his hammer to strike or leaping into the air.
Thor's hammer was also worn as a pendant at the time of vikingsThis practice was primarily a symbol of faith in the Germanic gods. Today, this type of pendant can still be found in certain circles, with the hammer being worn as an instrument of blessing and consecration.
How powerful is Thor's hammer?
In comics, movies and Norse mythology, Thor's hammer is endowed with many powers. The most striking, when you look at it in the Avengers films, is its ability to boomerang. Once thrown by Thor, the hammer automatically returns to him. Mjöllnir also enables him to handling lightning at will. Mixed with lightning, the hammer's physical blows can be multiplied tenfold, causing electrical discharges in the surrounding area.
But that's not its only power. According to Norse mythology, the hammer allowed Thor to launch tornadoes or even to make shake the earth. Mjöllnir could also be used as a mmeans of transport from one dimension to anotherThese numerous powers make Mjöllnir one of the most powerful weapons in the Marvel universe. Its properties greatly inspired Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in their portrayal of Thor in their comic books.
Even though he accomplished many feats with his hammer, Thor was not the only one worthy of wielding Mjölnir. Captain America and other characters worthy of lifting it were also able to use it. Will other heroes be added to this list in future films? Stay tuned so you don't miss out on the upcoming Marvel movies.
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