Thor, the mighty Asgardian warrior, is one of the strongest heroes in the Marvel Universe. A founding member of The Avengers, Thor has fought against evil longer than most heroes have been alive. But the awesome power of Thor isn’t relegated to his mantle alone. Odin himself cast a spell upon the mythic hammer, Mjolnir, inscribing it with the immortal phrase, “whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of…Thor.” Those words have affected many different people over the years, those that have proven themselves worthy, not only of wielding Mjolnir but also of adopting the very persona of Thor himself. This list focuses on the people who have become avatars of Thor Odinson.
Thor Odinson, the One True Asgardian Avenger
Born to the Norse gods, Odin and Freya, Thor Odinson is the original and most powerful incarnation of the Asgardian warrior. Thor’s powers are appropriately godlike, possessing super strength, speed, durability, and the ability to harness lightning. As a young man, Thor’s brashness led to him breaking a treaty between Asgard and the Frost Giants. Enraged with his son, Odin sent Thor to Earth in the guise of the human Dr. Donald Blake. Bereft of his memories as Thor, Donald led a true, yet difficult life. Called to Norway by Odin, Donald stumbled across a walking staff hidden deep within a cave. As the staff was struck against a rock it revealed itself to be Mjolnir, thus unlocking Thor’s true identity and all of his repressed memories. Thor has since operated as a primary member of The Avengers, protecting Earth and countless other worlds from the forces of darkness.
Jane Foster has Been Both the Mighty Thor and a Fierce Valkyrie
Jane Foster was a nurse who worked alongside Dr. Donald Blake, unaware that the mild-mannered man was actually the Asgardian hero, Thor. Jane’s love for Donald became a devoted love for Thor when the Asgardian regained his memories. Jane’s life was a whirlwind of adventure and romance, briefly becoming an Asgardian herself and even becoming infused with Lady Sif’s life force. She suffered a difficult life on Earth, losing her family and developing an aggressive form of cancer. Despite the treacherous path life set her on, Jane became worthy of wielding Mjolnir when Thor lost the ability to wield it himself, transforming her into an avatar of the Odinson. When the shards of an extra-universal Mjolnir formed themselves into the weapon Undrjarn, the All-Weapon, Jane became a Valkyrie, the fiercest of warriors to fight for Asgard, her power knowing no bounds.
Beta Ray Bill, the Korbinite Warrior Worthy of Mjolnir
Beta Ray Bill is a member of the alien race known as Korbinites, a race that nearly became extinct when their galaxy was destroyed by Surtur, the lord of Muspelheim. A chance encounter in space led Thor to discover the wayward Korbinites, engaging in battle with Beta Ray Bill. When transported to Asgard by Odin, Beta Ray Bill was tasked with proving his worth of wielding the power of Thor. Defeating the Odinson in battle, Beta Ray Bill was gifted his own hammer, the powerful Stormbreaker, possessing the same powers as Mjolnir. Beta Ray Bill has proven his heroism time and time again over the years, helping those who ask for his aid all across the Marvel Universe.
Thunderstrike was the Name Given to a Worthy Father and His Son
Eric Masterson was a simple architect when he met Thor, a chance encounter that altered the course of his life forever. When he suffered a lethal wound from the villain Mongoose, Odin made the decision to grant him the power of Thor in order to save him. Eric took the Odinson’s place on Earth, fighting alongside the Avengers and even against the Mad Titan Thanos during the Infinity Gauntlet saga. Proving himself worthy, Odin had a weapon crafted for him, the powerful mace Thunderstrike, a weapon rivaling Mjolnir. Some time after Eric sacrificed himself, his son Kevin became the next Thunderstrike, proving himself valiantly. Kevin would continue in his father’s stead, even becoming a member of the Avengers Academy.
Roger “Red” Norvell Became Thor When the Odinson was Gone
A cameraman who became ensnared by Loki’s lies and machinations, Roger Norvell was a human from Earth thrust into perilous Asgardian intrigue. Roger’s intentions and morals were put to the test by Loki and Hela, but he proved himself to be an honorable warrior. After proving himself worthy in Odin’s eyes to wield the power of Thor imbued within his gloves, belt and the Fire of Geirrodur, Roger became an avatar of the Odinson. Brandishing his own massive war-hammer, served as a replacement for Thor in the times when the Asgardian was gone or missing. Roger battled against Seth and his minions during The Lost Gods event but ultimately met his end at the hands of a vengeful Donald Blake many years later.
Dargo Ktor Is The Thor Of A Distant, Alternate Future
A native of Earth-8710 in the 26th century, Dargo Ktor was a regular man until he attended a secret gathering of the Cult of the Hammer, a group of people who worshiped Thor. Taking Mjolnir in his hands, Dargo was transformed into an avatar of the Odinson, becoming a mighty hero. His adventures as Thor took him all throughout time and space, visiting and even fighting other Thors and heroes such as Thunderstrike and the Invaders of the 1940s. As Dargo was tossed across multiple realities, his fate became unknown. He was left for dead by Loki until a team of heroes traveled to the ruins of his timeline in an effort to revive him as the avatar of Thor.
Regardless of race, origin, or stature, if someone’s bravery and ideals are pure then they can become Thor. While the Odinson is the definitive incarnation of the hero, having existed far before any of the other individuals who have wielded his power, it is a fact that any who takes on the mantle becomes one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe. The power of Thor extends across time and space, rising whenever darkness must be quelled, a gift only for the deserving.
