Thor

   In Nordic myth Thor was the son (or husband) of Fjörgynn, or Jord, or Hlodyn, and the husband of Sif. His father was said to be Odin (though elsewhere he is the father of Odin). These domestic complications arose out of the endeavour to fit Thor, who was a culture hero and preceded the Aesir, into the framework of a pantheon to which he did not belong. He is akin to Donar, the thunder god of the Teutons, but it is by no means certain that they were the same. Thor, who was strong, brutal, with gross appetites, was the culture hero of a people on a far lower stage of civilization than the Aesir or the Vanir and was more akin to the giants, with whom he was perpetually at war. He was famous for his hammer and his belt of power, named Mjolnir and Megingjardir, for his chariot, and for his iron gauntlets, all of which formed part of his personal accoutrements. He was in essence the hero of the thrall and the churl as opposed to Odin, the god of kings and earls, or fighting aristocracy. He had all the virtues of his class and all their vices. Bravery, strength, endurance were offset by stupidity, brutality, and bluster. The fact that he survived until the advent of Christianity is in all probability due to these very reasons and the consequent appeal which he had to the lower classes. Marriages, burials, and civil contracts were hallowed by the blacksmith’s hammer of Thor. He was also known as Atli. Thor’s mansion was named Bilskinir. From him we get our Thursday.

   For stories of his activities See under Hymir, Skrymir and Thrym.