You are here:About>Religion & Spirituality>Alternative Religions> Druidry/ Paganism> Asatru (Odinism)> Asatru symbols> Thor's hammer (Mjolnir) 
About.comAlternative Religions
Thor's hammer (Mjolnir)

Related Terms
Irminsul
Valknut
Runes

Related Resources
Asatru
Thor Image Gallery
 
Glossaries 
Symbol Glossary
Alternative Religions Glossary
Related Resources
Asatru
Asatru Glossary   

Mjolnir, or Thor's Hammer, is an ancient Norse symbol, a stylized representation of the legendary magical weapon of the Norse God Thor. "Mjolnir" means "lightning," and symbolized the God's power over Thunder and Lightning. The Hammer Mjolnir was said to always return after it had been thrown.

The Thor's Hammer amulet was worn frequently by believers as a symbol of protection- a practice so popular it continued even after most of the Norse population had converted to Christianity. In modern times, is often used as an emblem of recognition for members of the Asatru faith, or as a symbol of Norse heritage.

A later form of the Mjolnir is called the Wolf's Cross, or Dragon's Cross, and was associated with early Norse Christianity:

Related Symbols:

Gungnir

Related resources:

Can't find what you're looking for? Something missing, broken, or incorrect? Have an idea or a question? Let us know in the Discussion Forum

 


 


Subscribe to the Newsletter
Name
Email

From Jennifer Emick,
Your Guide to Alternative Religions.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
Newsletters & RSSEmail to a friendSubmit to Digg
 All Topics | Email Article | | |
Advertising Info | News & Events | Work at About | SiteMap | Reprints | HelpOur Story | Be a Guide
User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy©2008 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.