<< Mjølner

The *Store Norske Leksikon describes Mjølner as the main weapon and attribute of the Norse god: Thor. Etymologically, its name means “*that which pulverises to dust”. Thor is known in this series of myths mostly as a protector, a heroic figure known for taking on the giants and other adversaries of the gods.

Mjølner is imperfect, a consequence of the tricks that Loki, god of mischief, plays on the gods. The myth concerning its creation however is not the point of today’’s entry but rather it’s overarching meaning. Mjølner is a figure of protection, it’s a tool capable of shaping but also of destroying at the very same time.

On a fundamental level, the hammer is a great responsibility, it means taking care of others, offering protection, shelter and assistance in times of need. The Norse gods, despite their pride and apparent invulnerability, are very often  fragile and dependent on Thor's protection in the middle of a chaotic world threatening to destroy them.

During Ragnarok, at the end of the world, after Thor dies in the fangs of Jormungandr, the hammer will be picked by his sons. A transference of a legacy so big that no son can individually lift that which belonged to their father.

There’s an enormous symbolism for all of us in these stories. We all carry the deep potential to wear Mjølner, it represents that fervent desire of lending our strength to our clans and families.

It’s that potential skill that’s born out of our human imperfection and  is still mighty enough to take on giants. That changes its size to adapt to the task and brings about the creation of a better world.

What the myth reminds us of is that deep capacity: The power within to shatter, to return to dust; that which threatens our loved ones, by virtue of accepting the responsibility.

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* The big Norwegian enciclopedia