Thor's Hammer

Thor's Hammer is probably one of the most famous amulets and symbols of the Vikings, but certainly not the only one. Thor is a Viking god, son of Odin and brother of Loki, and part of Norse mythology. He possesses a hammer with which he can hurl lightning and thunder to fight against the enemies of the gods. Since the thunder god Thor is known as the protector of Midgard, the world of humans, the deep veneration of ordinary people and wearing a symbol like his hammer as an amulet and protective talisman was more than understandable. Today, however, Thor's Hammer is not only worn as historical Viking jewelry in reenactments but is also popular far beyond that. In this category, you will find a variety of Thor's Hammer replicas and modern variations in bronze, bone, and 925 sterling silver.

What is the name of Thor's hammer?

Thor's magical hammer is named Mjöllnir, but is also referred to as Mjölnir, Mjolnir, Mjölner, Mjølner, or Mjölnar, depending on the region and century of the early Middle Ages, which can be translated as "the crusher" or "shining lightning weapon."

What is the meaning of Thor's Hammer?

In the early medieval period, the hammer was probably used as a cult tool, as evidenced by the inscriptions on a runestone "Thor consecrate these runes." But depictions of Mjölnir also suggest that it likely had significance for fertility rites and marriage blessings. During the Viking raids, warriors often sacrificed to Thor to gain strength and power, and it can therefore be assumed that Viking men also wore Thor's Hammer pendants.

The oldest finds of a Thor's Hammer date back to the 6th century, found in Gilton/England. It has a very simple shape and is made of bronze; a replica of this Mjölnir is also available in our online shop. Most finds of Thor's Hammer, however, date from the 9th to 10th century, and the only Thor's Hammer amulet with a runic inscription ever found was discovered in 2014 near Købelev on the Danish island of Lolland. Thor's Hammers have been found in bronze, silver, iron, and occasionally in gold, which also indicates a wide distribution.

Mjölnir in the music scene, LARP, and Asatru

In the music scene, Mjölnir is often worn by fans of Pagan Metal, Viking Metal, Medieval Rock, Nordic Ritual Folk, and Dark Ambient, where it is considered a symbol of inner strength, power, and solidarity. Thor's Hammers in all variants are also very popular among bikers and in the dark scene and are often worn. In LARP (Live Action Role Playing), Thor's Hammer Mjölnir is a popular symbol and amulet, especially for Nordic characters inspired by Vikings. Among followers of Asatru (Germanic Neo-Paganism), the Thor's Hammer is worn as a symbol and sign of their faith.

What should I consider when buying a Thor's Hammer?

Today, Mjölnir and similar hammer amulets are worn and sold in various forms, but also as historically accurate replicas. For many, Thor's Hammer is simply a piece of jewelry, a symbol of the thunder god, or a gift without religious or ideological symbolic content, but it shows a connection to the culture and history of the Viking Age. If you want to buy a Thor's Hammer pendant, consider whether you want an expensive replica that is historically documented by a find or if you simply like its appearance. In our online shop, we have correspondingly marked all historical replicas of Mjölnir and, where available, included a link to an image of the original find. The hammer is best attached with a suitable leather strap or necklace, which you can also find in our medieval shop. For further questions about the symbol, meaning, and find locations of Thor's Hammer Mjölnir, please feel free to contact us or visit our medieval shop in Magdeburg.