SPOILER ALERT: This article discusses the events of ‘Thor’ #11. If you haven’t read it, proceed with caution!
When you think about Thor, the first thing that probably pops into mind us his enchanted hammer Mjönir. Forged of mythical metal Uru, the mallet can only be lifted by Thor or another that is deemed worthy; a list which includes Captain America and Superman.
It grants its wielder superhuman strength and invulnerability, the power to travel between dimensions, time and space, flight and healing abilities which remove toxins from its owner– the last of which has caused problems for its current bearer, Jane Foster, who is suffering from cancer. Mjönir is delaying her death, but also strips her body of chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
In a startling twist, while battling enemies Dario Agger, Silver Samurai and Exterminatrix, Jane/Thor is struck by a “Midas bullet” which begins quickly poisoning her. In another development, S.H.I.E.L.D. discovers Thor’s new secret identity and is about to arrest her… when out of a portal appears… Jane Foster?
Doctor Foster removes the bullet from Thor and seemingly foils S.H.I.E.L.D.’s plan to arrest her.
But how? Aren’t Jane and Thor the same person now?
Well, yes and the secret as to this development lies within Mjönir itself, which is now revealed to be sentient.
As the hammer itself explains:
“Your heart is stronger than even your Thunder my lady. That’s what makes you worthy. That’s why I chose you.”
Mjönir used its own magic to create the duplicate Jane Foster, a feat it explains that requires much power and can only be performed roughly once a century. So as nifty a trick as it was, don’t expect to see it repeated any time soon.
Expect the reveals to keep coming, as the next issue is teased as showcasing “the Untold Origin of Mjölnir.”
Of course, comic readers only make up a small portion of Thor’s fanbase these days, as millions more are fans of the movie version, played by Chris Hemsworth. Hemsworth recently reprised his role as Thor in the comedic short ‘Team Thor’ but will return in a more serious manner in next year’s ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and is also expected to appear in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ in 2018. He is also rumored to be returning as George Kirk in the next ‘Star Trek’ movie.
Natalie Portman played Jane Foster in the first two ‘Thor’ movies but reportedly didn’t enjoy the experience and won’t be back in ‘Ragnarok’ (or any other movies most likely), so don’t expect her Jane to become Thor in the future. Then again, the role can always be recast.
Is it possible the film version of Mjölnir will reveal additional powers in the upcoming movies?
Sources: Comic Book Resources, Screen Rant
