Þórr is the patron of the working classes in all ages. He is friendly, direct, honest, and often jovial. Working with him is like having a hulking older brother over your shoulder, giving your enemies the stink eye.

As the defender of Miðgarðr, Þórr is constantly battling the jötnar. These giants can be interpreted as elemental forces of nature, deadly to humans in the ancient world. Þórr helped hold those forces at bay. Life expectancy was short, nature was brutal, and the thunder god kept it under control.

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Today, the human race is the one threatening the natural world. In modern times, Þórr helps restore and protect the jötnar, for our own survival. He has always been part of the earth. He is the son of Mother Earth, and has a giant lover, Járnsaxa. He is associated with trees, and many modern pagans see him as a god of ecology and environmentalism.

You can honor Þórr by being honest and direct. He appreciates bluntness, not cruelty, but truth without games. In conflict, his style is to say what’s real and stand firm.

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His hammer is one of the primary symbols of Northern Tradition paganism, historically as well as today. His Old English name, Thunor, and Old High German name, Donar, are related to the modern English word thunder. Making the hammer sign is a popular modern ritual. Invoking Þórr, it is used to bless food and drink, a celebration or special event, a ceremony such as a blót or sumbel, or to ward against negative energy. He is often invoked in the blessing of a new home. Many heathens wear his hammer as a sign of faith and protection. Although a weapon, his hammer is also a phallic symbol and represents Þórr’s power as a fertility god, whose rain nurtures all of life.

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Suggested Signs & Symbols

Thunder, lightning, rain, wind, and storms. Redheads and quick tempers. Goats and other horned beasts. All trees, especially oak. Lightning rods. Ecology and environmentalism. The day Thursday. Beer and hearty food. Hammers, flint, and whetstones. Onions, garlic, and leeks. Gauntlets, sports girdles, and gear. Colors: sky blue and red. The rune Þurs.

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Associated Names

Thor, Þunor, Þonar, Donar, Ðunor, Thunar, Thunor, Thuner, Thunaer, Thonara