JH Lillevik

Now I should specify; I mean Marvel-Thor, not the Norse god of thunder, Åsa-Tor or Thor. I should also say that I usually love everything that Marvel does. I have a huge collection of Marvel comics, among them are Silver Surfer, Wolverine, Punisher and a lot of X-men, so I am a fan of the Marvel Universe.

I should probably specify something else. I do not have such a huge problem with his looks either, even though some sources describes the Norse god as a redhead with a huge gut and not much to look at. Some sources even say that he had hair with the color of gold. Now a lot of early sources say that gold was the color red, just like the Greeks described the color of the sky as bronze, because that was the reaction the skin had to a clear sky, so I can even accept that the Thor of Marvel is blonde.

My problem with Thor is the following; his demeanor. The Thor of the comics, is a brooding, sullen and very thoughtful character. Now there is nothing wrong with that. It is in fact a very well-rounded and multidimensional character. Most of the heroes of Marvel are in fact quite human and really easy to relate to. One of the reasons I fell in love with Marvel was Spider-man and how he handled his problems as a teenager.

But that is not Thor, or Åsa-Tor for my Norse friends. Thor is a quick to anger, he likes his drink and he hardly ever thinks about the consequences of his actions. He is justice, quick and decisive. He kills of Ettins (Jotner) like he loves it and he adores war. He is daring and hardly ever considers others, as can be seen in his fishing trip where he tried to catch the serpent Jormundgandr.

If you want to read something that is more true to the original Thor, learn Norwegian or get the books by Andreas Bull-Hansen about Tyr translated, or read the old danish comics Valhall. Or maybe go to the sources of Edda or other sagas.

But by all means enjoy Thor: The Dark World. Just remember who is the real Thor.

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