Thor: 10 Legendary Mjolnir Facts
7. Thor Had To Prove Himself Before Winning Mjolnir
Thor wasn’t just handed Mjolnir on a silver platter; Odin made him earn it. The All-Father made certain that his son was ready for the responsibility of wielding the weapon and that he was worthy of it. This meant that the young god would have to complete several quests in defense of the realm of Asgard.
It is a common misconception that the Norse Gods of Asgard are immortals, like the Olympians. Instead, they are extremely long-lived and must consume the Golden Apples of Idunn to maintain their youth, vitality, and immortality indefinitely. First introduced in Journey into Mystery #100, the apples were extremely rare and only grew in a garden on the East Side of Valhalla on Asgard. When the Storm Giants stole the apples, it was Thor who was tasked with heading to Jotunheim to retrieve them.
Again showcasing his worthiness, Thor ventured to the Norse Realm of Death to rescue the young Sif when she had been kidnapped and taken to Hela by the Frost Giants. Rather than going in boastfully attacking everything in sight, the Thunder God offered his own soul in exchange for Sif’s release. Impressed by his nobility, the Death Goddess let them both go free.