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marvel - Why was Thor worthy to lift Mjolnir?


Especially in the beginning of the first movie, Thor is brash and often petulant. He seeks the glory of king-hood without understanding or accepting the self-sacrifice and responsibility that such a role requires. He is brave, yet selfish.


My question is Why was Thor worthy? I would think that some nice, selfless guy should be able to lift Mjolnir, but it is portrayed as some rare trait of extreme virtue that only Thor and perhaps a couple others possess.


Because Thor himself doesn't appear to be excessively virtuous, it seems like the power to lift Mjolnir was endowed on him, not earned by him, so why all this pretense about worthiness?



Answer



Odin fully believed Thor was worthy to take his place on the throne as King. It was only once Odin deemed Thor unworthy of being King that he lost the ability to wield Mjolnir.



Previously, both myself and KutuluMike argued that Thor's hammer hadn't been enchanted at the beginning of Thor. However, Valorum found this quote from Odin before Thor loses his hammer.



ODIN (CONT'D): So long entrusted with this mighty hammer, Mjolnir. Forged in the heart of a dying star, from the sacred metal of Uru. Only one may lift it. Only one is worthy. Who wields this hammer commands the lightning and the storm. Its power has no equal -- as a weapon, to destroy, or as a tool, to build. It is a fit companion for a King.



Thor Transcript via The Internet Movie Script Database



This implies that Odin believed his son was worthy to wield Mjolnir at the start of Thor. We see Odin define what he believes are the essential virtues for a ruler as he prepared to crown Thor King of Asgard.



ODIN: Today I entrust you with the greatest honor in all the Nine Realms. The sacred throne of Asgard. I have sacrificed much to achieve peace. So, too, must a new generation sacrifice to maintain that peace. Responsibility, duty, honor. These are not merely virtues to which we must aspire. They are essential to every soldier and to every King.


Thor turns back to face his father. Odin looks upon his son with pride.



You see these beliefs again when Odin has Thor take his vows, emphasizing the preservation of peace between worlds.



ODIN (CONT'D): Thor Odinson, do you swear to guard the Nine Realms?



THOR: I swear.


ODIN: Do you swear to preserve the peace?


THOR: I swear.


ODIN: Do you swear to cast aside all selfish ambition and pledge yourself only to the good of all the Realms?


THOR: I swear.



After Thor betrayed his father's trust by disobeying a direct order and attacking the frost giants, his father deemed Thor unworthy of wielding Mjolnir.



ODIN: Thor Odinson... You have disobeyed the express command of your King. Through your arrogance and stupidity, you have opened these peaceful Realms and innocent lives to the horrors of war.


You are unworthy of this Realm... unworthy of your title... unworthy of the loved ones you've betrayed. I hereby take from you your powers.



Odin extends his hand towards his son. Mjolnir goes flying from Thor's grasp into Odin's hand.



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