Topic: Nerd Talk: Thor's Hammer

[UncleBob]

So, pretend that Thor is standing, with the head of his hammer on the ground, between his feet.  He's holding the handle.

Now, pretend someone super-strong, but currently unworthy of lifting the hammer (say, Superman, Hulk, Juggernaut), comes up behind Thor and holds him in a bear-hug and tries to lift Thor off the ground.

Would the hammer be lifted?

[bustin98]

How would the hammer know that Thor is not lifting of his own free will? The question is whether or not Thor can command the hammer to not allow him to lift it. In which case Thor's fingers would snap like the chocolate covered candies that they are.

[shingi_70]

Is this a sexual thing? 


The Hammer would still Lift irrc since Thor is still technically holding it.

[UncleBob]

But then comes the next question... how much of Thor does one need?

If I cut off Thor's hand, can I put it around the hammer and lift it?  His arm?  His upper torso?

Because I'm totally picturing someone crazy cutting off Thor's arm, tying it to his hammer with bungie cords, then picking up his arm and swinging it all around.

[nickmitch]

Thor has to be alive for it to work. In theory, should he be holding it, and ye be strong enough, ye may carrying the mighty Mjolnir.

[bustin98]

Yes, I don't think Thor's hand is enough. Thor has to believe he is worthy to hold the hammer, knowing the requirements that come with holding the hammer.

I have been wondering though, exactly what is keeping anyone else from picking it up? I've seen Superman drawn struggling with it, but in what way is the ground strong enough to either keep Superman on his feet or stay glued to the hammer? I'd think Supes could swing the hammer and end up swinging the entire Earth around with it.

[UncleBob]

Magic enchantment keeps those "not worthy" from picking it up.

And Magic is one of Superman's weaknesses.

[bustin98]

So, you're saying Gods are magic? Or use magic? Sounds about right to me.

[BlackNMild2k1]

Outside of Planet Hulk.... there isn't really anything I would recommend as far as actual movies go.
except maybe The Avenger movie that was focused in part on The Hulk, but I can't find it in their catalog.

Direct Netflix Link: Ultimate Avengers: The Movie

I don't remember how the majority of the movie goes, but this is a much better Hulk vs Thor (and the rest of The Avengers) movie. Skip to about the 50:00 minute mark for the good stuff.

edit: This also ties in with your Thor's Hammer thread perfectly, so I suggest you check it out.
I'll cross quote it so you don't miss it.

[UncleBob]

So, you're saying Gods are magic? Or use magic? Sounds about right to me.

Well... yeah.

But it's always been described as "Odin's Enchantment" on Thor's hammer...  I can't think of any other way to describe an enchantment than "magic".

[BlackNMild2k1]

That's exactly what it is.

Magic is their science. Science is our magic.

Thor is also their subtle way of introducing Magic in the the Marvel Cinematic Universe which will be full blown out in the upcoming Doctor Strange. Just as I think they were subtly trying to introduce "mutations/mutants" with the Extremis in IM3.

[UncleBob]

Well, that didn't really answer my question... Hulk just lifted the hammer.

[BlackNMild2k1]

Hulk isn't weakened by Magic. He actually either proved his worth by sheer force, or he broke the enchantment. Either way, he did the impossible.

Hulk's only weakness is becoming less angry.

[UncleBob]

Hulk has, in various incarnations, at various times, been able to lift Thor's hammer and not been able to lift Thor's hammer.  It varies when he can and why he can (sometimes, the story supports it, sometimes, it's just bad writing).

The best example of Hulk lifting Thor's hammer would be where he spent two pages trying to lift it, then declares himself worthy when he does.

[bustin98]

Some parts of Walt's art is awesome, and others just plain bad.

I don't think Hulk declared it as so much as being surprised and announcing it.

[nickmitch]

Red Hulk has used Thor's Hammer in space. Gravity apparently plays a factor in it too.

[nickmitch]

Relevant.

[Ceric]

I had typed a response in my car a few days ago and it never posted.  In all honesty Mjolnir has proven a form of Sentients on different occasions so if Thor is surprised but Mjolnir is not I'll bet you couldn't lift it.

How the hammer choices who is worthy can not always be a permit choice.  So if their is great need  and the hammer deems it as such it could be wielded by say The Joker for a time.