Thor is a comic-book superhero based on the god of thunder in Norse mythology. Norse mythology, sometimes called Teutonic mythology, includes the myths of Scandinavia and Germany (see Mythology (Teutonic mythology)). Like the mythical Thor, the superhero is from Asgard, a mystical realm where the gods live. He is able to travel to Earth on a rainbow bridge called the Bifrost, and he protects both worlds from evil gods and beasts. He has long been one of the most popular superheroes of the publisher Marvel Comics. 
Thor is the son of the Asgardian king, Odin, and is also known as Odinson. Thor is incredibly strong and has supernatural speed. He wears an armored tunic, often with a red cape. He also wears a winged helmet. Thor carries the magical hammer Mjolnir << MYOHL neer >>, which can only be used by a worthy hero. Thor can use Mjolnir to summon lightning and control the weather. He is able to fly by hurling the hammer and hanging on to it as it travels. Mjolnir always returns to Thor’s hand after he throws it. In some comics, other worthy individuals have used Mjolnir briefly.
Odin banished Thor to Earth after Thor nearly started a war with the mighty race of Frost Giants. Odin wanted Thor to learn humility by living as the human man Doctor Donald Blake. On a trip to Norway, Blake found a stick that turned out to be Mjolnir and transformed him back into Thor. Thor became emotionally attached to Earth and to the nurse Jane Foster, and so he often travels between Earth and Asgard. Thor’s brother Loki, the god of mischief, is a frequent villain in his stories.
The American writers Stan Lee and Larry Lieber created the comic-book Thor in 1962. The American artist Jack Kirby drew the character. Thor first appeared in the comic-book series “Journey Into Mystery” (1952-1966). He appeared as a founding member of the Avengers superhero team in their first comic in 1963. In 1966, “Journey Into Mystery” became “The Mighty Thor,” the character’s first solo series, which continued until 1996. 
Thor has appeared in a number of television programs and motion pictures, including some popular films produced by Marvel Studios in the early 2000’s. The Australian actor Chris Hemsworth played the role of Thor in such films as Thor (2011) and its sequels, and The Avengers (2012) and its sequels. 
