Infinite Power of Thor's Hammer: The Interpretive Value of "Worthy"
Among the most powerful weapons in the Marvel Universe is the magical hammer Mjolnir, possessed by the great Thor. But recent events have exposed a secret layer of power within this legendary weapon, increasing the stakes for Thor and changing the very definition of "worthy."
Mjolnir's Power Enhancement: Two-edged blade
Thor's search for the Power Stone causes him to run across the mysterious Otherone in the pages of Immortal Thor Annual 2024. Using his cosmic powers, The Otherone unexpectedly gives Mjolnir "infinite power," so enhancing its strength. Although this sounds like a gift, it turns the hammer into a force practically uncontrollable. The more power renders even inanimate objects unworthy, thus Thor finds great difficulty using the hammer efficiently.
Thor's Conflict Over Unrestricted Authority
Mjolnir is thrown into a wild frenzy by the power surge, shattering buildings and perhaps breaking Thor's wrist when he tries to recover it. The danger presented by conflicting their infinite powers frustrates Thor's attempts to attack the Champion Of The Universe, another being with great cosmic strength. Thor's inventiveness is evident in his finding of a way to rein in the hammer's overwhelming force. Thor reverses the power upgrade by guiding the force into a single drop of water, so waking Otherone from his cosmic trance.
From Odin's Enchantment to Thor's Will, the Evolution of "Worthy"
For years, supporters of Mjolnir have argued about its "worthy" magic. Although Thor's moral compass and valiant deeds have always made him deserving, many other Earthly heroes have not been so. This begs the issue of what really qualifies as worthiness. In the past, the definition of worthiness was shaped by Odin's enchantment influenced by the live cosmic storm inside the hammer. But with Thor himself reforging Mjolnir, the magic has changed to mirror Thor's own judgment.
Thor's Mastery of Mjolnir's Enchantment
Now, as All-father, the reforged Mjolnir directly extends Thor's own power. Absolute control over the enchantment enables Thor to declare anyone deserving regardless of past behavior or moral reputation. This was seen in his meeting with Toranos, an ancient god with a more absolute and primordial form of Thor's abilities. Declaring Toranos worthy, Thor essentially pushed him to face his own evil nature and submit, so stressing Thor's recently acquired control over the hammer's enchantment.
The Power of Thor: Evidence of Godly Wisdom
Although Thor's elevation to the All-father post releases great power within him, there is a drawback: he must now bear responsibility for using that power sensibly. Thor's power is intrinsically connected to his godly knowledge, his capacity to negotiate the complexity of his divine character. Thor is always learning to use his power in a responsible and balanced manner, as seen in his struggle to control the infinite power of Mjolnir, thus his actions as All-Father are a continuous exercise in understanding the actual meaning of worthiness.
