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Thor (Aesir)
Names/Titles:
Thor is well known as the God of Thunder (and Storms). Variations of his name include: Thunor (Old English) and Dunor (Old High German).
Mythology and Roles:
Along with being the God of Thunder and Storms, he is also a God of Protection, Fertility, Strength, and Hallowing. He is one of the most - if not the most - popular Norse Deity.
Thor is the son of Odin and Jord (a Giantess, the personification of Earth). He is the defender of Asgard and Midgard. His wife is Sif, who is known for her golden hair. He has two sons, Magni and Modi, and one daughter, Thrud.
Thor is often depicted as a "manly man," tall and muscular, with red hair and a red beard.
He rides in a chariot pulled by two goats. He is able to eat the meat of his goats, but as long as he gathers their bones and hides, he can bring them back to life.
Thor is said to weigh so much, that he is the only God who cannot cross Bifrost. Instead, he has to cross the river surrounding Asgard.
Thor is mentioned many times in Norse Mythology. A popular tale is when Thor (with the aid of Loki) dresses in drag to take back his hammer, which was stolen by Thrym (a giant who wanted to marry Freya).
A humorous re-telling can be found here:
http://www.spellsofmagic.com/read_post.html?post=845281
During the battle of Ragnarok, Thor will fight Jormungand, the giant serpent that encircles Midgard. Thor will defeat Jormungand, but will only be able to take nine steps before he falls, killed by the snake's poison.
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