Healing aspect of Thor:

I recall reading somewhere that Thor can aid in healing but haven't found the source since then. Is this true?

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I've only heard of this specifically from one person, though I question her knowledge level. She said she was involved in a shaman form of the northern arts and did seem to have some knowledge. I didn't take her case, not based on her professed faith, but seeing her instability.

However, Thor is a deity so I wouldn't put it beyond his ability even if it isn't given to him. I've used Deities to heal that weren't attributed to healing. Just because a Deity may not be noted in legends as having an ability to heal, doesn't mean he/she can't. Just as humans, Deity's excel in some areas, though can do well in things they are not strong in.

@Air Guidance

This is an excellent way to think about it. Thor isn't known for healing insofar as I know. I wouldn't be surprised to learn of some circumstance or mythos where it happens though.

Kind of like humans, each has a sort of job. Sure, an electrician may know first aid, but an EMT is known for it and it's a safe assumption that an EMT has some medical knowledge. It is less assured that an electrician will have the same.

Wotanson, I like your analysis.

If we think back on what our ancestral people believed caused disease and malady, then it would be quite appropriate to request the help of deity in removal of such. But this would not be the task of the individual, but rather the task of the healer or shaman of the community.

Shamanistic societies believed that disease was caused by malevolent energy or the loss of protective spirit. If we stand in the shoes of a Northern person of the era it would be practical to look toward the deity of Thor for help in this matter. Thor was and is a deity closely aligned with the common people. His fame is in his strength to fight a variety of giants, monsters and things that threaten the stability of the Aesir and the world of man. If disease is a monster or evil entity that is too strong for a person to handle, looking to Thor to lead the battle against it would appear to be appropriate. Just my opinion, but I would say that Thor definitely could be called to assist in a healing effort.

I find it likely he could have been called upon for healing. As our sources on the gods and the beliefs of our ancestors are limited and distorted by time, religion, politics, and racism I think it is time for us to be open to different ways to view and think about the gods.

You both make good points.