The Challenge of Thor
The Challenge of Thor - meaning Summary
A Boastful Pagan Confrontation
The poem presents a declamatory voice of the Norse god Thor asserting his power and dominion through images of hammer, girdle, thunder, and chariot. He proclaims force and strength as the world’s ruling principles and dismisses meekness as weakness. The poem ends with a pointed address to a "Galilean," a single challenger representing Christian meekness, with Thor defiantly inviting combat between force and gospel.
Read Complete AnalysesI am the God Thor, I am the War God, I am the Thunderer! Here in my Northland, My fastness and fortress, Reign I forever! Here amid icebergs Rule I the nations; This is my hammer, Miölner the mighty; Giants and sorcerers Cannot withstand it! These are the gauntlets Wherewith I wield it, And hurl it afar off; This is my girdle; Whenever I brace it, Strength is redoubled! The light thou beholdest Stream through the heavens, In flashes of crimson, Is but my red beard Blown by the night-wind, Affrighting the nations! Jove is my brother; Mine eyes are the lightning; The wheels of my chariot Roll in the thunder, The blows of my hammer Ring in the earthquake! Force rules the world still, Has ruled it, shall rule it; Meekness is weakness, Strength is triumphant, Over the whole earth Still is it Thor's Day! Thou art a God too, O Galilean! And thus singled-handed Unto the combat, Gauntlet or Gospel, Here I defy thee!
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