character
Old Norse
Thor
The thunder god — red-bearded, hot-tempered, swinging the hammer Mjölnir.
Origin
Son of Odin, defender of gods and humans against giants. In the Eddas he is the most worshipped of the Norse gods — protector of farmers and the common man. Thursday (Thor's day) is named after him. Marvel comics and films have made his image globally familiar.
Modern usage
Used for any large, strong, hammer-wielding figure — and for the comic-book/movie character. 'Built like Thor' is a stock compliment.
Tags
thunder
strength
warrior