Can Thor Fly Without Mjolnir?
Absolutely yes. In fact, there are quite a few misconceptions about Thor’s abilities. Even Thor himself was unaware in Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok film. Are his abilities tied to his worthiness to wield Mjolnir? No. But are all of his powers purely from being the God of Thunder? Also no.
Let’s look at some of Thor’s abilities. First we’ll see what he can do without any weapons, and then we’ll explore how some of his most iconic weapons enhance his already earth-shattering powers.
Thor’s Powers
Thor‘s powers are extraordinary, not only because he is an Asgardian, but also because he is so much more than that. Any and every Asgardian already has an incredible amount of powers compared to the average Midgardian (humans on Earth). The Gods of Asgard have superhuman strength, speed, stamina, durability, and healing, among other abilities. They live for an extremely long time and they also all have magic of some sort. Perhaps it is the Odinforce working inside them and through them, or perhaps it is innate. Of course, all Asgardians have the inherent ability of Allspeak, meaning that they can communicate with and be understood in all other languages. This is perhaps one of the most divine attributes about the Asgardians. Everyone understands them, and they can understand most others. Because of this, when Asgardians use their abilities for the benefit of others, it makes perfect sense why they are considered gods.
And yet, Thor stands a head above the rest. He is not just any Asgardian God, he is the God of Thunder and the God of Strength. He is one of the strongest beings in the multiverse, able to go toe to toe with some of the strongest heroes like the Hulk, Silver Surfer, and even Galactus. Thor can even snap Adamantium alloy cables. And this is all without the Odinforce, which amplifies his powers even greater. The Odinforce, when wielded properly, grants practically unlimited power. Thor still hasn’t reached his true potential, nor a true understanding of the Odinforce.
All of that, of course, comes from his father Odin. Still, all of his abilities are equally amplified by his mother. In some storylines, she is Gaea, an Elder God of Earth. In others, it is revealed that Thor’s mother was actually one of the original avatars of the Phoenix Force, an early mutant named Firehair. A being powerful enough to host the energy of life itself would certainly pass on some of her power to her son.
One of Thor’s greatest powers, on top of his strength, is his ability to control weather. He can create storms, winds, hurricanes, lightning, thunder, and more. Whether he packs lightning into a punch or breathes out a hurricane towards a foe, his weather manipulation is unparalleled. He is also able to fly and levitate.
Mjolnir’s Powers
Mjolnir enhances Thor’s speed dramatically. This is perhaps one of Mjolnir’s most common uses. Comic readers and moviegoers alike will recognize the lightning fast whirlwind of Mjolnir being spun around by the strap. It practically looks like a propeller, which might be one reason that fans expect Thor cannot fly without his hammer. However, it only helps him fly faster.
Mjolnir is a magical weapon, enchanted by the greatest mages of Asgard. It is made from a metal called Uru, which can absorb and channel incredible amounts of magic. While wielding the warhammer, Thor is able to amplify his magical abilities to an astounding degree. He is able to manipulate energy, weather, even matter itself. He can spin Mjolnir quickly enough to open portals, or create world-shattering concussive power. It can absorb magical energies sent his way, and act as a conduit and amplifier when Thor uses the Odinforce.
There are very few powers that Mjolnir grants him, but it does seem to amplify his connection to the Odinforce at all times, and accordingly, powers him up. Still, most of Thor’s powers can be performed without Mjolnir. Depending on the iteration, though, Mjolnir can disguise Thor as a mortal. This is something Thor cannot do without Mjolnir. His hammer keeps him safe in and out of disguise, and listens to him as it it were intelligent.
Stormbreaker’s Powers
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor and Loki‘s sister Hela shatters Mjolnir. And so Thor, Rocket, and Groot embark on an incredible journey to create a new weapon. It is a weapon meant for a king, made by the finest dwarven blacksmith, Eitri. Stormbreaker, in the MCU, was powerful enough to hold up against the Infinity Gauntlet. Beyond that, it was even able to summon the Bifrost. With Stormbreaker, Thor could teleport anywhere that he wanted in the nine realms.
In the comics, Stormbreaker wasn’t originally created for Thor, and it wasn’t made by a dwarf. It was made by Odin himself. In both the comics and the MCU, Stormbreaker has the head of a hammer and an axe. The weapon is equally able to channel magical energy as Mjolnir, if not more.
Did you know all of Thor‘s powers? Which ones came as a surprise to you? Which of his weapons your favorite? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!


