The Gospel according to Thor

Last night I watched one of Marvel's latest superhero flicks 'Thor'. I found the film enjoyable, although I was unfamiliar with the character. However, what interested me was the parallels in the story between Thor and Jesus Christ.

Synposis

The film centres around the character Thor, who in Viking folk lore is the god of Thunder, but who is, in the film, the prince of Asgard - one of the 9 realms (which includes earth) - and the son of King Odin. Thor and his companions can travel throughout the 9 realms through a portal, or wormhole. In the beginning of the film Thor and his companions travel to the ice world of the Frost Giants in retaliation of an unsuccessful invasion into Asgard. The warriors soon find themselves outnumbered even if Thor's mighty Hammer does manage to wipe out hordes of Frost Giants at a time. As their enemies close in around them Odin arrives to save his son and companions.

Back in Asgard Odin, outraged at Thor's reckless behaviour, banishes Thor taking his powers and Hammer from him. Thor is banished to earth, where Odin sends his Hammer after him after first placing a spell on it that only when Thor is worthy of wielding its power will it be activated. Thor is indignant that Odin has made a mistake and has become too 'soft' in his old age. Nevertheless stuck on earth Thor is forced to re-evaluate his life and learn humility. Over the course of the film, Thor becomes less arrogant and more humble as he befriends and inevitably falls in love with Jane Foster, a scientist studying wormholes.

Thor's jealous brother Loki takes over the throne of Asgard after their father Odin falls into a coma brought on by the heartbreak of Thor's banishment. Loki determined that Thor should never regain his position as son and heir to Odin's throne and to ensure that he will reign as King after the eventual death of Odin, sends a giant robotic monster known as the Destroyer to earth in order to kill Thor. When the Destroyer arrives on earth it starts destroying everything in its path in order to complete its objective of killing Thor. Without the power of his Hammer Thor knows that he is physically helpless to defeat the giant Destroyer and so chooses to freely and voluntarily give up his life so that no-one else is hurt or killed. Loki, who is able to control the Destroyer from Asgard accepts Thor's sacrifice and commands the Destroyer to kill his brother. At that moment Thor's selfless actions and courageous sacrifice awaken the power of his Hammer and it is returned to him, bringing him back from the brink of death and empowering him to kill the Destroyer. Once the Destroyer is killed Thor travels back to Asgard to defeat the evil schemes of his brother. In his battle with Loki over control of Asgard Thor is forced to break the portal allowing them access to the other realms and destroying the link between Asgard and earth. The film ends with Thor determined to find a way back to earth and to his new beloved Jane.

Analysis

There are many parallels between the story told in the Marvel film 'Thor' and Jesus' life here on earth. Firstly, the film is a story about personal realisation and humility. Before Thor was banished to earth he lived in magnificence in Asgard, in full power and majesty as prince and heir to Odin's throne. Jesus too, before coming to earth, lived in the glory and splendor of Heaven with God. Secondly, after Thor was banished to earth he had to learn humility in order to regain his power and status. The Bible says that Jesus:

"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in the appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:6-8

Jesus humbled himself by coming to earth and being born as a human being. Jesus had to learn how to be a human and adapt to his new home. Thor too had to learn how to fit in as his mannerism and the way he interracted with people was very unorthodox by contemporary standards. Thor was still technically the son of Odin - that did not change and so too Jesus was the son of God.

Thirdly, Thor realised that devoid of the power of his Hammer he could not defeat the force of evil by brute strength alone. He chose the higher way and selflesly gave his life as a ransom for the people caught in the middle of Loki's jealous and spiteful actions. Jesus too, as the passage from the book of Philippians explains became obedient to death. Jesus chose the way of the cross as opposed to the way of war in order to defeat Satan and rescue humanity from the judgement of God caused by our sin. Jesus says himself in the Gospel of Matthew:

"Put your sword back in its place... Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" Matthew 26:52-53

Jesus had at his disposal the power of heaven in order to defeat the forces of evil in the world, but knew that ultimately it was love that would conquer evil. Jesus chose the path of love and took humanity's sin upon himself so that there would be forgiveness and pardon for humanity. Thor's actions were inspired from love.

Finally, after Jesus' crucifixion and buriel he rose again on the third day and ascended into Heaven where his former glory was fully restored to him as he sat at the right hand of God. At the end of the film Odin recovered from his coma and Thor took his place in meekness and humility as his son and heir. Lastly Thor looked to the day when he would return to earth, to return to the people that he grew to love although he did not know when. The Bible says that Jesus too will one day return although only God knows that day and hour.

Naturally there are limits to the parallels - Thor was forcely banished from Asgard, whereas Jesus voluntarily gave up his glory in Heaven. Thor fell in love with one woman in particular whereas Jesus' love was for all humanity equally and impartially. But the parallels that can be made are striking and thought provoking.

The next time you watch a film, whether comic book or other just pause and reflect to think whether there are any parallels or Christian message in the film - it is quite remarkable just how strong a Gospel message you can find.