The Hammer of Thor

Weapons are significant symbols throughout The Hammer of Thor that represent various aspects of each wielder’s identity or character arc. The titular weapon (Thor’s hammer) is the focus of the main plotline. It is a symbol of Thor’s godly power, and in myth, Thor used the hammer (known as Mjöllnir) both in battle and to bless things or people with his divinity. The Thor in Riordan’s story world wields the hammer as a powerful weapon, but he also uses the hammer to stream shows and frequently misplaces it, which is why the missing hammer doesn’t become a big deal until the second book in the series. The hammer is a double-edged symbol because Thor is a double-edged character; the weapon illustrates both Thor’s stature and his immaturity.

Alex’s weapon of choice, a garrote, is another symbol that communicates layers of meaning. Prior to her death, Alex spent much of her time at a pottery studio, and on one occasion, Loki visited and offered to teach her a spell that would make ordinary objects stronger. Wanting to mock him, Alex cast the spell on her clay-cutter, turning the simple wire into a divinely strong cable capable of beheading humans and creatures or even slicing boulders in half.