Introduction

The hammer Mjolnir is one of the most iconic weapons in Norse mythology and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Its ownership and usage by Hela in the movie Thor: Ragnarok have sparked significant debate among fans and scholars. This article delves into the origins of Mjolnir, its usage by various characters in Norse mythology and the MCU, and analyzes the scenes from the film to determine whether Hela owned Mjolnir before Thor. Additionally, we explore the original text from the Prose Edda and Marvel Comics to provide a comprehensive understanding of the weapon's history.

The Origin of Mjolnir

In Norse mythology, Mjolnir is a powerful hammer used by Thor, the god of thunder. According to the Prose Edda, the weapon was crafted by the dwarven brothers Eitri and Brokkr for Thor. The original text from The Prose Edda states that the hammer was given to Thor and could strike anything he desired without fail, and it would return to his hand if thrown. It is described as having some flaws, such as a short handle and a tendency to be somewhat heavy.

However, a key detail in the original text is that Mjolnir was never handled by Hela. Hela, the goddess of death, is a significant character in Norse mythology but is not known to have wielded the hammer. She is the firstborn daughter of Odin and Frigg, making her a prominent figure in the Asgardian pantheon, but there is no recorded instance of her using Mjolnir in the original myths.

Mjolnir in Marvel Comics

In Marvel Comics, Mjolnir's history is different. It was created by Odin from a chunk of Uru and was initially wielded by Odin himself. However, Odin eventually placed the "worthy enchantment" on the hammer, meaning that only deemed worthy beings could lift it. Later, Thor, Odin's son, was deemed worthy by the enchantment and inherited Mjolnir. Hela, who is a younger half-sister to Thor, is not mentioned as having wielded the hammer in the comics. This aligns with the Prose Edda where Hela does not interact with Mjolnir.

Hela’s Ownership of Mjolnir in Thor: Ragnarok

In the MCU film Thor: Ragnarok, Hela, the god of death, is shown wielding Mjolnir. In the film, it is established that Mjolnir was held by Odin and later by Hela. The scenes in the palace in Asgard show Hela using Mjolnir, leading to the inference that she owned it before Thor. However, the film does not provide any explicit information about the origin of Mjolnir or the sequence of its wielders.

One of the most compelling scenes from the film is when Hela takes control of Mjolnir, demonstrating its unique properties. Thor attempts to retrieve it, but Mjolnir trembles in Hela's hand as if in a tug-of-war. The hammer ultimately remains with Hela, showing her control and strength over it. This scene is significant in understanding Hela's ownership and control over Mjolnir within the context of the MCU.

Empirical Evidence and Film Analysis

The scenes in Thor: Ragnarok depicting Hela using Mjolnir are aligned with the comic book version where she is a powerful figure in her own right. However, the film does not provide any direct evidence to support the claim that Hela was the original wielder of Mjolnir. The hammer's enchantment placing limitations on who can wield it hints that Hela, despite her power, may not be considered worthy according to the enchantment's criteria.

Supporting this interpretation, a dialogue from the film attributes the hammer's creation to the Asgardian royal family, suggesting that it was initially used by Odin and possibly passed down to Hela. The lyrics from the song sung by Hela in the film imply that she was Odin's weapon in his conquests, before being banished for her ambition. This narrative aligns with the idea that Mjolnir is a tool used by the Asgardian royal family for conquest, with Odin as the primary wielder.

Conclusion

In summary, based on the evidence from the Prose Edda, Marvel Comics, and the scenes in Thor: Ragnarok, it is plausible but not definitively proven that Hela wielded Mjolnir before Thor. The film does not explicitly state its origin or the sequence of its wielders, but it does show Hela using Mjolnir and demonstrating its unique properties. The enchantment on the weapon suggests that it is reserved for worthy beings, and Hela may not be considered worthy by these criteria, even though she demonstrates power over it.

For a complete and definitive understanding, further exploration of the broader canon and additional references would be necessary.

Keywords: Mjolnir, Odin, Hela, Marvel Cinematic Universe, Norse Mythology