Pagan Portals - Thor
Untangling the mythology and modern lore surrounding the most popular Norse deity, Thor.
Untangling the mythology and modern lore surrounding the most popular Norse deity, Thor.
Untangling the mythology and modern lore surrounding the most popular Norse deity, Thor.
Celtic spirituality, Folklore & mythology, Paganism & neo-paganism
Thor is an immensely popular God but also one of contradictions, whose complexity is sometimes underrated. Often depicted as oafish, he was clever enough to outwit the dwarf Alviss (All-wise). A god of storms and thunder, he brought fertility and blessed brides at weddings and although a defender of civilization and order, he usually travelled with a trickster deity.
Pagan Portals - Thor is an introductory book that examines both history and mythology, untangling older beliefs from modern pop-culture.
Click on the circles below to see more reviews
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. I'd say Thor is one of the most well-known among the Norse gods, but as is often true, there's more that lies beneath the surface knowledge that many possess. Daimler did an excellent job exploring the myths and history behind Thor, and comparing it to beliefs that have sprung up in modern times (looking at you, Marvel). She also provides recommendations for good resources if you'd like to do further research yourself, keeping this book as an accessible introduction to one of the more popular gods. If you have any interest in Norse mythology, then this a great resource to add to your shelf! ~ Liliyana Shadowlyn (Reviewer) , NetGalley
5 out of 5 stars I’d say Thor is one of the most well-known among the Norse gods, but as is often true, there’s more that lies beneath the surface knowledge that many possess. Daimler did an excellent job exploring the myths and history behind Thor, and comparing it to beliefs that have sprung up in modern times (looking at you, Marvel). She also provides recommendations for good resources if you’d like to do further research yourself, keeping this book as an accessible introduction to one of the more popular gods. If you have any interest in Norse mythology, then this a great resource to add to your shelf! ~ Liliyana Shadowlyn (reviewer), https://lshadowlynauthor.com/2023/07/02/review-pagan-portals-thor/?fbclid=IwAR1kljU_7vW6gLlk5OpGY6C6oBom2ma9PsXppMNKclB2NZOwSN0aXyxLYBI
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I have enjoyed quite a number of Pagan Portals books, and multiple books by Morgan Daimler. I have some Norse background, but I don't really feel drawn to the Norse deities as much as those from my Celtic side. I jumped at the chance to read and learn more about one of the most well known Norse deities, Thor, to expand my knowledge. Pagan Portals books are usually around 100 pages but packed full of information. This one was no different. I felt like this is a good book for a beginner to get to know Thor. ~ Jennifer Cunning (Reviewer), NetGalley
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. A small book but mighty. The author shows knowledge, wisdom and understanding throughout this book. The author has clearly some time researching and working with this deity and it really showed throughout. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Thor, beginners and lifetime practitioners. ~ Louise Banner (Reviewer), NetGalley
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. As a Norse pagan myself, I really loved this book. I enjoyed learning about the prayers to Thor and the author's history with Norse paganism. I also loved the book recommendations for learning more about my religion. I recommend this book to anyone that is interested in Norse paganism and Thor. ~ Cassandra Hollinger (Reviewer), NetGalley
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. In this short book Morgan Daimler provides an introduction to the popular Norse God of Thunder, Thor. Aside from exploring his origins in Norse mythology and influences in other cultures, Daimler undertakes the task of disentangling these from Thor’s depiction in modern popular culture, specifically in the Marvel comics and films.......She also shared her own experiences with Heathenism and its gods and goddesses and offers a number of practical suggestions to facilitate a relationship with Thor.....I found it a very useful text and while I am somewhat familiar with the Norse pantheon, I gained more insight into Thor’s complex nature. Again, a well written, informative addition to this useful series that provides insight into modern Pagan beliefs and practices. ~ Vivienne O'Regan (Reviewer), NetGalley
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.....Every chapter ends with the author’s experience with Thor, which was something that I found very interesting. And though the book was pretty short, I thought it was a concise and well-written introduction to Thor as he was understood and worshipped in the past. I didn’t realise how much of my impression of Thor was coloured by popular depictions on him or how important he was. I learnt a lot while reading this......Overall, if you’re curious about who Thor is and why he was so important, this is the book for you. ~ Eustacia Tan (Reviewer) , NetGalley
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. ........I enjoyed Pagan Portals-Thor: Meeting the Norse God of Thunder by Morgan Daimler and think this would serve as a very nice introduction to a very prominent God. This is not necessarily the Pantheon of my choosing, but my curiosity was piqued by yet another approach to Thor and I was not disappointed in what I came away with. The bibliography is an impressive collection of academia and myth, providing the reader with ample food for thought and resources for any approach towards cultivating more knowledge about Thor. If you are exploring the Norse Gods and/or Heathenry, then this should definitely be a go-to read.. ~ Jennifer Wright (Media), NetGalley/PaganPages.Org
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. I never read a book by Morgan Daimler before, and I didn't really know what to expect from this book. I only picked it up because I felt Thor reaching out to me a few months ago and I wanted to learn more about him. I love this book! It's very short, easy to read and it covers a lot of topics such as Thor in mythology, Thor's family, symbols, Thor in the modern world, and some tips for worshipping Thor. I already know a lot about Norse mythology, but I still learned a lot of new things. I really liked the "Thor in my life" section at the end of each chapter. There are also prayers, poems, a guided meditation to connect with Thor and lots of resources. After reading this book I will definitely try to learn more about Thor and maybe start worshipping him! ~ Lisa Heß (Reviewer), NetGalley
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Thor is known to many as a strong God due to the strength he is believed to have. Many of the new movies depict him with his hammer fighting other Gods. He was so much more. Pagan Portals brings you a book that sets the records straight and gives you a look at the God behind the myth and and the history. Norse mythology describes him and how he is related to other deities. This book is simple enough for the ones who are new to this subject and interesting enough to keep everyone else enthralled. There is so much information that you will want to keep it on your book shelf to read again. I received this book from Net Galley and John Hunt Publishing for a honest review. I loved it and it kept me reading long after my bedtime. ~ Marie Angel (Reviewer), NetGalley
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. I love the Pagan Portals books. I love a little book that’s easily readable in one sitting that’s still chock full of information. I have been wanting to read more about Thor and my Norse heritage so when this book came up for review I was ecstatic. As usual this book didn’t disappoint. I have already preordered the next books in the series! ~ Lindsay Wangsness (Reviewer), NetGalley
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. This is a great introduction to the God Thor. There are many references to him in modern culture, but he has a great history. The author does a wonderful job including the history along with attributes of the modern deity. I like her description of his description as misunderstood or underestimated. She also includes mentions of the Prose Edda, the Poetic and the Sagas which reference Thor. Most people only know of Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir, but many are not aware of his other symbols: his belt, staff, and gloves. She also shows ways to honor Thor, including prayers along with a guided meditation to meet him. I have always been interested in the Norse tradition. What I learned in this book was that Thor was also found in folklore from England and Germany. There is a large reference list of places to find more information on Thor. This is a great book for anyone that is also interested in learning more about it. ~ Dawn Thomas (Reviewer) , NetGalley
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Very informative. I absolutely loved knowing more about Thor....and I mean the real Thor not Disney or Marvel's Thor. If you have any interest in mythology or gods this is the book! ~ Tina Kohr (Reviewer) , NetGalley
This was a solid beginner's read about Thor. The author, Morgan Daimler, also makes opinion vs interpretation vs fact clear when talking about Thor in history as well as religion and pop culture. Daimler makes a strong case for looking beyond popular interpretation of Thor, which is still valuable, but doesn't encompass all that Thor is. I appreciated that she went into a little detail about how Thor spread from the Vikings to Scotland and even Ireland, which isn't well-known. Daimler nailed the conversational tone and the book is very accessible for readers of all kinds. Well done. ~ Ashley Miller (Reviewer), NetGalley
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Pagan Portals - Thor was a great, concise introduction to the mythology and history that relates to the god known as Thor. I felt like Morgan Daimler did a fantastic job at describing the different aspects of Thor, such as him being a deity for the common people, and she was very thorough at referencing the resources she used for her information. Any reader who would like to incorporate Thor in their spiritual practice has a good base to go off of from this book and will easily know where to find further information for more in depth knowledge about him. I would be happy to read more books both in the Pagan Portals series and by this author based off of my experience reading this book. ~ Samantha Thien (Librarian), NetGalley
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Thor is one of my favorite Myths and favorite Avengers and knowing what his entire existence was like including children and fighting battles was so breathtaking to glimpse. I learned so much from this book that it sparked my curiosity on Norse Mythology just the same way Wonder Woman did on Greek Mythology. I was in awe and shock on the material Morgan Daimler presented in the book that I almost stopped breathing and had to continue. My favorite sections was how he interacted with his children and definitely his relationship and interaction with Loki. I know a lot of our readers are fans of Thor in the Avengers and will be very curious to read more about him and the god qualities he possesses. We will consider adding this title to our Religion and Spirituality collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars. ~ Meghan Soderholm (Librarian) , NetGalley
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. A great introduction by the hand of a great author. I admire Morgan and how complex things become simple and easy to understand when their name is involved. Amazing. ~ Bader Saab, NetGalley
I had not previously read anything by Morgan Daimler but, having been active in pagan communities for over a decade I had come across the name many times. While I am not involved in heathenry I have always been interested in Scandinavia and Norse mythology so I was excited to see this book available for review. Pagan Portals – Thor is an excellent source for anyone starting to explore heathenry as both a modern and ancient practice. The writing is easy to understand and follow but flows very well. Daimler is able to cover a wide range of topics in very few words and provides a diverse bibliography so that readers can choose which direction to go next. The text itself is also full of recommendations from the author on how to learn more about certain topics. I greatly appreciated the author's willingness to discuss the flaws in source material and the inconsistencies that exist in many of the surviving myths and legends. The inclusion of both academic sources and anecdotes from many different cultures provides the reader with a more complete view of the god Thor as he was and as he is today. I am happy to have had the opportunity to read and review this book and look forward to reading more by Morgan Daimler and on the topic of Thor. ~ Rya Fenner (Reviewer), NetGalley
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. It wasn’t hard to decide to choose this new offering from Morgan Daimler. I have previously read other books from this author and have found her writing to be very accessible. My knowledge of the pagan world is limited, and other books in this genre felt heavy and cumbersome. I found Pagan Portals – Thor to be a great introduction to the Norse God of Thunder. Like many others, my knowledge of Thor is heavily tainted by the modern versions of him (comic books, movies) and I was happy to find a book that would educate as well as entertain. No matter what your religious beliefs, she is respectful of them. Her sources include both Norse and Germanic cultures and she has included a wide range of scholars and others in order to provide a solid base of understanding. Ms. Daimler provides plenty of stories and legends, all in easy-to-read English (there is no struggling to decipher an ancient collection of verses filled with heavy dialect). “Pagan Portals – Thor” accomplishes what it set out to do, which is to give the reader an introduction to the world of Thor. It is not meant to be a complete book about Thor; rather, it covers many different topics and then offers more material for us to pursue. The information has plenty of footnotes to back up the author’s research. Along with the Bibliography, Ms. Daimler offers books and websites for us to continue our education. Even more fun are the musical recommendations (it’s metal, so if you are not a fan, you probably want to skip those). This is a quick read that is certain to dispel some of the beliefs you have about Thor. Five stars. ~ Dee Arr (Reviewer), NetGalley
Pagan Portals: Thor is an amazing introduction to a deity that does not get his just due in modern heathenry. Morgan Daimler’s outstanding research, easy writing style and ability to convey her own personal experiences create a portrait of Thor that the newbie and the veteran can take into their own practice and launch a relationship with the God of Thunder. Morgan presents the Wielder of Mjolnir as he should be seen in a polytheist worldview, a complex individual full of contradictions yet striving to be a better individual and protecting those he holds dear. Honorable actions define heathenry at its foundation, Morgan brings that out in Thor in easy language through her meticulous research and I suspect this is one major reason Thor was such a popular deity in the past and should be in the present. Morgan is a gifted writer, teacher, and lecturer her work in the Pagan Portals series is invaluable to any person starting a reconstructionist pagan path. Having heard her lectures and witnessed her attention to scholarship, I highly recommend all of her works! ~ Ryan Denison author of A Practical Guide to Modern Heathenry
“This book is an absolute must for anybody who has an interest in this fascinating and significant deity. More than a simple introduction, this volume lays out the key points of Thor’s story and mythology, plus his connections to other gods, goddesses, giants and even humans. Learning what Thor looks like, or the different ways he has been described and perceived from ancient times to modern pop culture, aids in visualising the god- a useful tool for any Pagan with a leaning towards Norse inspired spirituality. Written in a thoroughly engaging style and carefully sourced throughout, this book is a handy reference as well as an entertaining and compelling read. Whether you’re new to Thor or wanting to learn a little bit more, or see this god from a new perspective, this is the book for you." ~ Mabh Savage, author of Pagan Portals: Celtic Witchcraft.
Pagan Portals - Thor by Morgan Daimler is well researched and written in plain language. Daimler covers every aspect of Thor, the origins of the myths and the ways in which they have changed over time, right up to the present day through Wagner, Marvel comics, young adult fiction, video games and superhero movies. She discusses ways in which the modern pagan can incorporate Thor into her or his pagan practice using statues, pictures, meditation and poetry to bring this ancient archetype to life. The author is to be congratulated for drawing attention to the subtle racist subtext of some of the modern Heathen material available today, which she abhors, and warns the readers to avoid. ~ Angela Paine, author of Healing Plants of the Celtic Druids
Pagan Portals: Thor is an amazing introduction to a deity that does not get his just due in modern heathenry. Morgan Daimler’s outstanding research, easy writing style and ability to convey her own personal experiences create a portrait of Thor that the newbie and the veteran can take into their own practice and launch a relationship with the God of Thunder. Morgan presents the Wielder of Mjolnir as he should be seen in a polytheist worldview, a complex individual full of contradictions yet striving to be a better individual and protecting those he holds dear. ~ Ryan Denison, author of A Practical Guide to Modern Heathenry
As a Thor-enthusiast, I heartily endorse this perfect introductory book on Thor. While the author doesn't claim to be a devotee of Thor, she clearly has an amazing handle on the mythology and scholarly aspects of this deity. Her suggestions on incorporating and inviting Thor into everyday life are equally well-thought out (and affordable!). This book is for anyone looking to learn about Thor (and by association other Norse Gods) in a heavily researched but easy-to-understand format. Highly recommended! ~ Michelle Skye, high priestess of the craft, women's empowerment facilitator, author of Goddess Alive!, Goddess Afoot!, and Goddess Aloud!
Pagan Portals: Thor is everything a Thor seeker needs in a book. It's a concise and solid introduction to a powerful deity whose mainstream fame has changed the landscape of his worship. Morgan Daimler uses clear conversational language to shed light on Thor's ancient myths and legends, while giving practical and modern information for worship now. As a devotee of Thor, I found myself smiling and nodding emphatically through each and every page. ~ Phoenix Lafae author or What Is Remembered Lives
Morgan Daimler’s Thor is an incredibly valuable addition to the Pagan Portals series. She takes a figure many readers will feel they know through contemporary popular culture and contextualises him within broader mythology. By doing so, she provides a much more nuanced and intimate portrait of the deity than many of us are accustomed to. Daimler’s work feels both authoritative and accessible. The reader is clearly guided through a vast array of texts, whilst also being encouraged to explore ideas further. Alongside this, a number of practical traditions are presented for the reader to incorporate in their practice. By ending each chapter with a more personal reflection on Thor, Daimler helps the reader to prioritise what they have read and develop their own relationship with the deity. This book is a great place to start the journey of meeting Thor. ~ Andrew Anderson, author of The Ritual of Writing
Once again, Morgan Daimler has created a solid guide to exploring the history, mythology, and modern incarnations of an ancient deity. She offers insight into the divinity, symbols, and realities of working with Thor, as well as suggestions of further study and techniques. Her notes on personal experiences with the entity help to bring the scholarship to life and applicable to day-to-day practice. ~ Christy Nicholas, author of The Druid’s Brooch Series