How Does Thor's Hammer Work? The Powers Of Mjolnir, Explained
Avengers: Doomsday (2026) just released its first trailer, and it's given us some surprising returns, such as Chris Evans as Steve Rogers. But it also showed Thor bringing Mjolnir along for the journey, and Steve still being able to wield it.
Mjolnir is a weapon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with an immense history just in the Thor films alone. It's been destroyed and reconstituted and had a few others carry it, but the weapon still has a lot of mystery to it. One of the things that we can definitively answer, however, is what its powers are and how it can change a person who wields it; if they be worthy.
What Powers Does Mjolnir Possess?
Mjolnir as a weapon of its own is incredibly unique because it carries its own abilities but can also bestow the powers of Thor onto anyone who is deemed worthy. As a result, there are two avenues that the hammer can take, and unique attributes from that. But on its own, those who are strong enough can spin the hammer and use it to propel themselves in the air.
It can also be summoned by those worthy by simply outstretching their hand or heal injuries if you can call it in a wounded state. Its most impressive feat, however, is that if you aren't worthy, it's impossible to lift, while for others it's incredibly lightweight.
When Thor used the hammer, it allowed him to call his armor and transform his attire from civilian to armor in an instant. He can also channel his latent lightning abilities through the hammer to create beams or call down storms. It essentially becomes a lightning rod or way to channel his abilities.
For others who are deemed worthy, like Captain America and Jane Foster, they are given all of Thor's powers, as the enchantment states. They can use lightning, gain strength, get armor should they choose it, and call the storms. When the hammer was shattered, Jane could throw the fragments and call them back to reform. But strangely enough, synthezoids and robots can carry the hammer but aren't technically worthy.
Mjolnir's Origin Is as Epic as the Weapon Itself
Mjolnir is part of an equally epic origin that we haven't seen in the MCU but got a glimpse of when Thor forged Stormbreaker in Avengers: Infinity War (2018). Requested by Odin to be made by the Dwarves of Nidavellir, Mjolnir was forged with Uru metal in the heart of a dying star.
It was initially given to Hela during Odin's more violent era, and he locked it in his vault when he imprisoned her in Hel. It was later given to Thor, and he was the only one who was worthy to lift it until his hubris caused him to be banished to Midgard. From there, Odin created a new enchantment so that others who were worthy, including himself, could be granted the same power.
Will Mjolnir Ever Find a True Owner Again?
Unfortunately, Mjolnir's recent history has left the hammer between owners. When it was destroyed, Thor helped create Stormbreaker, and it has been his primary weapon ever since. However, in the comics, that weapon should eventually go to Beta Ray Bill, and Thor reclaims Mjolnir.
With Jane Foster dead, he and his daughter, Love, interchange weapons during battles, but in Avengers: Doomsday he brings both. Thor has proven he can wield both weapons, but he still leans on Stormbreaker more than anything, and Steve Rogers will be the one using Mjolnir in this film.
Ultimately, once the story is over, should Thor survive beyond Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), Mjolnir will still be left without a clear owner, and it's a sad fate for a weapon that has been around for centuries. As of now, the best hope is that we eventually see Beta Ray Bill, a perfect follow-up in terms of power and morals, to Thor, appearing and taking Stormbreaker.
Thor continues to thrive in the MCU but is just as rudderless as his hammer, and he needs a place to call home, whether it be reclaiming his throne as king of Asgard, holding Mjolnir as his primary weapon, or traveling the galaxy more. But in the end, his hammer, with all of its power, still needs someone committed to it.
