Why Did Thor 'Steal' Mjolnir in 'Avengers: Endgame'?

In Avengers: Endgame

Thor's Character Development and the Symbolism of Mjolnir

This moment is significant for Thor's character development as it represents his growth and acceptance of his worthiness. The retrieval of Mjolnir allows him to reclaim his power and confidence after experiencing feelings of failure and inadequacy following the events of Avengers: Infinity War.

The Technical and Narrative Context

Technically, Thor did not 'steal' Mjolnir. As the true owner of the hammer, it is rightfully his. However, in the context of the scene, Thor is depressed with what happened during the Infinity War and lacks confidence in his ability to overcome the situation. This disbelief is a recurring theme in the Thor series, as seen when he was unable to lift Mjolnir in the first Thor movie.

Thor's motivation is to check his worthiness, which provides him with a sense of confidence moving forward. From a director's perspective, the goal was to showcase a powerful scene where Captain America wields Mjolnir, a moment that was crucial for both characters and the audience.

Emotional Breakdown and Regaining Confidence

For Thor in 2023, he is emotionally broken. He has lost his mother, his hammer (Thor's personal weapon), his father (Odin), his brother (Loki), his best friend (War Machine), and 50 of his people who barely survived the destruction of Asgard. The conversation with his mother, mortally wounded and explaining what it means to be a 'theory,' further impacts Thor and his journey toward regaining his confidence.

The act of retrieving Mjolnir is a pivotal moment in Thor's emotional and character arc. It symbolizes his journey from despair to resilience. Bringing it back in Endgame was a good narrative choice to please the fans, especially those who were disappointed when his hammer broke in the previous films.

Thor and Mjolnir's Importance in Endgame

Spinning Yarn: The return of Mjolnir aligns with the idea that 'Worthy' can lift it. Captain America's unwavering worthiness, even when not using Mjolnir, is showcased during the Age of Ultron. This moment in the film brought joy to Marvel fans around the world.

Symbolism: The hammer's return serves as a symbolic victory. For fans, it was a bittersweet moment, reflecting the challenges Thor faced and overcoming them.

Character Arc: The retrieval of Mjolnir is a key moment in Thor's character arc, helping him accept his worthiness and reassert his power. It also reflects the broader themes of heroism and resilience.

Final Thoughts

Thor retrieving Mjolnir in Avengers: Endgame is a complex narrative that encapsulates both Thor's personal journey and the larger story of the Avengers. It is a moment of triumph that symbolizes growth, acceptance, and the reaffirmation of worthiness. This scene resonates with fans, deepening their connection to the character and the broader narrative of the Avengers.

By understanding Thor's motivations and the significance of Mjolnir, we can appreciate the layers of storytelling that make Endgame a truly iconic superhero film.