MODERN MYTHOLOGY: Thor (2011)

Revelations on Authentic Kingship

THOR, which hearkens to medieval tales, is dripping with references to the Fall, to Redemption, to good, to evil, to pride, to envy, to humility, to dignity, to the Bride and the Bridegroom….but this post will talk about the qualities of authentic kingship that are portrayed in this 2011 movie.

In the beginning of this movie, Thor has a hard time understanding what it means to be king. His father finds him to be cocky, greedy, a rebel without a cause, vain with selfish ambition, and finally unworthy to be king. He exiles his son.

After Thor spends some time without his powers and away from what he knows, he begins to learn from his humbled state. In his weakened state, he realizes that he does not know as much as he thought. He becomes willing to learn; he learns to have compassion for others; he begins to have a deeper consciousness of authentic purpose; he turns away from self-centeredness; at one point, he even gives up his life for his friends! He comes back to life WORTHY! He is redeemed! He regains his powers and begins to act like a true king.

All of these–humility, compassion, selflessness, willingness, authentic purpose, i.e. worthiness–are qualities that Thor learns are the qualities that first are fulfilled in Christ from the beginning of His life to forever… THOR does a tremendous job of showing the contrast between a false sort of kingship and true kingship by having the title character transform from a selfish king into a worthy king. It begins to delve into the revelation of what authentic kingship means.

Jesus Christ is the one whom the Father anointed with the Holy Spirit and established as priest, prophet, and king. The whole People of God participates in these three offices of Christ and bears the responsibilities for mission and service that flow from them (CCC 783). His Kingdom will have no end ( Niacene Creed).

 Why Mythology?

Humans love stories[1]. We listen to stories, read stories, watch stories. Many of us would like to have our own story. Mythology is a type of story. It is a wonderful way to explore ideas, explore the consequences of certain ideas, reveal human nature, and maybe even get people to think in a new direction. With mythology, writers can creatively grasp certain universal truths that are otherwise hidden. In short, the myth tends to know what is unknowable[2]. How does mythology do this?

In the words of Chaucer[3], the best story is that of “best sentence and moost solas.” It is not only woven together well, but it also has more to offer. Sir Philip Sidney[4] suggests that “Poesy [story, literature] therefore is an art of imitation, for so Aristotle termeth it in the word mimesis—that is to say, a representing, counterfeiting, or figuring forth—to speak metaphorically, a speaking picture—with this end, to teach and delight.” Good stories not only entertain, but they also teach something. Mythology has a profound way of doing this. This series is devoted to delving into the mythology created by movie and other visual media makers.

Christological will be a frequently referenced concept.

image found on googleimages…

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[1] Jeff Cavins’ The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation

[2] Theology of the Body reference notes, p. 91

[3] from the “General Prologue” in Canterbury Tales

[4]  from “The Defense of Poesy” by Sir Sidney

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