Thor’s hammer also known as Mjolnir is one of the most interesting artifacts in the Marvel universe. That is because its powers, mainly that only those who are worthy can lift it.

Before we get to all that we have to understand the history of Mjolnir; firstly how do you even pronounce it? The correct pronunciation is [myawl-nir], and Stan Lee (The creator of Marvel) did not just pull that out of nowhere. Mjolnir has a long history in Norse mythology. The name in modern English translated to “The Crusher or Grinder”

In the Marvel universe, Mjolnir was forged by dwarves out of the fictional metal Uru and inscribed with the phrase, “Whoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.” Here inlays the problem, “If he be worthy…” How does the Hammer decide who is worthy, and in the words of Tony Stark, “What if you put it in an elevator?”

According to Marvel, the hammer weighs 42 pounds, not particularly heavy, especially for an Avenger. So why doesn’t every CrossFit junkie rule Asgard? That is because when the hammer was forged and the inscription put on it, Oden, Thor’s father, put an enchantment on Mjolnir so that only those worthy of its power could lift it. Now before I continue a warning to all comic and movie fans, I am about to delve into the realm of speculation.

My theory is Mjolnir has its own conscience, comparable to the sorting hat in the Harry Potter series. That would explain why Oden can be seen talking to the Hammer in the first Thor movie; it would also explain why things like an elevator and flying aircraft carrier can move and ‘lift’ the hammer. This also explains in a couple different ways why the Vision could lift the hammer as well: he is worthy; secondly, the enchantment on the hammer is not the most powerful magic in the Marvel universe. The spell can superseded with magic that is more powerful, a perfect example being the mind stone implanted in Visions head.

Now if viewers remember the scene in Age of Ultron when our heroes are attempting to lift Thor’s hammer, Captain America is able to make Mjolnir move…THERE IS NO WAY HE DID NOT FEEL IT MOVE! In my eyes, this is Mjolnir’s way to telling Cap he is worthy, but at the same time did not want to announce it to the rest of the Avengers. That is why Cap gives up immediately when he feels the hammer move rather than try multiple times, as Tony Stark did. The idea of Captain America summoning lightning at his command makes me beyond excited for the next Avenger’s movie.