In the latest CBR column “Comic Book Questions Answered” writer Brian Cronin tried to answer a recent question from a reader. The question was, “Whether Magneto could lift Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir, without being “worthy” of doing so?” Let’s take a look at what CBR’s Brian Cronin had to say about this. But first, let’s see what does it mean to be “worthy”.
What does it mean to be “Worthy”?
When it comes to lifting Mjolnir, the word “worthy” is quite frequently used. But what does it exactly mean? If the comic book history is to be researched, all we know is that this simple phrase appeared on the hammer in Journey Into Mystery #83 (by Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Joe Sinnott).
Years later, Jane Foster also wielded Mjolnir, and the word was changed from “he” to “she”. However, it has never been revealed what is the true meaning of being “worthy” for the hammer. In fact, in 2014’s Thor #1 (by Jason Aaron, Russell Dauterman, and Matthew Wilson), Odin was couldn’t lift the hammer.
So, the question remains. What does it mean to be “worthy”? We do know that most people who have lifted the hammer have been heroic folks.
Did any “Non-Worthy” folks lift Mjolnir?
Yes, there have been instances when people who haven’t proved their worth were able to pick Thor’s hammer. For instance, there was a time when Odin could change the enchantment on his wish and at one point deemed Thor as “unworthy.”
In JLA/Avengers by Kurt Busiek and George Perez, they suggested Superman be worthy of lifting the hammer only if Odin removes the enchantment. Now, we didn’t get to see Superman lift the hammer without removing the enchantment. So we still don’t know if he was worthy enough!
In Secret Empire Free Comic Book Day Special by Nick Spencer and Andrea Sorrentino, we see Captain America’s alternate version lift the hammer. However, this was made clear later that he was unworthy.
Whether Magneto could lift Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir, without being “worthy” of doing so?”
So, what about Magento? Well, even if you consider that he might have served his penance for previous wrongdoings, he might still not be “worthy” enough to lift Mjolnir. Hence, the odds are Magneto might not be able to lift Mjolnir.
Can he use his powers?
Probably yes! And the first evidence of this might just be happening is seen in Journey Into Mystery #109 (by Jack Kirby, Stan Lee and Chic Stone). Thor and Magneto fight for the first time and just for a moment Magneto could control Thor’s hammer will his magnetic powers.
However, this seems to be a one-off occurrence. In the latter issue, it was shown that Thor regains his control on Mjolnir and smashes Magneto leaving him dazed.
Next time we find Magneto controlling Mjolnir was in Super-Villain Team-Up #14 (by Bill Mantlo, Bob Hall, Don Perlin, and Duffy Vohland). This time Magneto had better control.
And we haven’t considered that Magneto can control people’s minds, thus wield Mjolnir by wielding Thor.
So, it is fair to say, Magneto can, in fact, lift Mjolnir using his powers. If you want to read more such comic book questions answered, head over to his column now.
If you have any more views on this article’s question, comment down below!
Source: CBR.com
