Thor’s hammer Mjolnir is arguably the MCU’s most famous weapon, and most of the time, he’s the only one worthy enough to use it. That being said, in the comics, many characters have lifted the hammer. Some characters have even held it despite being unworthy.

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Various villains have exploited loopholes in order to lift the hammer while other characters as worthy as Thor and have earned the right to wield Mjolnir. Of course, some Marvel heroes might be more worthy than Odinson. So which ones are more worthy than Thor and which ones weren’t as worthy as the Odinson?

Updated on June 8, 2022 by Scoot Allan: Fans excitedly returned to theaters for Thor: Love and Thunder, the fourth Thor movie in the hit MCU franchise. Natalie Portman also returned to the franchise as Jane Foster, proving herself worthy of picking up Mjolnir as the Mighty Thor. There are quite a few other comic characters who have also been able to wield Mjolnir over the years, but they've all displayed different levels of worthiness when compared to Thor Odinson.

25 More Worthy: Simon Walterson Was Transformed Into A Frog Before Becoming Throg

The Mighty Throg in action.

Throg is as worthy as they come. This character originated as a joke when Loki transformed Thor into a frog. A genuine Frog of Thunder debuted shortly thereafter in the form of Simon Walterson. Walterson was transformed into a frog named Puddlegulp by a witch.

Puddlegulp briefly teamed up with Thor before vanishing for a while. When the frog returned, he lifted a tiny piece of Mjolnir to become Throg. From then on, Throg has protected the various animals that populate Central Park and worked alongside the other animals in the Pet Avengers.

24 Aren't Worthy: Ragnarok Is A Deadly Biomechanical Clone Of Thor

Thor's evil clone Ragnarok

Ragnarok has all the powers of Thor but none of the heart. During the Civil War series, Tony Stark cloned the God of Thunder to tip the scales of the conflict. The clone killed Goliath, radically changing the course of the war. The clone became a villain, took on the name Ragnarok, and joined the Dark Avengers.

Initially, Ragnarok's hammer was artificial and didn’t evaluate the worthiness of its potential holders. However, Ragnarok discovered he was able to lift Mjolnir from an alternate reality. Despite that, Ragnarok proved he wasn't worthy of most versions of Mjolnir because he’s a heartless villain who would destroy anyone who got in his way.

23 More Worthy: Eric Masterson Was Merged With Thor And Became His Own Hero As Thunderstrike

Eric Masterson as Thunderstrike

Eric Masterson spent time merged with Thor after he was injured helping the Thunder God. He secretly worked with the Avengers as Thor, and they never realized Eric Masterson was filling in. He eventually received his own enchanted mace after he and Thor were separated which transformed Eric into Thunderstrike.

In the ‘90s, Thunderstrike was meant to be cool and edgy in order to match the changing comic book industry. At the end of the day, he wound up being little more than Thor with a ponytail. Thunderstrike later sacrificed himself in battle, but his son Kevin Masterson would eventually pick up his hammer as the new Thunderstrike.

22 Aren't Worthy: Conan The Barbarian Didn't Have The Chance To Truly Prove His Worthiness

Conan the Barbarian getting Mjolnir from Thor

Historically speaking, Conan the Barbarian was one of Marvel’s most popular characters. While most of his adventures took place in the past, Conan reappeared in the modern age as a member of the Savage Avengers. Naturally, Marvel had the Barbarian fight another of the company’s fiercest warriors when he faced Thor, the God of Thunder.

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After an initial fight, the Thor and Conan became close friends. When Thor fell in battle against Toth-Amon, he left his hammer to Conan. As a result, Conan never necessarily proved his worthiness, as he was handed Mjolnir by the previous user. The Barbarian was a successful warrior, but he didn't match Thor’s heart.

21 More Worthy: Beta Ray Bill Earned His Own Hammer After He Was Able To Pick Up Mjolnir

Beta Ray Bill with Stormbreaker

Beta Ray Bill was viewed as one of Thor’s closest allies. But when they first met, they came to blows. Readers soon learned Beta Ray Bill was worthy of lifting Thor’s enchanted hammer. Beta Ray Bill deeply cared about protecting his people, and he wanted to use Mjolnir in his mission.

When Odin arranged a match between the two, Beta Ray Bill once again proved he’s Thor’s equal. He proved himself so worthy Odin had a special hammer made for Beta Ray Bill that became known as Stormbreaker. Beta Ray Bill was one of the first to prove himself worthy of Mjolnir, and he continued to stand close with his longtime ally Thor.

20 Aren't Worthy: Awesome Andy Is An Android Who Can Absorb The Abilities Of Superheroes

Awesome Andy taking Thor's hammer

When it comes to lifting Mjolnir, one crucial aspect of worthiness is the candidate’s heart. Awesome Andy, as a robot and a villain, is somewhat lacking in this respect. Created by the Mad Thinker, the Awesome Android possessed the power to absorb other heroes’ abilities. Andy eventually broke away from his master, but he occasionally returned to his villainous roots.

Eventually, Andy became so powerful that upon gaining Thor’s abilities, he found he could lift Mjolnir. Even though the android wielded Mjolnir, he didn't prove he was worthy of it. He merely used a loophole by stealing Thor’s powers and confusing Mjolnir.

19 More Worthy: Vision Lifted Mjolnir To Prove He Could Be Trusted In Avengers: Age Of Ultron

Vision holding Thor's hammer in Avengers: Age of Ultron

The Marvel Cinematic Universe gave fans many memorable moments, and Vision lifting Mjolnir in Avengers: Age of Ultron was one of the best. Tony Stark couldn’t lift the hammer and neither could Captain America. But when Vision entered the fray, he proved he was worthy when he casually handed the hammer to Thor.

Vision can be considered more worthy than Odinson because his “heart” is less prone to natural corruption. However, even Captain America and Iron Man had their own thoughts on Vision's ability to wield Mjolnir which were shared by some fans in the audience.

18 Aren't Worthy: Loki Was Able To Wield Mjolnir When He Was Magically Inverted During AXIS

Loki With Thor's Hammer

Loki just might be the most unworthy character to ever lift Mjolnir. The trickster god practically made it his life’s mission to make Thor miserable. The sight of Loki lifting his brother’s famed hammer would be quite jarring. But that’s exactly what happened in the AXIS event.

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In this crossover event, heroes and villains were magically inverted, making Loki a good guy. With Thor serving as the villain in this sibling rivalry, Loki lifted the hammer because he was more worthy than Thor. But Loki has repeatedly shown his true colors, so it’s nearly impossible to say, in any sense, if he’s genuinely the worthier brother.

17 More Worthy: Captain America Has Proven He Was Worthy On More Than One Occasion

Captain America wielding Mjolnir three different times

Captain America is often considered the most “wholesome” Avenger. In Avengers: Age of Ultron, when the team members try to lift Thor’s hammer, many fans expected Steve Rogers to succeed. He later proved his worth when he wielded Mjolnir in the final battle with Thanos in Avengers: Endgame.

Captain America has lifted Mjolnir in the comics a few times as well. He utilized the weapon in a battle against the Serpent during Fear Itself. “Stevil” Rogers also lifted Mjolnir in Secret Empire, when the character was at his worst. The fact Rogers was still worthy proves that, even while brainwashed, Rogers’ heart was pure. The real Rogers also lifted the hammer later in the event.

16 Aren't Worthy: Magneto Used His Mutant Mastery Of Magnetism To Take Control Of Mjolnir

Magneto wielding Mjolnir during Ultimatum

Magneto was one of the deadliest X-Men villains in Marvel history. He had a few brief runs as a hero but, for the most part, he’s as bad as they come. As a result, Magneto wouldn't the first person to come to mind when considering characters who could lift Mjolnir.

To be fair, Magneto didn’t lift the hammer by being worthy. Instead, he used his mutant abilities to wield it. The Master of Magnetism wasn’t strong like the Hulk or worthy like Jane Foster. But he was still lifted the hammer using his mastery over magnetism which showcased his powerful abilities.

15 More Worthy: Ultimate Valkyrie Picked Up Mjolnir To Avenge Thor In The Ultimatum Event

Ultimate Valkyrie throwing Mjolnir

While a new version of Valkyrie made her big-screen debut in Thor: Ragnarok, the film barely scratched the surface of the character. In the comics, she’s one of the fiercest warriors in Asgard. In fact, Valkyrie is one of a small number of heroes who've lifted Thor’s hammer.

During the Ultimatum miniseries, the Ultimate universe version of Valkyrie (Barbara Norriss) cut Magneto’s arm off to avenge Thor. Given that the villain had been in possession of Mjolnir, Norriss claimed the weapon for herself. She was able to lift it and, in the process, became Thor’s successor. Valkyrie went on to become a member of the New Ultimates.

14 Aren't Worthy: Hulk Has Wielded Mjolnir A Few Times Through Trickery Over The Years

Hulk throwing Thor's hammer

Believe it or not, the Hulk has actually lifted Mjolnir a few times. Granted, some trickery is usually the cause of the gamma giant’s ability to do so, but it’s still impressive. The time Hulk believes he's holding Mjolnir when, in reality, he only holds a stick is a notable exception.

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On at least one occasion, the Hulk hasn’t needed blatant deception to lift the hammer. During a fight with Thor in Avengers Assemble, Bruce Banner’s angrier half lifted Thor while the Asgardian held the hammer. One can argue that the Hulk lifted the hammer. However, Banner has never lifted the hammer as a result of his own worthiness.

13 More Worthy: Superman Wielded Captain America's Shield And Thor's Hammer In JLA/Avengers

Superman with Mjolnir and Captain America's shield

Superman is arguably the purest superhero in comic book history. He’s the embodiment of the ideals mankind hopes to live up to and characters don’t get more worthy than that. However, fans had to wait a long time to see the Man of Steel lift Thor’s hammer, one of Marvel’s symbols of integrity.

In JLA/Avengers, Superman lifted Mjolnir while battling a villain but he wasn’t able to lift it when he tried to hand the weapon back to its rightful owner. Regardless, fans know Superman is arguably the most worthy character in comic books, and he could wield Mjolnir anytime he needed an extra power boost.

12 Aren't Worthy: Red Hulk Used A Lack Of Gravity In Space To Beat Thor With His Own Hammer

Red Hulk hitting Thor in space with Mjolnir

Bruce Banner isn’t the only Hulk who lifted Mjolnir. The Red Hulk did it, too. When Red Hulk got a solo series in 2008, Marvel pulled out all the stops to establish him as a legitimate powerhouse. For example, early in the series, Thunderbolt Ross/Red Hulk wiped the floor with Thor in a fight.

When Ross moved the fight to outer space, he was able to use the hammer against the Asgardian. Without gravity to weigh Mjolnir down, Ross used it against Thor. The Red Hulk didn’t need to be worthy to use the hammer, he just found a universal loophole.

11 More Worthy: Storm Has Been Able to Lift Both Mjolnir And Her Own Hammer Stormcaster

Storm Thor using Stormbreaker

The combination of a powerful X-Man and Thor’s hammer is nearly unstoppable. Storm didn’t initially lift Mjolnir, but rather a replica of Thor's hammer that became known as Stormcaster. Loki created the weapon during one of his countless schemes against his brother. Ororo Munroe initially rejected the new weapon, but she later embraced its powers.

Munroe eventually proved her worthiness when, in an attempt to destroy Stormcaster, she lifted Mjolnir. Storm went on to have a few adventures as a Goddess of Thunder. Munroe was a perfect choice for a hammer-wielding hero, given that she already had the omega-level ability to manipulate the weather.

10 Aren't Worthy: Silver Surfer Failed To Harness Mjolnir's Full Power As The Fallen One In Thanos Wins

silver-surfer-mjolnir-thanos-header

The Silver Surfer didn’t always demonstrate his worthiness until it was far too late to save the day. In “Thanos Wins,” the Mad Titan finally succeeded in destroying practically everything. The former Herald of Galactus was unable to stop the villain.

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Silver Surfer became known as the Fallen One, and he tried one last time to stop Thanos. The former Silver Surfer lifted Thor’s hammer, but he still couldn’t stop the Mad Titan. While Norrin Radd’s reputation usually made him more worthy, he wasn't at his best as the Fallen One.

9 More Worthy: Wonder Woman Relinquished The Powers Of Thor For A Fair Fight

Wonder Woman holding Thor's hammer Mjolnir

JLA/Avengers received a lot of hype, and it delivered a classic moment when Superman lifted Mjolnir. But this crossover wasn’t the first time a DC hero picked up Thor’s hammer. In DC Versus Marvel, Thor temporarily lost Mjolnir during a fight with Captain Marvel/Shazam. Wonder Woman lifted the hammer during her battle with Storm, proving her worthiness.

Wonder Woman didn’t even use the hammer in her fight. She didn’t want an unfair advantage, so she stuck with her inherent powers rather than augmenting them with Thor’s hammer. Storm went on to win the battle but, in some ways, Wonder Woman won the war.

8 Aren't Worthy: Rogue Absorbed Thor's Powers And Took Down The Avengers In A What If...? Story

Rogue with the powers from Thor in What If...?

While Storm proved that the combination of an X-Man and Mjolnir could be amazing, Rogue’s time holding the hammer wasn’t as beneficial. Like Conan, Rogue held the hammer in a “What If...?” story. In this case, the issue took place during Rogue’s tenure as a villain.

Having absorbed Thor’s powers (much like Awesome Andy) Rogue lifted Mjolnir. The new and improved Rogue took down the Avengers but ultimately took down the bad guys, too. There had been worse alternate versions of Thor, but Rogue fell short of Odinson’s worthiness.

7 More Worthy: Jane Foster Earned Her Relationship With Mjolnir As The Mighty Thor

Jane Foster wields her hammer as the Mighty Thor.

When Jane Foster took over as Thor, she arguably changed the comic book industry forever. This change wasn’t the first time a typically male hero had been replaced by a female but, due to Thor’s status as one of Marvel’s leading heroes, it caught the fans’ attention.

Foster can be considered more worthy than her predecessor because of the consequences she faced for following in Odinson’s footsteps. Foster was battling cancer when she became Thor, and she lost ground to it every time she picked up the hammer. But she persevered and ultimately sacrificed herself to save Asgard. She later returned as a new version of Valkyrie.

6 Aren't Worthy: Doctor Doom Was Only Able To Wield Mjolnir When The Enchantments Were Weakened

Doctor Doom holding Mjolnir in Hell

As one of the most famous villains in Marvel history, Victor von Doom isn’t exactly the embodiment of virtue. He’s done some remarkably horrible things throughout his long history. But, as one of the smartest characters in the Marvel Universe, he’s often able to get what he wants. So, when Doctor Doom aimed to use Thor’s hammer, he made it his mission to do so.

When Ragnarok separated Thor from Mjolnir, Doom had his chance. When the hammer fell into hell, the mystical enchantments that judged worthiness were weakened. Doom was trapped in hell at the time, and he proved capable of lifting Mjolnir. Doom used the power of Mjolnir to escape Hell, but he wasn't able to wield it again when the enchantments were restored.