How Mjollnir Met Its Match

Ryan Zhao

Ryan Zhao

This story was submitted as a contest entry for The Center for Fiction's National Teen Storyteller Contest: Myths Reimagined, 2024.

Through the fire and lava erupted a magnificent creation. Exploding out of the forge with fiery sparks flying all about, a mighty hammer flashed gloriously as it zoomed through the cavernous air like a spitfire. Seemingly, the terrifying tool possessed some otherwordly control of the forces of motion and sound. For mid-air, it screamed at a roaring pitch, "I MUST FIND SOMEONE WORTHY!" 
Sensing the presence and movement of others nearby, the heavy metal tool rammed through the closest cave wall and found the two dwarves Brokkr and Sindri who were going to Asgard to bestow the Aesir gods with gifts forged by their own tiny, skilled hands. The hammer needed no introduction and declared, "I am here to find someone worthy". Brokkr, the stronger of the two brothers, volunteered "Let me try." The hammer dropped to the ground, announcing "TO BE WORTHY ONE MUST PICK ME UP!" With all his might, Brokkr tried to lift the hammer but some unknown force sustained the hammer's position to the ground. "You are fat, short, and UNWORTHY!!" Brokkr who stopped trying to pick the hammer up complained, "That stupid hammer dare insult me." The Hammer flew up and whacked him square in the face sending him flying away.  Sindri who was much more bright than his brother observed the situation unfold. Knowing that the hammer was a powerful weapon proposed an idea. "We both know a place where strong people are," Sinddr said. "Then take me there these instances." The Hammer boomed back. So Sindri told the hammer "Powerful hammer may you please get onto our wagon so we can guide you to a place in Asgard where the mighty gods rule." Traveling for the rest of the day Sindri and Brokkr could hear the hammer snoring behind them.
When they got to Asgard the dwarves transferred their gifts to Loki the god in charge of the disruption of the gifts. Stopping when they got to the hammer and said "Here we are Asgard home of the mighty gods." Hammer immediately zipped up and flew straight into Loki. Curssering "Who the hell would hit me the might Loki." The Hammer said, "Me you inferior god." Loki sensing that the weapon was really strong decided to trick it into becoming a gift. "Well, Mr. Hammer we have a lot of strong people here would you like to see them." "YES!!" exclaimed the hammer. Guiding it backstage Loki said, "I am saving you for last because last is always the best." The Hammer who loves to get complimented said "Sure." Loki presented the other gifts in front of the gods but at last, he introduced the hammer "Beholed this magnificent weapon strong enough to wipe out the giants itself." Loki continued to advertise the Hammer "But only the most worthy of this weapon could wield it." 
"I can lift it," boasted Odin, the All-Father. He grasped my handle and pulled with all his might, but I wouldn't budge. "Hmm," he muttered, stroking his beard. Next came Freyr, the god of fertility and prosperity. "It's just a hammer," he said confidently. He wrapped his hands around my handle and heaved. Nothing. I remained firmly 
 

This was an entry for a writing contest held in conjunction with Center for Fiction and The Decameron Project
1