Thor by Teddy Hansen

Mixed media on canvas. 
2024 

This painting is part of FATHERLAND, an exhibition by Teddy Hansen.

Maybe Danish people are happy because their ancient gods were pretty much superheroes?

Not to diss any gods from the past, but of all ancient religions, the Nordic gods are the closest to modern-day superheroes. The painting shows Thor exuding lightning bolts with a huge smile. He is standing on Jörmungandr, the giant sea serpent who is Thor’s sworn enemy.

Famously, Thor always carries his hammer, Mjölnir, which only he can lift. In the top left is a hammer with an anvil instead of a head, representing the weight of Mjölnir. The bottom left also shows a happy hammer hitting a nail with too much power, which has bent the nail into a zigzag resembling a lightning bolt. Below this stands Zeus, a ‘Z’ on his chest and a lightning bolt shooting from his tensed bicep.