Thor as an Archetypal Hero

Thor: Marvel’s Archetypal Breadwinner The greatest stories of all time follow a formula. Along with these formulaic stories emerged characters that are similar in nature, and these characters became known as archetypes. There are many famous archetypes, but perhaps the most famous archetype is the hero. A hero is defined as a protagonist who goes on a quest or a journey to bring about greater good to the universe (Campbell). According to the great American mythologist Joseph Campbell, the hero must meet nine criteria in order to be considered an archetype. In addition to these nine criteria, the hero must also experience twelve specific events in a particular order. (Campbell). Thor is a mighty and powerful hero through his godly traits, but it is Thor’s story that makes him memorable as a hero. Marvel claims they do not make archetypes for monetary gain to avoid controversy (Gazillion). However, the comics company intentionally reinvents certain characters as archetypes, and ignores their past comic book origins and storylines, in order to bring them on par financially with other breadwinning characters. Marvel depicts Thor as an archetypal hero through his super-heroic qualities and story because of the financial success that comes with archetypal mythos.
In order to be considered an archetypal hero, Thor must meet nine criteria (Cambell):
1. Has an unusual birth in danger or royalty.
2. Leaves family or home land, and lives with others.
3. Has a traumatic event that leads to an adventure or quest.
4. Seeks spiritual guidance from a mentor or help from allies.
5. Have a special weapon that cannot be wielded by anyone else.
6. Prove worthiness throughout the adventure.
7. Goes through a transformation and be inflicted with an ‘incurable’ wound.
8. Experiences atonement with a father archetype.
9. Is rewarded spiritually after life.
Thor must meet these nine criteria set out by Joseph Campbell because every character deemed an archetypal hero