The Challenge of Thor

Read 'The Challenge of Thor' by 'Henry Wadsworth Longfellow' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

The Challenge of Thor by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

 I am the God Thor,
I am the War God,
I am the Thunderer!
Here in my Northland, 
My fastness and fortress, 
Reign I forever!
Here amid icebergs 
Rule I the nations; 
This is my hammer, 
Mi?lner the mighty; 
Giants and sorcerers 
Cannot withstand it!

These are the gauntlets 
Wherewith I wield it, 
And hurl it afar off; 
This is my girdle; 
Whenever I brace it, 
Strength is redoubled!

The light thou beholdest
Stream through the heavens,
In flashes of crimson,
Is but my red beard 
Blown by the night-wind, 
Affrighting the nations! 
Jove is my brother; 
Mine eyes are the lightning; 
The wheels of my chariot 
Roll in the thunder, 
The blows of my hammer 
Ring in the earthquake!

Force rules the world still,
Has ruled it, shall rule it;
Meekness is weakness,
Strength is triumphant,
Over the whole earth
Still is it Thor's Day!

Thou art a God too, 
O Galilean! 
And thus singled-handed 
Unto the combat, 
Gauntlet or Gospel, 
Here I defy thee!

Form: Dramatic Monologue Comments

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