Who Can Lift Stormbreaker? The Axe of Kings Explained
In the ever-expanding universe of Marvel, one weapon stands out not just for its raw power, but also for its accessibility (or lack thereof): Stormbreaker. Unlike its predecessor, Mjolnir, which is famously bound by Odin’s enchantment of worthiness, Stormbreaker can be wielded by anyone possessing the physical strength necessary to lift and swing it. This fundamental difference in their magical properties has led to much discussion and speculation among fans. While worthiness dictates who can wield Mjolnir, sheer strength is the only barrier to wielding Stormbreaker.
Essentially, if you’re strong enough to lift it, you can wield it. Thor, Gorr the God Butcher, and even Love (Thor’s adopted daughter) have wielded it in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, lifting Stormbreaker isn’t merely about hoisting a heavy object; it’s about enduring the strain and power that the weapon channels. As the articles suggest, your body will be destroyed if you aren’t strong enough. Thus, while technically anyone can lift it, only beings of extraordinary strength should.
Stormbreaker vs. Mjolnir: Understanding the Key Differences
The distinction between Stormbreaker and Mjolnir lies in their origins and enchantments. Mjolnir, forged from the heart of a dying star and Uru metal, was imbued with a specific enchantment by Odin: only those deemed worthy can lift it. This enchantment isn’t merely a measure of physical strength, but a judgment of character, morality, and heroic spirit. We have witnessed many people attempting to lift Mjolnir, and few have succeeded.
Stormbreaker, on the other hand, was forged in the Dwarven forge on Nidavellir, at Thor’s request, after Mjolnir was destroyed by Hela. While an incredibly powerful weapon, capable of channeling the Bifröst and piercing through energy blasts from the Infinity Gauntlet, it lacks the worthiness enchantment. Its power comes from its design, materials, and the sheer force channeled through it, not from any magical restriction on its wielder. Its function is pure destruction.
Strength Requirements: The Real Barrier to Entry
While worthiness isn’t a factor, the sheer strength required to wield Stormbreaker shouldn’t be underestimated. The weapon is massive, unwieldy, and channels immense power. Characters like Thanos have demonstrated the ability to wield it, not because they were worthy, but because they possessed the necessary brute strength.
In the comics, characters like Beta Ray Bill have also wielded Stormbreaker, further solidifying the idea that strength and skill are the primary determinants of wielding the weapon. The weapon is a king’s weapon. The MCU has shown us that Stormbreaker is a weapon that can take the power of a dying star.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Stormbreaker
Q1: Can Thanos Lift Stormbreaker?
Yes. The articles mention that many viewers have pointed out that Thanos was able to lift Stormbreaker without a problem, and the reason for that is that the ax isn’t enchanted as Mjolnir is. Thanos did not lift Mjolnir.
Q2: Why is Everyone Able to Lift Stormbreaker in MCU Phase 4?
The MCU Phase 4 saw Stormbreaker being wielded by Thor, Gorr the God Butcher, Love, and anyone else who was strong enough to actually lift and swing it. This is because of the respective origins of both legendary Asgardian weapons. There is no enchantment stopping anyone from doing so.
Q3: Can the Hulk Lift Thor’s Stormbreaker?
Within the comic book convention, the Hulk would not be able to lift the Hammer because he is not ‘worthy’. However, there is nothing in the MCU that would stop the Hulk from being able to lift and use Stormbreaker if he were able to pick it up.
Q4: Can Superman Break Thor’s Stormbreaker?
The article indicates that Superman has broken and broken through more items of power than anyone can recall, so he would definitely be able to break Mjolnir or Stormbreaker. It does not indicate that it would be easy, and he would not want to.
Q5: Which is Stronger, Stormbreaker or Mjolnir?
Stormbreaker has the additional power to summon the Bifröst, allowing Thor to teleport anywhere in the Nine Realms. One article has identified Stormbreaker as the more powerful of the two, based on this ability, as well as it being a much larger and edged weapon.
Q6: Can Thanos Lift Mjolnir?
Thanos never lifted Mjolnir (the hammer). It was enchanted by Odin himself and only people who are deemed worthy can lift it. When Thor summoned Stormbreaker (the axe) Thanos grabbed it and tried to kill Thor. Stormbreaker doesn’t have any enchantment on it.
Q7: Can Deadpool Lift Mjolnir?
In the end, Deadpool wasn’t worthy. While he seemingly had control of Mjolnir and the strength of Thor, it was all a mirage put on by Loki to distract Thor. It’s a shame because Deadpool looked pretty cool with the enchanted hammer.
Q8: Can Loki Lift Mjolnir?
The article does state that Loki also finally becomes worthy of Mjolnir, which he discovers when he reaches for it during a battle with the newly belligerent Thor. Loki once again became someone who has lifted Thor’s hammer when it began to grow too heavy for Thor himself.
Q9: Can Stormbreaker Cut Superman’s Head Off?
One article notes that unlike in the movies, Stormbreaker isn’t Mjolnir on steroids. That being said, Beta Rey Bill is potentially strong enough to kill Superman, although it would most certainly take more than one blow. The answer, in other words, is maybe.
Q10: Can Iron Man Wield Stormbreaker?
Actually everyone can lift Stormbreaker. Odin’s enchantment was only for Mjolnir not for any other weapon which he would use in future. The only thing stopping Iron Man from being able to lift and use Stormbreaker would be his lack of arm strength.
Q11: Why Did Thor’s Axe Hurt Thanos?
The article notes that in need of a new weapon after the events of Thor: Ragnarok, Thor used the Dwarven forge on Nidavellir to craft Stormbreaker. Due to both the nature of the weapon and Thor’s attack on Thanos, Stormbreaker successfully powered through an energy blast from all six stones and dealt a near-lethal blow to Thanos.
Q12: Can Galactus Lift Mjolnir?
No. A hungry Galactus is below Odin. Bor is above Odin, so even being unworthy, he could lift Mjolnir.
Q13: Is Zeus’s Weapon Stronger Than Stormbreaker?
Despite Thunderbolt being a stronger weapon than Mjolnir, and even Stormbreaker, the Infinity Gauntlet is still the most powerful weapon in the MCU, at least when powered by the Infinity Stones. The Infinity Stones on their own are some of the most powerful artifacts in the universe.
Q14: Is Anyone Worthy of Stormbreaker?
Anyone can lift it in the sense that there is no Worthiness enchantment. However, you have to be a being of extraordinary strength to lift it. Your body will be destroyed if you aren’t.
Q15: Can Thor Beat Captain Marvel with Stormbreaker?
Stormbreaker cut through a blast from the Infinity Gauntlet and Thor tanked the power of a dying star, Captain Marvel loses this as far as anyone knows. Captain Marvel may be the new pin up girl for marvel but Thor standard in the comics with Mjölner can easily defeat Captain Marvel.
The Importance of Physical Prowess
In conclusion, while the worthiness enchantment of Mjolnir limits its wielders to a select few, Stormbreaker operates on a different principle. The axe’s immense size, weight, and the power it channels demand exceptional physical strength from anyone who attempts to wield it. This distinction highlights the contrasting philosophies behind the two weapons: Mjolnir, a symbol of moral character and worthiness, and Stormbreaker, a testament to raw power and the ability to harness it.
For those interested in further exploring the fascinating connections between storytelling, character development, and the power of narrative in various media, including games, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about how these elements shape our understanding of the world. Learning about these elements in games and comic books is an essential part of being a good player.