In Norse mythology, the hero known for his association with the end of the world, Ragnarok, is Thor. As the god of thunder, Thor's role is pivotal in the battles that take place during Ragnarok, the catastrophic series of events culminating in the death of many gods, including himself. Thor wields the powerful hammer Mjölnir, which he uses to protect Asgard and humanity from giants and other threats. The stories surrounding Thor reflect themes of courage, fate, and the inevitable cycle of creation and destruction that characterize Norse beliefs.