Thor: Love and Thunder has just recently been released in cinemas and throughout the trailers we were treated to glimpses of Mighty Thor and Zeus. But the most interesting character in the trailers and the film itself is the new villain Taika Waititi introduces for Thor to overcome. So who is Gorr the God Butcher?
Gorr is a recently created character where he made his first appearance in Thor: God of Thunder #1 back in 2012. The comic series was the start of Jason Aaron’s influential Thor series that also introduced Jane Foster as Mighty Thor in the later issues. Gorr is a spiteful alien being who goes on a rampage murdering gods. His hate for gods stems from Gorr witnessing his family die as he pleaded to the gods to save them. Gorr witnessed two gods having a battle while wandering the wastelands of his planet and this is the moment that he realised that gods do exist and if they don’t listen to the prayers of their worshippers then the gods do not deserve to live. His tribe who religiously worship the gods exiled Gorr as he denied their existence and came to the conclusion that all gods are not worthy of the worship and love from their devotees.
Gorr stripped down to the core on his own is an alien with no special powers or abilities besides an excellent skill for interrogation and tourture. Gorr comes in possession of an ancient weapon titled the All-Black Necrosword. He obtained this sword from the two gods that were battling in the wasteland as he obtained it from the loser of the battle. The All-Black Necrosword gives Gorr the ability to become immortal as long as it is in his possession; it also provides added abilities of advanced strength, speed, regeneration and flight. While wielding the sword, Gorr is able to summon dark minions that he names Black Berserkers to assist in his butchering. Gorr may possess all of this great power yet his main weakness is his over reliance on the sword to give him all of these abilities along with his passionate hate of all gods.
Thor: Love and Thunder is Gorr the God Butcher’s first live action debut and he is portrayed by the excellent Christian Bale. The film is inspired by Jason Aaron’s comic book saga and it draws heavy inspiration from the panels and both features the introduction of Gorr and Mighty Thor. While sticking faithful to Gorr’s comic book origins the MCU version does add in its own flair and element to the character while giving him a visual revamp compared to his comic book counterpart.
Gorr the God Butcher is a formidable villain for Thor in both the comics and film and he is more terrifying than what you expect from him; the MCU has another addition to their memorable and intimidating rogues gallery. Gorr the God Butcher might only be 10 years old but his impact across the character of Thor has already revitalised and broken the character as Gorr’s legacy will be felt in the years to come.
