How to Draw Mjolnir

In this comics tutorial, we will show you how to draw Mjolnir, the hammer of the legendary Thor from myth and Marvel comics.

In Scandinavian mythology, as well as in later depictions from the Renaissance and Romantic periods – and later in Marvel comics and films – this object has been portrayed in many different ways.

Nevertheless, its core features remain the same: it is a hammer with distinctive magical elements. The specific details included in the final drawing are up to you, while the basic principles of drawing Mjolnir remain unchanged.

In this lesson, we will show how to draw Mjolnir as it appears in the Marvel films, though you can easily modify the details to create a version inspired by the comics or by Norse mythology.

How to Draw Mjolnir step by step

Step 1: Sketch the rectangular head of the hammer

Mjolnir consists of two main parts – the head and the handle. These should first be sketched with general shapes, while also keeping in mind the volume that will be added later. Begin by drawing the head as a wide rectangle placed at an angle.

Step 2: Draw the handle of Mjolnir

Next, sketch the handle of the legendary weapon as a long, narrow rectangle attached to the central part of the head. Use very light, easily erasable lines and try to maintain symmetry and proper proportions.

Step 3: Add volume to the head of Mjolnir

Begin adding volume to Mjolnir by marking the corners with short strokes. Indicate the planes of the hammer, also trying to keep the lines symmetrical so that the opposite edges remain parallel to one another.

Step 4: Trace the head of Thor’s hammer

Keeping the principles of form and construction in mind, use clear finishing lines to outline the shape of the hammer’s head and give it a completed appearance. As you draw, do not focus on only one point or one side of Mjolnir. Instead, work gradually on the opposite edges and slowly erase the construction lines.

Step 5: Refine the handle of Thor’s hammer

Now, in the same way, outline the handle of Thor’s hammer, giving it a cleaner and more finished look. Check the relationship between these two parts, rotate the drawing in different directions, and look at it in a mirror. Add the pattern at the end of the handle.

Step 6: Add the strap and handle texture

Draw the strap that Thor uses to hang the hammer and also to hold onto it in certain moments. Then, using short strokes placed at equal distances from one another, depict the texture of the wrapping on the handle.

Step 7: Draw shadows on Mjolnir

Next, add shadows to the drawing of Thor’s hammer using either comic-style high-contrast shading or slightly more realistic hatching. To create the effect of highlights, you can add a few long diagonal strokes. So the hammer does not appear to float in the air, you may also draw a cast shadow directly beneath the head.

This lesson repeats many of the fundamental principles that we used to draw a regular hammer. Even though Mjolnir is a weapon, it is still a hammer in its basic form, though intended for a different purpose.

As we mentioned at the beginning of this lesson, we used Thor’s hammer from the films as our reference. In the comics, it had a somewhat different appearance depending on the specific series.

Because of that, you may use other references while still following the steps in this lesson to draw virtually any version of Mjolnir.

You can also use a more comic-style approach in the final stages by outlining the entire drawing with darker, sharper lines and applying more contrast in the shadows.

In addition, you may change the texture on the handle and head, making it more complex. All of these variations can easily be recreated simply by following the steps of the lesson again while using different outlines and textures during the process.

However, drawing a single item in a few variations is certainly not the final step in developing artistic skill in comics.

We strongly recommend that you study our tutorial on drawing Thor in order to learn how to depict the owner of this hammer.

In addition, you can explore our entire comics category and strengthen your skills in this style by practicing with different exercises, drawing legendary villains, heroes, their symbols, and their weapons.