Mjollnir - Revision history

Umbire the Phantom: word choice

2026-07-20T05:50:18Z

word choice

Umbire the Phantom: /* dNetHack */ copyedit

2026-02-28T13:39:16Z

‎dNetHack: copyedit

Umbire the Phantom: word choice

2025-10-07T18:44:24Z

word choice

Umbire the Phantom: /* dNetHack */ tweaks

2025-07-14T01:28:15Z

‎dNetHack: tweaks

Umbire the Phantom: /* SLASH'EM */ copyedit

2025-07-13T09:31:58Z

‎SLASH'EM: copyedit

Umbire the Phantom: /* History */ punc

2025-07-13T09:30:56Z

‎History: punc

Umbire the Phantom: /* Description */ copyedit

2025-07-13T09:30:09Z

‎Description: copyedit

Umbire the Phantom: /* Generation */ clarify

2025-07-11T07:30:35Z

‎Generation: clarify

Paxed: typofix

2025-04-11T16:20:08Z

typofix

Umbire the Phantom: /* SlashTHEM */ wordsmith

2025-04-09T08:58:14Z

‎SlashTHEM: wordsmith

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 While [[wielded]] Mjollnir has +d5 [[to-hit]] and deals +d24 [[shock]] damage against monsters without [[shock resistance]], with a separate a {{frac|5}} chance of destroying each [[wand]] and [[ring]] in the target's inventory.{{refsrc|src/artifact.c|1214|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Mjollnir's lightning strikes will also wake nearby monsters.{{refsrc|src/artifact.c|1220|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
-Mjollnir is magically heavy and cannot be [[kick]]ed to move it, and only a hero that has 25 [[strength]] (usually from worn [[gauntlets of power]]) and is wielding the non-cursed artifact can [[throw]] it:{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|73|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|77|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} when thrown, Mjollnir travels up to six squares, roughly half the maximum distance of a normal thrown war hammer.{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1070|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1250|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} For a Valkyrie, Mjollnir will return {{frac|99|100}} of the time, and if they are not [[confused]], [[stunned]], [[blind]], [[hallucinating]], or [[fumbling]] when it returns, they will catch it {{frac|99|100}} of the time.{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1146|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1164|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1319|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} If a Valkyrie fails to catch a returning Mjollnir, it has an equal chance of falling at their feet or else striking them in the arm, with the shock damage possibly destroying wands and rings.{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1338|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
+Mjollnir is magically heavy, which makes it impossible to move by [[Kick (command)|kicking]], and only a hero that has 25 [[strength]] (usually from worn [[gauntlets of power]]) and is wielding the non-cursed artifact can [[throw]] it:{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|73|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|77|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} when thrown, Mjollnir travels up to six squares, roughly half the maximum distance of a normal thrown war hammer.{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1070|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1250|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} For a Valkyrie, Mjollnir will return {{frac|99|100}} of the time, and if they are not [[confused]], [[stunned]], [[blind]], [[hallucinating]], or [[fumbling]] when it returns, they will catch it {{frac|99|100}} of the time.{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1146|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1164|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1319|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} If a Valkyrie fails to catch a returning Mjollnir, it has an equal chance of falling at their feet or else striking them in the arm, with the shock damage possibly destroying wands and rings.{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1338|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
 ==Strategy==

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 ===dNetHack===
-In [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], Mjollnir has +1d5 to-hit, and the war hammer is a stronger base weapon: Mjollnir deals 1d8+2d4+3 versus small monsters, and deals 1d8+2d4 versus large monsters, with additional +1d24 shock damage against all non-resistant monsters. Mjollnir can be twoweaponed in the off-hand by Valkyries, but is heavy enough with its default material that a medium-sized character cannot do so without incurring a to-hit and damage penalty. Mjollnir grants shock resistance and blindness resistance while wielded. Hitting with Mjollnir in melee randomly fires lightning bolts that deal 6d6 damage and blind monsters, and hitting a target with a thrown Mjollnir randomly creates 3x3 electric explosions that deal 6d6 damage and are centered on the target.
+In [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], Mjollnir is made stronger from improvements to its base item, and appears as a '''lightning-bolt embossed war hammer''' when unidentified.
-When the wielded Mjollnir is thrown by a Valkyrie or a [[Valkyrie (dNetHack monster)|valkyrie]] player monster wearing gauntlets of power, it will always return to the wielder's hand, and will always be caught successfully if the wielder is not impaired&mdash;however, due to its weight it only has half the normal range a thrown projectile would normally have (i.e. STR/4, or 6 squares).
+Mjollnir has +1d5 to-hit, deals 1d8+2d4+3 damage versus small monsters, and deals 1d8+2d4 damage versus large monsters, with a bonus +1d24 shock damage against all non-resistant monsters. Mjollnir grants shock resistance and blindness resistance while wielded&mdash;it can be twoweaponed in the off-hand by [[Valkyrie/dNetHack|Valkyries]], but is heavy enough with its default material that a medium-sized character cannot do so without incurring a to-hit and damage penalty. Hitting with Mjollnir in melee randomly fires lightning bolts that deal 6d6 damage and blind monsters, and hitting a target with a thrown Mjollnir randomly creates 3x3 electric explosions that deal 6d6 damage and are centered on the target.
 ===xNetHack===

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 As lawful Valkyries have access to [[Excalibur]], they are much more likely to make it their main weapon for the damage bonus against ''all'' monsters, on top of the [[drain resistance]] and its lack of noise. Though the odds of having Mjollnir fail to return are minuscule, the fact that a chance exists at all is enough to put many players off the notion of throwing it&mdash;the chance of destroying rings and wands, whether on hostile monsters or in their own inventory, also deters players who seek to preserve loot for similar reasons.
-Despite these drawbacks, Mjollnir is still a worthwhile artifact weapon for many neutral roles that seek one, especially [[Tourist]]s and [[Priest]]s. A character concerned about Mjollnir backfiring may consider a stack of [[dagger]]s or other projectiles as their main thrown weapon against weak or slow-moving monsters, and treat Mjollnir as a backup weapon if they exhaust the projectiles or urgently need the extra damage. Beware throwing Mjollnir at a [[disenchanter]]: artifacts have a {{frac|9|10}} chance to resist the passive disenchanting, but if it occurs it will not produce a message like hitting a disenchanter in melee combat would.
+Despite these drawbacks, Mjollnir is still a worthwhile artifact weapon for many neutral roles that seek one, especially [[Tourist]]s and [[Priest]]s. A character concerned about Mjollnir backfiring may consider a stack of [[dagger]]s or other projectiles as their main thrown weapon against weak or slow-moving monsters, and treat Mjollnir as a backup weapon if they exhaust the projectiles or urgently need the extra damage. Beware when throwing Mjollnir at a [[disenchanter]]: artifacts have a {{frac|9|10}} chance of resisting the passive [[disenchantment]], but disenchantment that occurs with a thrown Mjollnir will not produce a message as hitting a disenchanter in melee combat does.
 From the Castle itself to the depths of Gehennom, shock-resistant [[arch-lich]]es are one of the biggest obstacles for a character using Mjollnir, on top of often being a huge obstacle in general. Various other monsters such as [[green slime]]s, the [[Riders]] and hostile [[aligned priests]] (including the high priest of [[Moloch]]) also resist shock damage: green slimes and angelic beings can occur via the [[summon nasties]] [[monster spell]], the [[Sanctum]] is full of hostile priests, and several angels and priests will be encountered on the [[Astral Plane]] alongside the Riders.

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 ===dNetHack===
-In [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], Mjollnir has +1d5 to-hit, and the war hammer is a stronger base weapon: Mjollnir deals 1d8+2d4+3 versus small monsters, and deals 1d8+2d4 versus large monsters, with additional +1d24 shock damage against all non-resistant monsters. Mjollnir can be twoweaponed in the off-hand by Valkyries, but is heavy enough with its default material that a medium-sized character cannot do so without incurring a to-hit and damage penalty. Mjollnir grants shock resistance and blindness resistance while wielded. Hitting with Mjollnir in melee randomly fires lightning bolts that deal 6d6 damage and blind, and hitting a target with a thrown Mjollnir randomly creates 3x3 electric explosions that deal 6d6 damage and are centered on the target.
+In [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], Mjollnir has +1d5 to-hit, and the war hammer is a stronger base weapon: Mjollnir deals 1d8+2d4+3 versus small monsters, and deals 1d8+2d4 versus large monsters, with additional +1d24 shock damage against all non-resistant monsters. Mjollnir can be twoweaponed in the off-hand by Valkyries, but is heavy enough with its default material that a medium-sized character cannot do so without incurring a to-hit and damage penalty. Mjollnir grants shock resistance and blindness resistance while wielded. Hitting with Mjollnir in melee randomly fires lightning bolts that deal 6d6 damage and blind monsters, and hitting a target with a thrown Mjollnir randomly creates 3x3 electric explosions that deal 6d6 damage and are centered on the target.
-When the wielded Mjollnir is thrown by a Valkyrie or a [[Valkyrie (dNetHack monster)|valkyrie]] player monster wearing gauntlets of power, it will always return to the wielder's hand, and will always be caught successfully if the wielder is not impaired - however, due to its weight it only has half the normal range a thrown projectile would normally have (i.e. STR/4, or 6 squares).
+When the wielded Mjollnir is thrown by a Valkyrie or a [[Valkyrie (dNetHack monster)|valkyrie]] player monster wearing gauntlets of power, it will always return to the wielder's hand, and will always be caught successfully if the wielder is not impaired&mdash;however, due to its weight it only has half the normal range a thrown projectile would normally have (i.e. STR/4, or 6 squares).
 ===xNetHack===

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 ==Variants==
 ===SLASH'EM===
-In [[SLASH'EM]], Mjollnir's base item is changed to a [[heavy hammer]], which is made of inherently [[erosion]]-proof [[metal]] and has slightly higher base damage (1d6 against both small and large foes); this change originated in [[NetHack Plus]]. As its base item is not randomly generated, Mjollnir can only be obtained through [[sacrifice]], [[wishing]], or [[bones]].
+In [[SLASH'EM]], Mjollnir's base item is changed to a [[heavy hammer]], which is made of inherently [[erosion]]-proof [[metal]] and has slightly higher base damage (1d6 against both small and large foes)&mdash;this change originated in [[NetHack Plus]]. As its base item is not randomly generated, Mjollnir can only be obtained through [[sacrifice]], [[wishing]], or [[bones]].
-The changes to artifact weapon bonuses make Mjollnir far more formidable with flat +5 to-hit and +24 damage bonuses - artifact weapons can also be [[twoweapon]]ed in the off-hand, making Mjollnir a very powerful artifact overall and an especially enticing off-hand candidate. Mjollnir still remains somewhat weak against shock-resistant monsters, however, and its base item is only slightly stronger than a normal war hammer.
+The changes to artifact weapon bonuses make Mjollnir far more formidable overall with flat +5 to-hit and +24 shock damage bonuses, and artifact weapons can also be [[twoweapon]]ed in the off-hand, making it an especially enticing off-hand candidate. Mjollnir still remains somewhat weak against shock-resistant monsters, however, and its base item is only slightly stronger than a normal war hammer.
 Gauntlets of power also behave differently, setting strength to 18/** when worn and augmenting it further based on enchantment, which makes obtaining 25 strength to throw Mjollnir using them ''generally'' more difficult: thankfully, Valkyries can safely [[Scroll of enchant armor|enchant]] gauntlets of power to +7.

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 ==History==
-Mjollnir first appears in [[NetHack 3.0.3]]. In [[NetHack 3.0.0]], an [[artifact]] [[lucern hammer]] named [[Thunderfist]] was introduced, with Mjollnir replacing it in NetHack 3.0.3 - this is likely because the lucern hammer was a [[polearm]] mistaken for a "standard" hammer weapon.
+Mjollnir first appears in [[NetHack 3.0.3]]. In [[NetHack 3.0.0]], an [[artifact]] [[lucern hammer]] named [[Thunderfist]] was introduced, with Mjollnir replacing it in NetHack 3.0.3&mdash;this is likely because the lucern hammer was a [[polearm]] mistaken for a "standard" hammer weapon.
 Mjollnir's throwing requirements and special behavior for Valkyries are introduced in [[NetHack 3.1.0]].

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 ==Description==
-While [[wielded]] Mjollnir has +d5 [[to-hit]] and deals d24 extra [[shock]] damage against monsters without [[shock resistance]], with a separate a {{frac|5}} chance of destroying each [[wand]] and [[ring]] in the target's inventory.{{refsrc|src/artifact.c|1214|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Mjollnir's lightning strikes will also wake nearby monsters.{{refsrc|src/artifact.c|1220|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
+While [[wielded]] Mjollnir has +d5 [[to-hit]] and deals +d24 [[shock]] damage against monsters without [[shock resistance]], with a separate a {{frac|5}} chance of destroying each [[wand]] and [[ring]] in the target's inventory.{{refsrc|src/artifact.c|1214|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Mjollnir's lightning strikes will also wake nearby monsters.{{refsrc|src/artifact.c|1220|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
-A hero that has 25 [[strength]] (usually from worn [[gauntlets of power]]) and is wielding the non-cursed Mjollnir can [[throw]] it:{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|73|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|77|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Mjollnir travels up to six squares when thrown, which is roughly half the distance of a normal thrown hammer.{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1070|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1250|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} For a Valkyrie, Mjollnir will return {{frac|99|100}} of the time, and if they are not [[confused]], [[stunned]], [[blind]], [[hallucinating]], or [[fumbling]] when it returns, they will catch it {{frac|99|100}} of the time.{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1146|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1165|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1319|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} If a hero fails to catch a returning Mjollnir, it has an equal chance of falling at their feet or else striking them, possibly destroying wands and rings.{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1338|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
+Mjollnir is magically heavy and cannot be [[kick]]ed to move it, and only a hero that has 25 [[strength]] (usually from worn [[gauntlets of power]]) and is wielding the non-cursed artifact can [[throw]] it:{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|73|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|77|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} when thrown, Mjollnir travels up to six squares, roughly half the maximum distance of a normal thrown war hammer.{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1070|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1250|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} For a Valkyrie, Mjollnir will return {{frac|99|100}} of the time, and if they are not [[confused]], [[stunned]], [[blind]], [[hallucinating]], or [[fumbling]] when it returns, they will catch it {{frac|99|100}} of the time.{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1146|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1164|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1319|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} If a Valkyrie fails to catch a returning Mjollnir, it has an equal chance of falling at their feet or else striking them in the arm, with the shock damage possibly destroying wands and rings.{{refsrc|src/dothrow.c|1338|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
 ==Strategy==

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 {{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|Per {{commit|d87cadaf}} and {{commit|c2c797fa357bef663fa3d962850196350a9cdb3b}}, artifact balance is substantially reworked: artifacts have 2 additional internal stats&mdash;the minimum [[sacrifice]] value required to obtain them by sacrificing (which is usually just the [[Monster difficulty|difficulty rating]] of the monster sacrificed), and a flat number added to the weapon's [[enchantment]] when it is either randomly generated or gifted.
-Mjollnir requires a sacrifice of at least 8 value, and will not have anything added to its enchantment when randomly generated or given as a sacrifice gift.}}
+Mjollnir requires a sacrifice of at least 8 value, and will not have anything added to its enchantment when randomly generated or given as a sacrifice gift. Valkyries will always be given Mjollnir as their first gift regardless of sacrifice value.}}
 ==Description==

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 ===SlashTHEM===
-In [[SlashTHEM]], in addition to SLASH'EM details, all heavy war hammers are [[two-handed]] and made much stronger as a base item, dealing 2d8 damage to small monsters and 2d10 to large ones. This decreases Mjollnir's utility for some neutral playstyles that rely on twoweapon or access to the shield slot (e.g. for a [[shield of reflection]]), but the artifact is still a powerful source of damage.
+In [[SlashTHEM]], in addition to SLASH'EM details, all heavy war hammers are [[two-handed]] and made much stronger as a base item, dealing 2d8 damage to small monsters and 2d10 to large ones. This decreases Mjollnir's utility for some neutral playstyles that would rely on two weapon combat or access to the shield slot (e.g. for a [[shield of reflection]]), but the artifact is still a powerful source of damage.
 ==Encyclopedia entry==