Thor 4: Who Are Toothgrinder And Toothgnasher In The Marvel Comics?
Taika Waititi's Thor: Love and Thunder is starting to take shape. Last week, Melissa McCarthy was spotted on the set in Australia, confirming that she'll have a role in the Marvel movie. There were even enough clues to suggest that she'll be playing a villainous character (sort of), as well. However, should she prove to be a problem for Thor Odinson (Chris Hemsworth), at least he'll have two reliable sidekicks along for the ride to back him up.
The Daily Mail's photos (via Thor: Love and Thunder News) revealed two goats on the set, and that can only mean one thing: Toothgrinder and Toothgnasher will carry Thor's chariot into battle. The pictures in question showed the goats hanging out with the cast and crew, though it's highly likely that they'll be more mystical, mighty, and ready for action in the actual movie. That being said, this is exciting news for fans of the comics. Thor: Love and Thunder seems to be going all-out to expand the Asgardian god's rich mythology in the MCU. Toothgrinder and Toothgnasher have played a significant role in Thor's storied history, but who are they and what can they do?
Toothgrinder and Toothgnasher are no ordinary goats
Per Fandom, Toothgrinder and Toothgnasher were originally introduced to the Marvel lore in Thor Annual #5 in 1976. Known for their splendid horns and powerful traits, the goats possess a range of abilities which have helped Thor and his allies immensely throughout the years. For a start, Toothgrinder and Toothgnasher have the ability to travel through the cosmos at lightning speed, firing bolts from their hooves in the process. Usually, Thor only needs his hammer to travel around the Ten Realms, but Toothgrinder and Toothgnasher have always been one call away whenever the god has needed their assistance in his missions.
Toothgrinder and Toothgnasher are also very strong and capable of leaving a dent in Mjolnir, which is no smell feat. Some of the most formidable heroes and villains in the Marvel canon aren't even capable of damaging Thor's enchanted hammer. Then again, they aren't Asgardian goats, are they? The animals are also quite indestructible. They can even respawn after death, provided they don't break any bones during their plight. The latter has happened to Toothgnasher in the past, and the results were grizzly, to say the least. In Mighty Thor #700, the heroic goat encountered Mangog, an alien monster with a penchant for causing destruction, and got decapitated for his troubles. Fortunately, Loki used the Norn Stones to bring Toothgnasher back from the dead later on.