The answer, based on established lore and comic crossovers, is mostly no, but there are exceptions.
According to the provided reference, Superman's immense strength is not enough to lift Thor's hammer, Mjolnir. Mjolnir's enchantment, bestowed by Odin, dictates that only those who are "worthy" can wield its power. Simply put, raw strength isn't the deciding factor.
Why Superman Can't Lift Mjolnir (Usually)
- Worthiness Requirement: The enchantment on Mjolnir requires a specific level of worthiness, as judged by the hammer itself (and, originally, Odin).
- Brute Force Ineffectiveness: Characters as strong as Superman have tried to lift Mjolnir using sheer strength and failed. Mjolnir effectively cancels out the applied force.
- JLA/Avengers Crossovers: These crossovers explicitly confirm that Superman is generally not considered worthy.
When Superman Can Lift Mjolnir
The reference also clarifies that there's one key exception:
- Odin's Permission: In JLA/Avengers crossovers, Superman was able to lift Mjolnir when Odin, the Allfather, allowed him to. This implies that Odin can override the worthiness enchantment under certain circumstances.
| Condition | Can Superman Lift Mjolnir? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Circumstances | No | Superman is generally not deemed worthy by Mjolnir's enchantment. |
| Odin's Permission | Yes | Odin can override the worthiness requirement, allowing Superman to lift Mjolnir. |
| Crossover Exceptions | Potentially | Certain crossover events might alter established rules for the sake of the story. |
Key Takeaway
Superman's ability to lift Mjolnir isn't about strength; it's about worthiness and, potentially, the will of Odin. While he's incredibly powerful, Mjolnir's enchantment presents a unique challenge that he usually can't overcome on his own.
