Henry said a larger-than-life statue of the mighty Thor, the Norse God of Thunder and star of a popular Marvel Comics series, would join the Christian monument on the Capitol grounds.
Legal experts say once the state legislature passed a measure allowing one religious icon on the Capitol grounds, the door was open for Thor and others.
Henry said, "Despite his Norse origins, Thor has Oklahoma ties." Henry pointed out that Thor is the God of Thunder and Oklahoma City is home to the NBA's Thunder. Henry also mentioned that, in the current storyline of the Marvel comic, Thor has relocated Asgard (home of the Norse gods) to rural Oklahoma.
"The son of Odin, most powerful of the Norse Gods, Thor has been an emissary to humanity, a protector of both Asgard and Earth and inspiration for humans and gods alike," said Henry, using words lifted verbatim from the Marvel Comics Web site.
Henry said the statue would be unveiled on May 20, 2011 -- the opening date for a big budget "Thor" movie to be directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston and Natalie Portman.
More than 40 people, including a large number of comic book shop managers and customers and at least three people identifying themselves as practitioners of Asatru (a religion whose followers worship Norse gods), attended today's announcement at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City.
As an Oklahoman of Norwegian heritage, I am very proud today. Recognition for my people, who, by the way, kicked the crap out of the English, Irish, Scots and French. Vikings Rule!
Posted by: Ron Stahl | December 21, 2009 at 05:01 PM
OMG! Please tell me this is a joke!
Posted by: Bob | December 23, 2009 at 02:42 PM
This is very inspiring, thanks for the info here.
Posted by: OKC Wedding Photographer | March 05, 2010 at 07:48 AM