Tyr vs Thor: Who Has the Upper Hand?
by dtstone01

Valhalla. Hall of heroes.
Here, the greatest Asgardian warriors celebrate tonight in the great hall with a feast of food and drink. Thor, the Warriors Three, Balder and Sif are among the crowd enjoying the merriment. While in the middle of a toast, the crowd suddenly grows silent and whispers a name among them. Everyone turns toward the entrance to see the tall, imposing figure of Tyr, God of War. The first God of War, one of the greatest warriors in the history of Asgard who lost his left hand to the jaws of Fenris ages ago. He stands in the great doorway with a cloak covering his left side, allowing none to see his missing hand. After staring at the crowd for a moment, some warriors in the hall break the tense silence by welcoming him in.
Tyr quietly accepts the invitation and proceeds to sit at a table, followed by a number warriors who have come to Valhalla with him. The air of tension still fills the hall, for Tyr is no longer the revered War God he once was. His status as the God of War was supplanted by the popularity of Thor. And instead of accepting his fate gracefully, he grew bitter and become an enemy of Asgard, daring to battle Thor and even almighty Odin himself. He has since been allowed back into Asgard after joining them in their great war against Surtur and other, more recent battles. His courage and bravery in Asgard’s time of need earned him a pardon. Yet still, harsh feelings remain between Tyr and many Asgardians.

Fandral: “What is HE doing here?”
Balder: “HE, is as welcome as any other warrior here, by edict of Odin himself.”
Fandral: “I still don’t have to like it.”
Thor hands Fandral a drink, and pats him on the shoulder.
Thor: “Tis fine Fandral. We should welcome his presence.”
Sif: “Thor, your words say one thing, but the expression on thy face says another.”
Thor: “Milady, I am just trying to make the best of the situation, as should we all.”

As the night goes on, many in the hall let the drink go to their heads. They begin taunting Tyr and performing toasts in Thor’s honor, while Tyr’s followers respond in kind with taunts of Thor and toasts for Tyr. Tyr sits quiet and solemn, for he has not partaken in the drinking of the wine or ale. But Thor, despite his good nature, let’s the wine go to his head and his competitive nature take over as he joins in the taunts and toasts. Finally, he jumps onto a table and extends his hammer into the air as the crowd around him chants “Thor, the greatest warrior! The TRUE god of War!”
In the middle of one of the chants, a large, greasy mutton chop smacks Thor in the face.
Tyr, now enraged and standing: “Enough!! Enough of your taunts! I think you are the god of Boasting, not of War!!”
Thor, wiping his face: “You would dare to insult me with this infantile action?! I think you are the God of food fights! Come back tomorrow and I will show you how to fight for real!!”
Tyr: “I am a God of action. Not talk.”
Thor, brandishing his hammer, starts to walk toward Tyr: “You want action? I shall give thee action right now!!!”
Balder leaps onto the table in front of Thor and grabs him.
Balder: “Tis not the time or place for fighting. Let both your heads cool off and perhaps we shall all see how silly this is tomorrow morn.”
Tyr, pointing his finger toward Thor: “I am clear of mind and heart. Thor has mocked and challenged me, and I accept his challenge. Thor, meet me on the fields outside Asgard at midday tomorrow where we will decide this in battle. Face me or forever be brandished a coward and let all know that I am the true and only God of War.”
Thor, yelling over Balder’s shoulder: “Agreed! I shall be there!”

Volstagg, busy searching under the tables for the mutton chop in a foul mood: “The God has no honor! How couldst anyone waste food as such?!”

The next morning. Balder walks into Thor’s room in Asgard to see him already dressed.
Balder: “Whilst thou join me for breakfast?”
Thor: “Of course! I’m famished.”
As the two walk toward a serving hall, Balder attempts to play mediator.
Balder: “Last night was quite a wild event. Tis funny how wine and ale and make even Gods do crazy things they regret.”
Thor: “You are referring to the upcoming battle between Tyr and I?”
Balder: “Ummm…verily. This challenge was brewed over arrogance and ale. It should never have happened. You and Tyr should make amends now that your heads have cleared and your emotions have calmed.”
Thor stops and turns to Balder: “Normally thee wouldst be right Balder. You have ever been the level-headed God. If the challenge and insults occurred in private between only us two, I would indeed consider it. I can even admit that this battle is pointless. But he hath challenged me before the warriors of Asgard. Tis now a matter of respect and honor that I can not avoid.”
Balder, shaking his head: “True enough. I just wish there was another way.”
Thor, smiling at Balder: “Ease your brow noble one, I shall do my best not to hurt him. As least not too much.”
Balder is unable to avoid a smile.
While the two are ensconced in a breakfast meal, Sif approaches.
Sif: “Thor, before you enter your battle, mine brother wouldst like a word with thee.”
After finishing his meal, Thor travels to the rainbow bridge to speak with Heimdall.
Heimdall: “Greetings Thor. I would speak with thee about your upcoming battle.”
Thor: “Nothing escapes thine eyes or ears does it? I’m sorry if you are disappointed in me Heimdall, but the battle is now unavoidable.”
Heimdall: “ I shall not attempt to change thine mind Thor. I wish only to warn you.”
Thor: “Warn me? I know Tyr is one of the greatest warriors in Asgard, rivaling the mortal hero known as the Thing is strength, but he is no match for me. I am almost insulted by your comment. He hath not even the use of both hands.”
Heimdall: “I agree that Tyr is no match for you under normal circumstances. But I have known Tyr for many a century. He and I were old friends before you were even born. He would not have agreed to your challenge unless he felt he could defeat you. And he wouldst not feel he would beat you unless he had acquired additional power, or a “trick up his sleeve”, as the mortals say.”
Thor: “This was once possible when Tyr hath possessed the Mace of Myth-Wars, but that has long since been destroyed (Thor 313, v1). I shall take your words under advisement, but fear not, Thor shall prevail, and handily so.”

A field on the outskirts of Asgard. On one side stands Thor and a large crowd of Asgardians gathered to see the battle. On another, stands Tyr and a small band of his supporters.
Many of the Asgardians prepare to enjoy the battle and sit down for a large picnic on the fields. Hogun pulls out a large basket of food and upon seeing it, Volstagg becomes dismayed.
Volstagg: “Do mine eyes deceive me? Is that all the food you hath brought?”
Hogun, responding gruffly: “Tis plenty of food.”
Volstagg snatches the basket of food out of Hogun’s hand: “Verily. Tis enough for me, but what didst thou bring for everyone else?”
Hogun becomes enraged and storms away, leaving Sif and Fandral laughing and Volstagg begins to eat.

The two opponents walk towards each other until they stand only 20 feet apart.
Balder: “Too much blood of the Gods hath been split over the ages. Let this be a battle of unarmed combat. I bid you to lay down your weapons.”
Tyr casts his sword and shield to the side.
Tyr: “I need only myself to defeat thee.”
Thor, thinking to himself that the battle will now be easier than he thought: “So be it.”
Thor tosses mjolnir aside.
Thor also pulls off his cape, as he feels it will only get into the way of hand-to-hand combat.
As Tyr begins to remove his own cloak, Thor and the rest of the crowd are stunned and start to frantically whisper.
For as Tyr removes his cloak, he flips the left side of his cloak behind him, revealing a giant metal gauntlet where once resided his left hand.
Heimdall, peering out of the corner of his eye and muttering under his breathe: “I warned thee Thor. Things hath just became very interesting.”

End Part I
 

Thor vs. Tyr Part II
“The Battle Begins”

Recap: Thor & Tyr have decided to engage in an unarmed battle on the outskirts of Asgard to prove who in the greater warrior and greater War God. At the end of Part I, Tyr surprised everyone by revealing that his missing left hand has been replaced with a giant metal gauntlet.

Thor, still stunned to see the large metal gauntlet on Tyr’s left hand, thinks to himself: “So, this is the “trick of his sleeve” that Heimdall correctly predicted. Tyr hath acquired an artificial hand of some sort. Possibly mechanical but most likely mystically empowered. Tis fully functional and not just a prosthetic piece, as I see it’s fingers moving.”
Tyr: “Surprised to see that I am no longer a cripple Thor? Once again I have the use of two hands. No longer will others feel pity for me. Now they will be awed as I regain my former glory and rightful status when I have finished pounding thee into the ground.”
Thor: “Tis no doubt an impressive piece of craftsmanship Tyr. And verily am I glad to see you have two working hands, but you overestimate it’s true value. Twill not change the outcome of this fight.”
Tyr, angrily: “Talk is cheap. Let the battle begin.”

The two opponents square off, circling each other and growing closer with every step. They study each other’s movements and feign some brief attacks. For these two combatants are not merely powerful brutes, but wizened and skilled warriors, knowing the value of sizing up an opponent beforehand. But eventually the moment arrives when they come to blows. Thor lands some quick punches before Tyr can counter. Tyr then attempts to grab Thor in a hold but Thor is too quick. As Tyr attempts to tighten his grip, Thor wrestles free. Thor begins to feel very confident. He moves in to grapple Tyr hand to hand. As they grapple, the two opponents both stand firm for a brief moment, but then Tyr starts to give way. Thor’s overall superior strength in simply too much. Tyr is clearly straining with all his strength but to no avail. He looks to the giant gauntlet on his left arm and concentrates. The gauntlet begins to close it’s fist, compressing on Thor’s hand.
Thor: “Aaagghhh.”

Thor breaks off the struggle and holds his injured hand.
Thor, thinking to himself: “His gauntlet hath almost broken mine hind! The crushing power tis at least the equal of mine own strength.”
Tyr relishes in the sight of his opponent’s pain and presses his advantage, rushing toward Thor. Thor manages to block a number of Tyr’s blow but finally a blow from Tyr’s gauntlet lands on Thor’s chest.
The sound of the gauntlet hitting Thor makes a tremendous sound, not unlike the sound of thunder itself. All who gaze at the fight are awed as Thor staggers back, barely managing to stand on his feet.

Tyr, gleefully yelling at Thor with a snarl: “Hah!! How doth the fury of mine War Gauntlet feel Odinson? It doubles the power of mine blows!”
Thor manages to center himself and shake off the blow but thinks: “Truly Tyr doth speak the truth. The blow was at least as powerful as that of a savage Hulk. I must be wary and avoid it’s punishment.”
Thor, sternly looking at Tyr: “In truth, the power of yon War Gauntlet is indeed powerful. But I have prevailed against foes with stronger fists and I will prevail against you today. Your greatest weapon was the element of surprise, and now that I do know the secret power of thine Gauntlet, you have lost your advantage.”
Tyr: “Then come, Thunder God! Come and battle me anew if these are your thoughts!!”

Thor and Tyr again engage in battle. After a time, it appears that Thor’s prediction is true. While Tyr’s gauntlet can deliver some impressive blows to Thor, Tyr’s other hand can not. And the gauntlet only increases the power of Tyr’s blows with that hand, for there is no increase to the strength of his overall arm. Thor is still the stronger and faster of the two.
Thor starts to move in close to Tyr, in an attempt to finish him off with some powerful combination blows. In the middle of this volley, Tyr manages to get through Thor’s defenses and is about to land another blow to Thor’s mid-section with his War Gauntlet. Thor, sensing he is close to final victory, is content merely to roll with the punch and counter-attack with another blow of his own. But as Tyr’s blow lands, Thor screams out in agony. There is a loud gasp in the crowd, followed by a deafening silence.
As Thor looks down to his stomach, he sees that the War Gauntlet on Tyr’s arm is no longer there, as it has been magically transformed into a sword that has impaled Thor.

Tyr, looking closely into Thor’s eyes: “Now Thor, feel the TRUE power of the War Gauntlet!! Hahahaha”
End Part II
 

Tyr vs. Thor Part III
“The Power of the War Gauntlet”

Prologue
Loki’s castle, a few months prior to Thor & Tyr’s battle.
Tyr is sitting impatiently in one of Loki’s chambers.
A voice calls out for him to come into the adjoining room. Tyr does so and sees Loki and Karnilla standing in front of something with their backs to him.

Tyr: “I have waited much longer than you hath said was necessary. Hath thee finished?”
Loki, turning to face Tyr with a sinister looking smile: “Sometimes there are unexpected delays in work, Tyr. And trying to rush would surely effect the quality of the finished product. But at last we hath finished, and it was worth the wait, would you not agree Karnilla?”
Karnilla: “Indeed, Loki. We hath created a masterpiece.”
Loki turns to his side and extends his arm behind him: “Behold Tyr, the newly created War Gauntlet! Composed of solid Uru. A weapon that is the only one of it’s kind, and forever shall be, for it was a monstrous endeavor to create.”

Tyr stares at a massive, oversized metal gauntlet lying on a table.
He walks up to the table and picks it up, but he looks frustrated and clearly tries to hide his disappointment.

Loki: “You are unhappy Tyr?”
Tyr, staring at the gauntlet: “I ….appreciate thine and Karnilla’s effort. Tis just not what I was expecting. When you first contacted me to come here, you hath said you would give me a weapon to make me the pre-eminent War God in Asgard.”
Loki: “And so I have.”
Tyr, very saddened: “Tis disproportionately large and bigger than it should be for my body. I wish you hath consulted me beforehand so it could have been properly sized.”
Loki: “Twas not an accident. Thine gauntlet was made this size for a reason. Try it on.”
As Tyr places the gauntlet on his left arm it begins to glow and starts moving on it’s own.
Loki: “This hand is better than thine real one. It has twice the gripping and crushing power. Twill not double the overall strength of thine left arm, but twill double the effect of physical blows from it’s punches, making it more powerful than even Thor’s left arm.”

Tyr, surprised at his moving left hand, starts to smile a bit: “Somehow I can already sense your words speak the truth. I considered a replacement to my left hand ages ago, but I felt it was a badge of honor to display my handicap. Perhaps it’s time that I regained the use of both hands as a first step. Now if only you could create me a weapon to go along with it…”
Loki: “This IS a weapon. Trust in Loki.”
Tyr: “Trust the God of Lies? Do you take me for a fool?”
Karnilla steps in: “Calm thyself Tyr. Perhaps I should explain to thee. Place an image in thine head as if you had a mighty sword attached to your left arm instead of the gauntlet.”
Tyr stares at the gauntlet and is stunned when it transforms itself into a sword.
Tyr: “By the Gods!! What sorcery is this?”
Loki: “Behold the full power of the War Gauntlet! It can transform itself into any weapon you can imagine with but a thought. And each weapon is indestructible, enchanted Uru.”
Karnilla: “Twas a difficult feat to grant hardened Uru the ability to transform it’s shape. It required the most powerful of magics, combining both our mystical powers in addition to the power of Runes and mystical gems. This was also the reason it created to be larger than normal, as the extra metal was necessary to form into different weapons.”
Tyr, in awe of his new power: “Tis better than I hath even hoped for.”
Tyr’s sword transforms into a massive Battle-Axe attached to his arm, as he gazes in wonder.
Karnilla: “It wouldst be best if thee spent some time practicing with thine new weapon at first. Then go to Asgard. If you spendeth enough time in the presence of Thor, sparks are bound to fly eventually.”
Loki: “Truly you are now the pre-eminent God of War, for all the weapons of war are at thine disposal!


Recap: The fields outside of Asgard. Many have gathered to see Tyr and Thor square off in battle. The two had agreed to fight in unarmed combat. Tyr, after starting to lose the battle, transformed his newly acquired War Gauntlet into an enchanted sword and ran it through Thor’s stomach.

In agony and badly hurt, Thor manages to pull himself off Tyr’s sword and stagger away, leaving a bloody trail.
Thor, gritting his teeth and fighting back the pain: “Hath thee no honor Tyr? Wouldst you win at any cost, going back on your word to fight me in unarmed combat?”
Tyr, feigning innocence, turns his sword back into his War Gauntlet and smiles: “I stand by mine words Thor. I agreed to fight thee in hand-to-hand combat with only myself. I had cast off mine weapons. The Gauntlet is merely an extension of myself, in all it’s forms.”
Tyr narrows his eyes at Thor: “But it is YOU who hath disgraced ME over the centuries. And tis time you paid, and paid with your life!”
Thor extends his hand: “To me Mjolnir!”
Thor’s legendary hammer flies into his open palm.
Tyr runs to the side and grabs his shield with his right arm.
Many of the Asgardians on Thor’s side begin to draw their weapons.
Hogun: “Treacherous coward! Thor, Tyr is not worthy of a real battle. I say batter him from a distance whilst he is helpless to respond in kind. Tis no less than he deserves!”
Tyr, turns to look at Hogun: “Tyr is not helpless from a distance. He shall ne’er be helpless again!”
Tyr extends his left arm and the War Gauntlet again transforms, this time into a metal crossbow. The crossbow is already armed with an arrow of pure mystical energy and he lets fly the arrow as it races towards Hogun. Hogun manages to raise his shield before it hits, but as the arrow strikes his shield, it lets loose a powerful explosion of mystical energy. The force of the explosion shatters Hogun’s shield and badly damages his arm, sending him flying into the ground.
Sif: “By Odin!”
Tyr laughs at their amazement and fear, and starts to fire a volley of arrows at them from the inexhaustible supply of his War Gauntlet in crossbow form. The crowd of warriors starts to back off.
Thor watches on in horror and realizes he must act.
Thor: “Attack me vermin! I’m the one you want!”
Thor hurls his mighty hammer at Tyr, who barely manages to deflect it with his Uru shield. Thor’s hammer returns to him just in time for him to spin it round and round into a shield as Tyr begins to fire arrows at Thor.
Thor, thinking to himself: “Good. I now have his attention but I must lead his attacks away from the crowd in order to safeguard them.”
During a brief pause of Tyr attacks, Thor takes to the air and flies away from the crowd.
Tyr fires another round of energy arrows at Thor and finally manages to connect, striking Thor in the back. Thor’s body is wracked in pain and he’s sent hurtling to the ground on his back. As Thor lies momentarily stunned, Tyr decides to press his advantage. He rushes toward Thor and transforms his crossbow into a spiked morning star.
Tyr, swinging his morning star as he lies over Thor’s body: “I will crush your head into a bloody pulp!”
Thor opens his eyes to see the morning star racing toward him. In a move of blinding speed and reflexes, he manages to perform a reverse summersault and avoids the blow at the last second as Tyr’s weapon harmlessly strikes the ground.
Tyr continues his attack with Thor managing to block the first blow with his hammer but the second one scrapes across his chest, leaving a bloody trail.
The two engage in armed combat with Tyr managing to defend himself with his large shield and Thor with his hammer and speed.
Finally, after dodging another swing of the morning star, Thor manages to grab ahold of it’s chain links. He swings Tyr into the air and sends him crashing into the ground. Again Thor swings Tyr around by the chain and pummels him into the hard earth twice more. But then, Tyr manages to regain his composure and transforms the morning star back into a sword. This causes cuts in Thor’s hands and he quickly releases his grip.
Thor refuses to pause for even a moment and begins a relentless series of blows at Tyr, putting Tyr on the defensive. He finally manages to breach Tyr’s defenses and slips his hammer past Tyr’s shield, landing a mighty strike right into Tyr’s mouth.
This sends Tyr to the ground, shattering his teeth and covering his face with blood.
Thor’s left leg buckles and he falls too one knee, trying to gather any remaining energy to continue the battle.
Tyr’s followers mistake the large amount of blood on his face for a life-threatening injury. They mount their horses and ride toward Tyr. One of them comes up behind Tyr, grabbing him by the arm and throwing him onto his horse behind him.
Tyr, angrily spitting blood as his follower spirits him away: “You fools, the blood was merely cosmetic. I am fine. Take me back!”
Tyr’s followers slow down for a moment but as they look back, they see the onrushing allies of Thor coming toward him and realize that it is too late, so they continue on.

Sif and Balder reach Thor first.
Sif: “Are you alright Thor? Your injuries look severe.”
Thor, weak and trying to gasp for breathe: “They are milady. I will survive but I need the powers of a healer to ensure that I live to see another day.”
Balder: “Tyr enacted a devious trick but still, his gauntlet is a powerful weapon.”
Sif, trying to defend Thor: “Powerful indeed, but still no match for Mjolnir or Thor. Thor was victorious and Tyr hath fled.”
Thor: “I wish it were so Sif, but in truth, tis not how the battle ended. Tyr was not badly hurt and ready to fight on if his followers hath not mistakenly taken him away. Glad wouldst I be to tell thee both that I too was ready to fight on but I was not. I was done, for that is why I fell to one knee. Had the battle continued, I would surely have perished.”
Sif, arguing with Thor: “I say thee nay! Tis untrue! Tyr hath surprised thee with his initial sword attack. If not for that, thee wouldst hath been well enough to win the battle.”
Thor, grits his teeth on looks at Sif: “Do you think these things are unknown to me woman?! Do you think me unable to assess mine self against an opponent?! I hath factored in that he cowardly stabbed me and how the outcome wouldst change if it had not happened. Tis not easy for me to admit this. Tis hurtful to my pride, but I tell you this battle was a draw. A draw at best.”
Balder, curiously: “Hmmmm. Doth thee think Thor will emerge victorious the next time he faces off against Tyr?”
Thor, in a humble moment, looking off in the distance: “At this moment, I know not. Tyr hath surely grown in power. He is now a living weapon of war.”
End