Torbjörn
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Torbjörn (given name) is the modern Swedish form of the Old Norse name Þòrbjörn, meaning Thor-bear or Thor's bear. Variants of the name include Thorbjörn, the Danish/Norwegian forms Torbjørn and Thorbjørn, the Danish/German form Torben and the predominantly German form Thorben. English variants include Thurburn, Thorbern, Thorebern, Thorber, and Thurber, which are however normally used as surnames.
[edit] Etymology
According to Norse mythology, the Aesir (Norse pagan gods) would sometimes exert their influence in the affairs of mortal men. For instance, if two Viking clans found themselves in dispute and met on the battlefield, the Aesir might send forth Thor to participate in the confrontation on whichever side they favored. In this case, Thor would take the form of a large black bear and charge ahead of the selected victors when the battling lines clashed, literally ripping the hapless losers to shreds.
Needless to say, the losing side wouldn't much appreciate this interference. Retreat, even when facing a superior opponent, would forever destroy the family honor and reputation of a Viking warrior. On the other hand, no army could ever hope to withstand the power of Thor; hence, the battle turned into a suicide mission with no honor to be gained, only retained - or lost.
In turn, the chosen victors would be equally displeased, since such a fight was obviously unfair and their victory a hollow one with no inherent honor. They too, however, could not retreat, since having the Aesir win the battle for them without putting themselves in harms way would amount to equally disgraceful cowardice.
