When Thor first appeared in the 1962 Marvel comic Journey Into Mystery #83, his outfit included, among other things, a bright yellow-gold belt emblazoned with a large "T" framed by wings, much like those on his helmet. It's a very classically "comic book" piece of fashion. The Marvel Cinematic Universe iteration of Thor (Chris Hemsworth) has worn a series of costumes that, while clearly inspired by his comics outfits, are much more like fantasy armor, with either an understated belt or no belt at all.
But filming for Thor: Love and Thunder has wrapped, and a behind-the-scenes photo shared by Taika Waititi on Instagram showed Hemsworth wearing what may well be the MCU's answer to the "T" belt. This belt may not be a gold showpiece, but it does bear a resemblance to the famous belt from the comics. It's more toned down, certainly, and at least in this picture, it's worn with casual clothing and not his superhero outfit, but the allusion is present.
Thor has continued to sport this gaudy, distinctive accessory throughout his comics history, though it has fallen out of favor in recent years. Even Thunderstrike -- aka Eric Masterson, a Midgardian architect who befriended, was saved by and ultimately merged with Thor before temporarily taking his place as the protector of Earth -- sported a version of the "T" belt.
Thor also has another significant belt in the comics: Megingjord, based on the megingjörð (or "power-belt") from Norse mythology. The mythological iteration of the belt is -- along with Mjölnir and the iron gauntlets Járngreipr -- one of Thor's most prized and valuable possessions, and when he wears it, it doubles his already immense strength. It's been mentioned in Old Norse poetry such as the Prose Edda.
The comics version of Megingjord, aka the "Belt of Strength," is separate from Thor's "T" belt, and has only appeared on the page a handful of times. Odin keeps Megingjord safe in Asgard when Thor isn't using it in battle. Like its equivalent in Norse mythology, it doubles Thor's strength. At one point, Odin even imbued it with Odinforce to add to its already incredible power. Megingjord has also been worn by Odinson, Eric Masterson and Red Norvall for the same purpose: enhancing prowess in battle and serving as a physical representation of Thor's super-strength.
While Megingjord is unrelated to the classic "T" belt, the fact remains that both are emblematic parts of Thor's classic style and presentation. The "T" belt does nothing to augment Thor's powers, but it's constantly present and the closest that Thor has to a logo on his comics costume; Megingjord does not have the same iconic design, but it amplifies Thor's powers when he needs a little extra help.
Though the photo doesn't explain the significance of the new belt that MCU Thor is wearing, it's part of a noteworthy legacy. The belt could just be a cute nod to the comics belts, a tongue-in-cheek reference that will go unaddressed or one that will harken back to "Thor's magic belt," which was mentioned in Spider-Man: Homecoming. On the other hand, it could become an integral part of Thor's fashion from Love and Thunder onward. Maybe it will even boost his godly powers -- or return some of them to him after Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) assumes the Thor mantle.
Directed by Taika Waititi, Thor: Love and Thunder stars Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie, Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, Jaimie Alexander as Lady Sif, Chris Pratt as Star-Lord, Dave Bautista as Drax, Karen Gillen as Nebula and Christian Bale as Gorr the God Butcher. The film arrives in theaters May 6, 2022.
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