Thor Rosland is a Norwegian actor and former bodybuilder who has been a The Beard Struggle ambassador since 2018. He plays the Saxon king Hengist in The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin, the fantasy series that climbed to No. 2 on Prime Video, and he is the man behind Thunderborn, his signature scent with us: warm ambergris, smooth violet and grounded cedarwood.
Who is Thor Rosland?
Thor grew up in Norway and has played sport his whole life, which led to a bodybuilding career in his thirties. He retired from the stage in 2015 and grew a beard. Then he shaved it off, regretted it, and grew it back. He has not been without one since.
A lifelong love of film pushed him in front of the camera, first on Instagram, then on screen. He plays Hengist, the Saxon king, in The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin. The seven-part series reached No. 2 on Prime Video after it launched there in 2026.
"Let's be serious: 'Wow, that clean shaven guy looks super manly,' said no one ever."
How Thor joined The Beard Struggle
In 2018 Thor met fellow ambassador Daki Savic at a beard and hair show. Daki had nothing but good things to say about the brand, so Thor emailed us. We sent him products to try.
"I absolutely loved them, and when something is that great and solid, I gladly put my name behind it."
He has been shooting content with us ever since, much of it inspired by the films he loves.
Thor Rosland's beard routine
A long beard and a big moustache need hold as much as they need oil. Thor's top picks are beard oil, balm, moustache wax and a shave kit for clean lines. Here they are, with the oil and balm in his own Thunderborn scent:
- Oil. Day Liquid Tonic into the skin and through the length every morning.
- Balm. Warrior's Beard Balm to tame the length and keep the shape.
- Moustache wax. Moustache wax to hold the handlebar in place all day.
- Clean lines. A sharp cheek line and neckline, so the beard looks kept, not wild. Our trimming guide shows how.
First look at Thunderborn, Thor Rosland's signature scent.
Thunderborn by Thor Rosland
Born of thunder, worn with grace. Thunderborn is a complete scent system built to layer: the same scent runs from the wash to the oil to the cologne, so it builds through the day instead of clashing. Up front it is sweet violet and berries. As the day goes on, it turns earthy, with wood and musk coming through.
The line includes Radiance Beard Wash, Conditioner, Day Liquid Tonic, Night Liquid Elixir, Warrior's Beard Balm and a Concentrated Cologne Oil. The Thunderborn Bundle puts it all in one box.
Every one of Thunderborn's 40 reviews so far is five stars.
"Since the Thunderborn scent arrived at my door, I've worn it every single day. There isn't a day that I leave the house wearing this scent that someone doesn't comment and ask about it." Derek R., Thunderborn Concentrated Cologne
Thor Rosland FAQ
Who does Thor Rosland play in The Pendragon Cycle?
Hengist, the Saxon king, in The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin. The series is streaming on Prime Video, where it reached No. 2.
Does Thor Rosland have his own beard products?
Yes. Thunderborn is his signature line with The Beard Struggle, with a beard wash, conditioner, two oils, a balm and a cologne oil.
What does Thunderborn smell like?
Ambergris, violet and cedarwood. It starts sweet and floral and dries down earthy and woody. See how it compares in our scent guide.
How long has Thor been with The Beard Struggle?
Since December 2018.
