Odin

Ardre Odin Sleipnir

Georg von Rosen - Oden som vandringsman, 1886 (Odin, the Wanderer)

Runic Inscription Sö Fv2011;307

Bronsplåt 2 fr Torslunda sn, Öland (Stjerna, Hjälmar och svärd i Beovulf (1903) sid 103)

Wōðnas inscription - Vindelev Hoard, bracteate X 13 - IMG 3633 (cropped)

Error creating thumbnail:

Runic letter os

Odin is a major god in Norse mythology and the chief of the Aesir. Odin is associated with wisdom, healing, death, royalty, the gallows, knowledge, battle, sorcery, poetry, frenzy, and the runic alphabet, and is the husband of the goddess Frigg. In wider Germanic mythology and paganism, the god was known in Old English as Woden, in Old Saxon as Wōden, and in Old High German as Wuotan or Wotan.

Mythology

Odin is a prominently mentioned god throughout the recorded history of the Germanic peoples, from the Roman occupation of regions of Germania, through the tribal expansions of the Migration Period and the Viking Age. In the modern period, Odin continued to be acknowledged in the rural folklore of Germanic Europe. References to Odin appear in place names throughout regions historically inhabited by the Germanic peoples, and the day of the week Wednesday bears his name in many Germanic languages, including English.

Odin is depicted as one-eyed and long-bearded, frequently wielding a spear named Gungnir and wearing a cloak and a broad hat. He is accompanied by his animal companions—the wolves Geri and Freki and the ravens Huginn and Muninn, who bring him information from all over Midgard—and rides the eight-legged horse Sleipnir across the sky and into the underworld.

Odin has many sons, the most famous of whom is Thor, the god of thunder. Other notable sons include Baldur, Hodr, and Vidarr.

Worship

Odin was worshipped primarily by the aristocracy and warriors, with the latter category particularly hoping for his favor in battle. He was often sought for wisdom as he was believed to have sacrificed an eye at Mímir's well in pursuit of knowledge. He also hung himself on the world tree, Yggdrasil, for nine nights to learn the runes. Odin's self-sacrifice is seen as an example of seeking knowledge and wisdom at any cost.

In the pre-Christian era, Odin was often given sacrifices, including both animals and humans, to appease him, especially during the Viking Age when the Norsemen sought his favor for raiding and warfare.

Legacy

Odin's influence extends beyond the religious practices of the Norse people. He has been a subject of interest in literature and art from the Viking Age to the modern period. His character has been interpreted in various ways throughout the centuries, from the wise and benevolent father figure to the warlike god of death and magic.

In modern times, Odin has been depicted in various forms of media, including literature, movies, and video games. His symbolism and attributes continue to be used in the naming of military operations, companies, and even astronomical objects.

See Also

• Norse mythology
• Valkyrie
• Ragnarok
• Runes
• Viking Age