The All-Father is a key figure in Norse mythology, and has received the most attention. He held a unique place in Viking beliefs, being both a ruthless warrior and a wise, far-sighted guide to his people.
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He is the highest of the gods of the Aesir dynasty. His character combines many aspects. Odyn is not only the god of war, but also the patron of those who live outside the law, the deity of wisdom, power and poetry. The All-Father is a multifaceted figure whose influence reaches far beyond the battlefields. He has two magnificent palaces in Asgard: Gladsheim “Bright House” and Valaskjalf “Shelf of the Fallen”. The first houses Valhalla, the place where fallen warriors go. While the second houses Odin’s throne and a ceiling made of pure silver. In Germanic beliefs, Odin was also known as Wotan, indicating his wide cultural influence among the peoples of northern Europe.
The history of Odin’s followers goes far back in the history of the Germanic peoples. The name is derived from a reconstructed Proto-Germanic theonym Wōðanaz, which is translated as “Lord of Rage” or “Leader of the Possessed”. The name has left a lasting mark in many Germanic languages. Among other things, in English the word Wednesday was originally “Wodnesdaeg,” meaning “Odin’s day” or “Wotan’s day.” The first references to Odin were found in Tacitus’ work titled “Germania” written around 98 A.D. Researchers, however, have not developed a common theory about when and where the Odin cult was born.
Odin is a god with an impressive number of more than 150 known names. Each in its own way captures his attributes, connections to myths and religious practices. This plethora of titles makes him the god with the highest number of recognized names among Germanic peoples. Some of the most popular include:
Odin descended from a line of ancient deities, being the son of Bestla and Borr. Old Norse texts also describe his brothers named Vili and Ve. The siblings killed the giant Ymir, and from his body shaped the world around them. Then Odin and his brothers came across two logs from which they formed the first humans – a man called Ask (Ash) and a woman Embla (Alder). The gods gave them souls, life, wisdom, willpower and senses. These events are described in the myth concerning the creation of the world.
Odin is often portrayed as a one-eyed, long-bearded old man, wearing a cloak and hat, often appearing in disguise. He is characterized by his determination to gain knowledge. The All-Father bestows wisdom on mankind, as well as information about runic writing and poetry. Odin is also particularly strongly associated with the holiday of Yule.
His wife is Frigg and with her he has a son Baldur, considered the most beloved of the gods. However, he is not the only descendant of Odin. The All-Father is known for his relationships with both goddesses and mortal women. The most powerful of his children is Thor, whose mother is Jord, the personification of the earth. More information about the Aesir family is provided in the article Norse Gods – Pantheon of Gods, History of the Aesir-Vanir Conflict.
Odin is bound by blood brotherhood with Loki, a giant who will bring doom to Asgard. He is also believed to be the ancestor of such dynasties as Skjoldung and Wölsung, from which the rulers and legendary Viking heroes descended.
The one-eyed god spends much of his time traveling between worlds. Despite this, he has his permanent headquarters in Asgard, where he gathers Einherjers. These are warriors who died with honor on the battlefield. In Norse mythology, Odin is not only the leader of the gods, but also the guardian of time and destiny. His plans and actions are meant to change fate and save the nine worlds from burning down.
The All-Father is considered the best tactician of all the gods. The many problems of the inhabitants of Asgard are consulted with him to create the clearest possible plan. He is also the one who explores the ancient prophecies and challenges them in an attempt to accomplish the impossible. Odin is the undisputed leader of the Asgardians, as evidenced by the respect they have for him. During Ragnarok, Odin will lead the allies into the final battle against the giants.
The purpose of Valhalla is to prepare the Einherjers for the coming of Ragnarok. Every day, warriors fight duels with each other, which end at dusk, and their wounds are immediately healed. After the battles, they feast together in the great hall, eating meat and drinking honey .
Odin, as ruler of Valhalla, not only watches over his warriors, but also provides them with immortal life and a daily routine full of battle, to ensure readiness for the time of Ragnarok.
The All-Father, through his helpers, has achieved almost unlimited knowledge of the nine worlds. This, however, did not satisfy his needs. First he sacrificed his eye in the Well of Mimir. Then he symbolically deprived himself of life. Odin pierced himself with his own spear and hung himself from the Yggdrasil tree for 9 days and 9 nights. This allowed him to acquire the secret knowledge of the runes.
In Norse mythology, the one-eyed god is surrounded by animals and objects that act as companions or tools. Each attribute has an individual story that refers to Odin’s characteristics. Their symbolism is often ambiguous, allowing the viewer to have individual thoughts and theories..
Ravens act as Odin’s spies, being his eyes and ears. Their names are derived from the Old Norse words Huginn “thought” and Muninn “memory” or “mind.” Every day at dawn they fly out of Asgard to travel to all corners of the world, bringing news of events. Hugin and Munin often sit on Odin’s shoulders, whispering in his ear the secrets of his enemies.
They are two wolves, accompanying Odin during feasts and battles. Geri can be translated as “greedy” or “voracious,” and Freki derives from a Proto-Germanic word meaning “lustful” or “greedy.” These wolves may be related to beliefs about warriors in wolf skins, known as berserkers. Geri and Freki lie at Odin’s feet during feasts in Valhalla. The All-Father gives all the food to them, as he himself dines only on wine.
He is an eight-legged horse with exceptional abilities. His father is Loki, which will be explained when discussing the myth of the creation of the wall of Asgard. Sleipnir is described as the best of all horses, and his stamina allows him to reach as far as Hel.
Odin’s throne located in his palace. Allows the All-Father to look into all kingdoms , as well as listen to them. The literal translation of the name is “high seat with a wide view”.
A spear known for always hitting the target of the attacker, regardless of his skill. Gungnir is Odin’s main weapon, which he will use during the final battle of Ragnarok. Even the bravest among the giants tremble before the power of the spear.
This is a ring that creates eight new exact copies of itself every nine nights. It was created as a result of Loki’s trickery. Draupnir will be placed on Baldur’s funeral pyre, giving the ring a new destiny in the land of the dead.
Variants of it have been found over the centuries among different cultures and faiths. In northwestern Europe in was used by pagans of the time, worshipping the Norse god Odin. According to various interpretations, the cross inscribed in a circle symbolizes the balance of forces. Unfortunately, in modern history, the symbol has sometimes been used by groups with radical views, which has disrupted its original meaning and rich heritage associated with Norse mythology.
It is an ancient symbol, consisting of three intertwined triangles. It appears on objects dating back to Germanic peoples, and its meaning and interpretation have been the subject of much debate.
One popular explanation of the Valknut symbol is a reference to the heart of Jotunn Hrungnir, described in the Prose Edda. It was thought to be made of hard stone and to have three sharply pointed horns, resembling intertwined triangles. A modern interpretation of the word “valknut” in Norse means “knot of the fallen in battle”, which alludes to Odin’s role as god of war and patron of the fallen.
Modern pagan movements have adopted the valknut as an important spiritual symbol. Like the solar cross, the valknut also has an infamous history of use by worldview fanatics.
Since the time of the oldest civilizations, people have believed in supernatural beings that may pose a threat or help us. It was no different with the groups living in present-day Scandinavia. They had a long list of gods who guided the fate of people and tried to fight their own destiny. Learn about the secrets hidden in the crevices of Asgard!
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