Odin
The Allfather of Norse Mythology
The Allfather
Odin is considered one of the Divine Ancestors of many major European families as well as the father of all gods. He is simultaneously a god of the Aesir, the Vanir, and the mighty Frost-Giants.
A Ruler of Many Names
Master of Estacy
The name Odin, when translated into Old Norse literally means Ecstasy, the Master of. He was the devious, cunning and awe inspiring ruler of the gods.
God of War
He is a patron of the most outrageous of warriors, only truly enjoying the most destructive and chaotic of battles. In pursuing this he often aligned himself with the fierce Berserkers and the mighty Volsung family. He is also well known as the Glad-of-war, Spear-thruster, and Father-of-battle for his fierce warrior attributes as well as his magical spear Gungnir.
The Wise Shaman
He was never able to accept personal limitations. When he encountered them he did whatever was necessary to overcome them. He was always striving to learn more, do more and become more powerful. One of these limitations was overcome with the introduction of magic, he became one of the most powerful and intelligent of all the gods. He was also known to be a powerful shape shifter.
Yggdrasil tree
It is said that Odin once hung himself as a spiritual ritual for nine days and nights on this tree, often referred to as the gallows. He was stabbed with a spear and pawned his own eye for a drink from the spring of Mimir to gain its knowledge. In completing this self-sacrifice he gained supreme wisdom.
Val-father
As the god of death he leads all noble warriors that died an honorable death in battle into Valhalla, the hall of the slain. He then accepts them as his sons and carries them to Valhalla on the back of his Eight legged horse Sleipnir. He mounts a mighty army of fallen soldiers to be risen again to fight along side him in the final battle of Ragnarok.
Ragnarok
This was the day that all gods feared, the day the gods will die. This is the day that Asgard will be filled with chaos as the frost-giants attack the gods. The day Odin dies, slain by the mighty wolf Fenrir.
Work Cited
- "Norse Mythology | Aesir the gods of the Vikings, lived in Asgard." 2014. 16 May. 2016 <http://www.viking-mythology.com/aesir.php>
- "Odin." 2006. 16 May. 2016 <http://users.dickinson.edu/~eddyb/mythology/Gods-1.html>
- "Odin - Norse Mythology - Ancinet-Mythology.com - Ancient Mythology." 2003. 16 May. 2016 <http://www.ancient-mythology.com/norse/odin.php>
- "Odin - Norse Mythology for Smart People." 2012. 16 May. 2016 <http://norse-mythology.org/gods-and-creatures/the-aesir-gods-and-goddesses/odin/>