Odin, revered by many names, stands as the deity of both warfare and death. He claims half of the warriors who perish in battle, bringing them to Valhalla, his esteemed hall. The All-Father, known for his singular eye, sacrificed this precious asset to gain the wisdom and awareness necessary to perceive all that occurs within the realms of existence.
Odin is the father of two notable sons: Balder, born of his first wife, Frigg, and Thor, who comes from the earth goddess, Jord. His companionship extends to some mystical creatures as well. Two ravens, Hugin and Munin, embody thought and memory, soaring through the skies to gather information on earthly events. Odin also rides Sleipnir, an eight-legged steed capable of traversing all realms. His wolves, Geri and Freki, serve as loyal companions.
The divine art of prophecy was imparted to him by Freyja. In his possession, he holds Draupnir, a golden ring of significance to the gods.
Odin’s Self-Sacrifice
Perched upon his throne, Hlidskjalf, with Frigg by his side in Valhalla, Odin gazed across the entirety of creation. Yet, his thirst for knowledge and understanding remained insatiable, pushing him toward self-sacrifice.
In his quest for wisdom, he plucked out his eye in Mimir’s well and engaged in a ritualistic act of symbolic suicide by casting himself onto his spear, Gungnir. Subsequently, he suspended himself from Yggdrasil, the tree of life, enduring this position for nine days and nights to gain comprehension of alternate realms and the mysteries of the runes.
During these sacrificial moments, Odin encountered visions and acquired esoteric knowledge. This newfound mastery enabled him to heal the ill, pacify storms, turn weapons against enemies, invoke love in women, and dispel the perilous intentions of troll women – often merely through a glance.
Capable of shapeshifting, Odin could alter his form, entering an ecstatic trance that allowed his soul to roam freely as another being or creature. While in this trance-like state, he journeyed as a bird, a four-legged animal, a fish, or a serpent, traversing across various worlds to distant realms.
Often depicted as a charismatic figure who savors mead and wine, Odin also faced criticism for what some deemed “unmanly conduct,” particularly when engaging in drumming and prophetic practices, traditionally viewed as feminine. His dual role as a male seer stirred disapproval in certain circles.
With these mystical companions, Hugin and Munin continue their vigil, flying the skies to keep Odin informed of the happenings throughout the world.
