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Odin
Óðinn(Odhinn)
Also known as: Allfather, Woden, Wotan, The Wanderer
By Elizabeth Stein for Mythos Atlas. About the author. Editorial notes are grounded in the site's cited sources and can be challenged through the contact page.
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About Odin
The Allfather
Odin is the chief of the Aesir, a relentless seeker of wisdom. He sacrificed his eye to Mimir's Well for knowledge and hung himself from Yggdrasil for nine nights to discover the runes.
God of War and Poetry
Paradoxically, he grants both the frenzy of battle (berserkers) and the inspiration of poetry (mead of poetry). He rules Valhalla, gathering slain warriors to prepare for Ragnarok.
Origin Story
Odin is the son of the primordial beings Borr and Bestla. Along with his brothers Vili and Ve, he slew the giant Ymir and created the world from his body.
Ancient Sources
Original texts with translations - toggle to see the original language
“I know that I hung on a windy tree nine long nights, wounded with a spear, dedicated to Odin, myself to myself, on that tree of which no man knows from where its roots run.”
Havamal, Poetic Edda, 138-141
trans. Carolyne LarringtonRead source“Huginn and Muninn fly every day over the mighty earth. I fear for Huginn that he may not return, yet I am more anxious about Muninn.”
Grimnismal, Poetic Edda, 20
trans. Henry Adams BellowsRead sourceAncient Texts
- Read Poetic Edda
Poetic Edda by Anonymous
c. 1000-1300 CE (compiled)·Old Norse
Primary source for Odin's wisdom quest and the Havamal
Recommended translations: Henry Adams Bellows (1936), Lee M. Hollander (1962)
- Read Prose Edda
Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson
c. 1220 CE·Old Norse
Snorri's systematic account of Norse cosmology and Odin's role
Recommended translations: Arthur Gilchrist Brodeur (1916), Anthony Faulkes (1987)
Translations & Retellings
- Read The Norse Myths
The Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley-Holland
1980·English
Modern retelling accessible to contemporary readers
Domains
wisdomwardeathpoetrymagicknowledge
Symbols
spear Gungnirravens Huginn and Muninneight-legged horse Sleipnirwolves Geri and Frekione eye
Related Deities
Family Tree
Explore Odin's relationships with other deities