Asgard is the majestic dwelling place of the gods in the rich and storied Norse pantheon. It is within these divine realms that Odin, the paramount deity of them all, reigns supreme. Odin, whose lineage can be traced back to his Germanic forebear Woden or Wodan, presides over the realm as the god of kings and serves as a wise counselor to aspiring heroes, generously imparting them with mystical endowments and enchanting blessings.
Odin, in addition to being a monarch, is a shapeshifter who regularly walks the earth in disguise. One of his favorite forms is that of an old man with one eye. In the Norse Eddas, the one-eyed man is often a source of wisdom and knowledge for heroes. He is usually with a pack of wolves or two ravens named Hugin and Munin, who represent thought and memory. He rides on Sleipnir, a magical horse with eight legs. Odin is linked to the idea of the wild hunt, in which he leads a noisy group of dead warriors through the sky.
It is believed that Odin calls dead kings and heroes to Valhalla, where Valkyries greet them. Once in Valhalla, the fallen feast and fight, always ready to defend Asgard from its foes. In battle, Odin’s warrior disciples, the Berserkers, wear wolf or bear pelts and whip themselves into an ecstatic frenzy that causes them to be insensitive to the pain of their wounds.
In order to acquire knowledge of the nine worlds, Odin hung from the Yggdrasil, the world tree, for nine days as a young man. This enabled him to learn runic magic. The number nine is significant in the Norse sagas and appears repeatedly.
Balder, the beloved son of his first wife, Frigg, and the mighty Thor, born to Jord, both emerged from Odin, the Allfather. These two remarkable sons further extend Odin’s lineage. Balder, known for his unparalleled beauty and purity, and Thor, renowned for his strength and valor, exemplify the diversity and greatness of Odin’s bloodline. These two extraordinary beings, Balder and Thor, stand as symbols of divine grace and power, epitomizing the formidable legacy of their father.
Odin continues to have a large following, notably among Asatru believers. If you’re wondering what kind of offerings to make to Odin, the Norse deities usually don’t ask for more than you can provide. They may assign you particular tasks, but only if they know you can handle them.
