Odin is a key god in Germanic paganism. Norse mythology, which provides much of our knowledge about him, links him to wisdom, healing, death, royalty, war, victory, and poetry. He is married to the goddess Frigg. In different Germanic cultures, he has various names: Wōden in Old English, Uuôden in Old Saxon, Wuodan in Old Dutch, Wêda in Old Frisian, and Wuotan in Old High German. These names come from the Proto-Germanic term *Wōðanaz, meaning ‘lord of frenzy’ or ‘leader of the possessed.’
Odin was well-known across Northern Europe from Roman times (around 2 BCE) through the Migration Period (4th to 6th centuries CE) and the Viking Age (8th to 11th centuries CE). Even today, some people in rural Germanic Europe still mention him. Many place names in these regions reference Odin, and in many Germanic languages, including English, Wednesday is named after him.
In Old English writings, Odin is considered an ancestor of kings and a founding figure for several Germanic groups, like the Langobards. Some Old Norse texts, mainly written in Iceland around the 13th century, describe him as a powerful ruler among the gods. These texts form a large part of what we know about Norse mythology today.
Old Norse texts say that Odin is the son of Bestla and Borr, and he has two brothers, Vili and Vé. He has many sons, the most famous being Thor (with Jörð) and Baldr (with Frigg). Odin is known by many names. He is typically depicted as one-eyed and long-bearded, carrying a spear named Gungnir or wearing a cloak and wide hat. He usually travels with two wolves, Geri and Freki, and two ravens, Huginn and Muninn, who gather information for him. He rides Sleipnir, an eight-legged horse, across the sky and into the underworld. Odin often seeks more knowledge, especially by obtaining the Mead of Poetry, and he sometimes bets with Frigg on his quests. He played a role in creating the world by defeating the being Ymir and gave life to the first two humans, Ask and Embla. He also taught people runic writing and poetry, showing his role as a cultural hero. He is linked to the Yule holiday.
Odin is associated with the valkyries, the divine maidens of battle, and rules Valhalla, where he welcomes half of those who die in battle, known as the einherjar. The other half go to Freyja’s Fólkvangr. He consults the wise head of Mímir, who predicts Ragnarök, the end of the world, and tells Odin to lead the einherjar into battle against the wolf Fenrir. Later folklore sometimes shows Odin as a leader of the Wild Hunt, a ghostly group moving through the winter sky. He is also connected to charms and magic, especially in Old English and Old Norse writings.
Odin is a fascinating topic in Germanic studies. Scholars have suggested many theories about how he developed over time. Some compare him to Freyja’s husband Óðr, who has a similar origin. Others connect him with his wife Frigg and the trickster Loki. Researchers also look at whether Odin comes from Proto-Indo-European mythology or developed later in Germanic culture. Today, many works of poetry, music, and other creative expressions are inspired by Odin. He is honored in many branches of the new religious movement called Heathenry, with some groups focusing specifically on him.
