Odin

Odin (Odhinn; O. H. Ger. Wuotan; Saxon, Wodan, or Woden—whence Wednesday), the chief god of northern mythology, common to all Germanic peoples. He is not the creator of the world, but its ruler, king of heaven and earth. Odin, as the highest of the gods, the Alfadur, rules heaven and earth, and is omniscient. As ruler of heaven, his seat is the palace Hlidskialf in Asgard, from whence his two black ravens, Hugin (Thought) and Munin (Memory), fly forth daily to gather tidings of all that is being done throughout the world. As god of war, he holds his court in Valhalla, whither come all brave warriors after death to revel in the tumultuous joys in which they took most pleasure while on earth. His greatest treasures are his eight-footed steed Sleipner, his spear Gungner, and his ring Draupner. As the concentration and source of all greatness, excellence, and activity Odin bears numerous different names. By drinking from Mimir's fountain he became the wisest of gods and men, but he purchased the distinction at the cost of one eye. He is the greatest of sorcerers, and imparts a knowledge of his wondrous arts to his favourites. Frigga (q.v.) is his queen, and the mother of Balder (q.v.), the Scandinavian Apollo; but he has other wives and favourites, and a numerous progeny of sons and daughters. He is claimed as ancestor of various royal dynasties. Rhys contends that the myths relating to Woden, the great Tenthic sky-god, may be traced to a Celtic origin, and compares the name Woden with the Celtic Gwydion. See SCANDINAVIAN MYTHOLOGY.