Odin
Introduction
Odin, a central figure in Norse mythology, reigns as the Allfather, the supreme ruler of the Æsir (AY-seer) gods. The Æsir are one of the two main tribes of deities in Norse belief, alongside the Vanir (VAH-neer), and are associated with power, war, and governance, residing in the realm of Asgard (AHS-gard). Known for his relentless pursuit of wisdom, Odin hung himself on the World Tree, Yggdrasil (IG-drah-sill), for nine days and nights to discover the secrets of the runes (e.g. Elder Futhark), embodying his role as a seeker of truth. Often depicted as an old, bearded man cloaked in a traveler’s garb, he wields the spear Gungnir (GOONG-neer) and is accompanied by his ravens, Huginn (HOO-gin) and Muninn (MOO-nin), who whisper the world’s secrets into his ears. As a god of war, poetry, and magic, Odin’s complex nature reflects both creation and destruction, guiding the fates of gods and mortals alike from his throne in Asgard.
As the Allfather and chief of the Æsir, Odin upholds several critical duties that define his role in the cosmos. First, he is a relentless seeker of wisdom, exemplified by his sacrifice on Yggdrasil, which grants him mastery over magic and prophecy, ensuring he can guide the fates of gods and mortals. Second, as a god of war, he oversees battles, choosing slain warriors to join him in Valhalla to prepare for Ragnarök, the prophesied end of the world, reflecting his duty to maintain a strong divine army. Third, he rules Asgard, maintaining order among the Æsir and fostering alliances, such as the uneasy peace with the Vanir, to preserve cosmic balance. Additionally, Odin is a patron of poetry and inspiration, sharing the mead of poetry with humanity, which underscores his role as a cultural benefactor. These duties—pursuing knowledge, governing war, ruling the gods, and inspiring creativity—cement Odin’s multifaceted importance in Norse belief.
Alter Worship
The nearby photo is of the Odin from Lejre figurine, a small, intricately crafted silver artifact from around 900 C.E., discovered in Gammel Lejre, Denmark, by amateur archaeologist Tommy Olesen in 2009. This figurine portrays a seated figure on a throne, clad in a floor-length gown, an apron, multiple necklaces, a neck ring, a cloak, and a rimless hat, with black niello inlay and traces of gilding enhancing its detail. Perched on the throne’s armrests are two birds, widely recognized as the ravens Huginn and Muninn, Odin’s trusty companions who represent thought and memory, flying across the realms to bring him wisdom. The throne itself is likely Hliðskjálf (HLEETH-skyalf), Odin’s high seat from which he surveys all existence, flanked by animal heads that add to its majesty. In ancient altar worship, this figurine might have sat as a sacred centerpiece, embodying Odin’s all-seeing power through Hliðskjálf and his ravens, linking devotees to the divine insight sought in rituals.
The original photo was authored by the National Museum of Denmark. The photo has been cropped and resized. License: CC-BY-SA 2.0
Odin's Links to Ansuz (ᚨ)
The above photo is a close-up of a manuscript known as AM 687d 4to. This manuscript, a 15th-century copy, preserves an Old Icelandic rune poem scripted for the Younger Futhark—the successor to the Elder Futhark—now faded and deteriorated over time yet revived through translation. Óss (ᚬ), a rune tied closely to its Elder Futhark ancestor ansuz (ᚨ), is listed. Rune poems, like this one born in Iceland’s medieval past, are lyrical keys to the Norse world, blending practical rune meanings with poetic imagery to pass down cultural wisdom. Both runes share the sharp /a/ sound, a phonetic thread weaving through time and alphabets. In the Elder Futhark, ansuz—meaning “god” or “mouth”—evokes divine communication, while in the Younger Futhark, óss shifts to “estuary” or “mouth” yet holds that same /a/ at its heart. The translated poem names óss “the ancient father’s voice” and “Asgard’s lord,” subtly nodding to its sacred roots and linking Odin to ansuz through his essence of wisdom and speech. This shared sound bridges the two runic systems, tying their forms and meanings across generations.
The entire manuscript is hosted on handrit.is, a digital library operated by the National and University Library of Iceland.
The Discovery of the Runes
Hávamál is an Old Norse poem from the Viking Age, part of the Poetic Edda, a collection of mythological and heroic works. Traditionally attributed to Odin, it offers a blend of practical advice, ethical guidelines, and mystical lore. The title translates to "Sayings of the High One," reflecting Odin’s voice as he shares wisdom on topics like hospitality, friendship, and the pursuit of knowledge. It’s a key cultural artifact, preserving insights into Norse beliefs and daily life.
Odin discovers the runes in the following excerpt from Hávamál. He describes his self-sacrifice on Yggdrasil, unlocking the mystical symbols that grant him unparalleled wisdom and mastery over fate. The ability to write—to preserve meaning—is fundamental to the preservation of any culture, and thus his discovery of the runes represents an extremely important moment in Norse mythology. The 1936 translation by Henry Adams Bellows was used as a base. The English has been modernized.
Now Hor’s words ring through the hall—
a blessing for humanity,
a curse for the giants’ kind.
Honor to the speaker and the listener—
may those who take it in find reward,
and respect to all who hear.
I reckon I hung on that windswept tree,
dangling there for nine long nights.
A spear pierced me, and I offered myself—
me to me, for Odin’s sake—
on that tree no one understands,
its roots a deep mystery.
No one brought me bread or a drink,
so I looked down below.
I seized the runes—shouting as I took them—
then suddenly, I fell back down.
I gained nine powerful songs from the son
of Bolthorn, Bestla’s father.
And I took a sip of that fine mead,
poured straight from Othrörir.
That’s when I began to rise,
wisdom striking me deep.
I grew, I flourished—
one word led to another,
one act built on the next.
You’ll find runes and signs of fate,
marked by the master of songs himself,
shaped by the mighty gods.