Odin – leader of the gods

Odin is aided by several animals. His two ravens, Huginn and Muninn (representing thought and memory) fly across the world and report back what they have seen. Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse, can gallop through all realms. Geri and Freki are Odin’s wolves.

Odin could shapeshift and travel through the worlds as an animal or in other forms. He could leave his body and journey as a bird, fish, serpent or four-legged creature in search of knowledge.

The one-eyed god who sacrificed himself

Seated upon his high throne, Hlidskjalf, beside Frigg in Valhalla, Odin gazed out over the whole world. Yet he longed to know all things and gain wisdom and knowledge of what lay hidden. This desire drove him to sacrifice himself.

He gave his eye to Mimir’s well and cast himself upon his spear, Gungnir, in a symbolic, ritual act of self-slaughter. He then hung himself upon the world tree, Yggdrasil, for nine nights and nine days, in order to gain knowledge of other worlds and to understand the runes.

Through these acts of sacrifice, he saw visions and acquired secret wisdom. The magical knowledge he obtained enabled him to heal the sick, calm storms, turn weapons against his foes, stir women to longing and disarm dangerous sorceresses – often with no more than a single glance.

Odin’s role in Norse mythology

Odin is a complex and powerful deity, embodying both wisdom and might in Norse mythology. His sacrifices in pursuit of knowledge and his ability to move between realms reveal how vital he is to the world of the Æsir. Despite his dark and enigmatic nature, he is also a charismatic leader, ruling through both strength and sorcery.