Odin << oh DIHN >> was the chief god in Norse mythology. In German, he is called Wotan << WOH tuhn >>. Odin became the ruler of the universe after he and his two brothers, Ve and Vili, killed the frost giant Ymir, the first living being. From Ymir’s huge body, they made Midgard, the earth; and began to build Asgard, the dwelling place of the gods.
Valhalla was Odin’s home in Asgard. There he feasted with the souls of heroes who had died in battle. Odin, a fearless fighter, carried a spear as his weapon, and rode an eight-legged horse called Sleipnir. He inspired ferocious human warriors called Berserkers who fought recklessly without armor and felt no wounds.
Odin was the wisest god. He gave up one eye for the right to drink from the spring of wisdom, guarded by Mimir, a supernaturally wise creature. Odin was also known for his magic powers. By wounding and hanging himself from a tree, he acquired the power of spells called runes. They let him predict the future, change his shape at will, and visit the underworld. Odin’s sons included Thor, the god of thunder and lightning, and Balder, the god of goodness. According to Norse myths, Odin will lead the gods against the evil giants at Ragnarok, the battle that will destroy the world. He will be eaten by Fenrir, a ferocious wolf.
The Anglo-Saxons’ name for Odin was Woden. It was the source of the word Wednesday.
