Odin | Myth & History (2024)

Norse deity

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Who is Odin?

Odin—also called Wodan, Woden, or Wotan—is one of the principal gods in Norse mythology. His exact nature and role, however, are difficult to determine because of the complex picture of him given by a wealth of archaeological and literary sources. Later literary sources indicate that, near the end of the pre-Christian period, Odin was the principal god in Scandinavia.

What is Odin the god of?

From earliest times Odin was a war god, and he appeared in heroic literature as the protector of heroes. Fallen warriors joined him in his palace, Valhalla. Odin was the great magician among the gods and was associated with runes. He was also the god of poets.

Where does Odin live?

Odin was traditionally believed to live in Valhalla, one of the 12 realms of the Norse gods’ dwelling place, Asgard.

What does Odin look like?

Odin was represented as a tall old man with a flowing beard and only one eye (the other he gave in exchange for wisdom). He was usually depicted wearing a cloak and a wide-brimmed hat and carrying a spear.

How is Odin related to Loki?

Contrary to the depiction of their relationship in Marvel comics and films, Odin was not Loki’s adoptive father in Norse mythology. Rather, Odin and Loki were fellow gods, and, in some stories, were even represented as brothers.

Odin, one of the principal gods in Norse mythology. His exact nature and role, however, are difficult to determine because of the complex picture of him given by the wealth of archaeological and literary sources. The Roman historian Tacitus stated that the Teutons worshiped Mercury; and because dies Mercurii (“Mercury’s day”) was identified with Wednesday (“Woden’s day”), there is little doubt that the god Woden (the earlier form of Odin) was meant. Though Woden was worshiped preeminently, there is not sufficient evidence of his cult to show whether it was practiced by all the Teutonic tribes or to enable conclusions to be drawn about the nature of the god. Later literary sources, however, indicate that at the end of the pre-Christian period Odin was the principal god in Scandinavia.

From earliest times Odin was a war god, and he appeared in heroic literature as the protector of heroes; fallen warriors joined him in Valhalla. The wolf and the raven were dedicated to him. His magical horse, Sleipnir, had eight legs, teeth inscribed with runes, and the ability to gallop through the air and over the sea. Odin was the great magician among the gods and was associated with runes. He was also the god of poets. In outward appearance he was a tall, old man, with flowing beard and only one eye (the other he gave in exchange for wisdom). He was usually depicted wearing a cloak and a wide-brimmed hat and carrying a spear.

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The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Augustyn.