Odin, the king of the Æsir is the God of War and Death. He is also known as the Sky God and the God of Wisdom and Poetry. Odin is the All-Father of the Nordic Gods and it is believed that he created the Norse universe. He rides on an eight-legged horse called Sleipnir who can run swiftly across the entire universe, and his famous spear is called Gungnir. He also has a precious arm-ring called Draupnir, and two ravens called Hugin and Munin who fly around the universe and tell him about everything that is happening around the world. Geri and Freki, the two wolves are said to accompany him. He is usually shown as a handsome God with a flowing white beard, a rich cloak, a spear and a unique hat. He is the ruler of Valhalla, one of the 12 realms of the Nordic God’s key place called Asgard.  

There is a famous legend about why Odin only has one eye. It is said that he had to sacrifice one of his eyes in Mimir’s well and threw himself on his spear to be allowed to drink from the fountain of wisdom which gives a person eternal knowledge. He also hanged himself on the Tree of Life for 9 days and 9 nights to understand the rules of all the worlds. Because of this self- sacrifice, he obtained the secret wisdom and magical knowledge to cure the sick, calm storms and many other things. It is also said that Odin would wear clothes of a plain traveller rather than that of a king and travel the entire universe in search of knowledge. Odin also had the magical powers of shape-shifting. He could take the form of anyone and send his soul into that alternate form.

Half of the souls of the heroes who are slain in battles are guided into the halls of Valhalla (Odin’s Hall), by battle maidens called Valkyries. The Norse mythology talks of Odin and his Wild Hunt of dark hooded dead souls, called Valkyries who would ride at night in a group. Human beings would be scared to see them as it meant bad omen like a big war or a disease outbreak. Odin and his wild hunt group was called Odin’s Ride and was often associated with the underworld.

It is predicted that Odin will be swallowed by Fenrir, Loki’s son, at Ragnarök. Wednesday is named after Odin.