Odin

Odin was the king of the Norse gods and the father of Thor. He was the god of wisdom, war, and poetry. He gave up one of his eyes to gain great knowledge. Two ravens sat on his shoulders and told him everything happening in the world.

The Quest for Wisdom

Odin wanted to be the wisest being in all the nine worlds. He gave up one eye to drink from a well of knowledge. He also hung from the world tree Yggdrasil for nine days to learn the secret of runes. Runes were the magical letters the Vikings used for writing.

Odin's Companions

Odin had many animal helpers. His two ravens, Huginn and Muninn, flew across the world each day and reported back. Their names mean 'Thought' and 'Memory.' He also had two wolves and an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir.

Fun Facts

• Odin's eight-legged horse Sleipnir was the fastest horse in all the worlds.
• Odin could change his shape and appear as an old traveler with a wide hat.
• The word 'Wednesday' comes from 'Woden's Day,' an old English name for Odin.

Did You Know?

Odin disguised himself as a wandering old man with a wide-brimmed hat, a long beard, and a staff. This image helped inspire the character of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings!