Chapter #5 - Odin

Odin is the son of Bor and the Jötunn (giantess) Bestla. His firstborn son and heir is Thor, God of thunder, born to him by Jörð, Goddess of Midgard. He is married to the Goddess Frigg, by whom he was the father of the twin Gods Baldr and Höðr. He had sons with the giantess Gríðr called Víðarr (the God of vengeance) and the giantess Rindr called Váli. Váli was born for the sole purpose of killing Höðr. This was in revenge for Höðr’s accidental murder of his twin brother, Baldr.

Odin, along with his brothers, created Earth (Midgard) and Asgard. Odin is both Æsir ruler of Asgard and Valhalla. He is the All-father and is the God of wisdom, poetry, war, death, divination, and magic, among other things. He is often accompanied by ravens, wolves and a rides into battle on an eight legged horse called Sleipnir, wielding his mighty spear Gungnir, which never fails to miss its target.

His ravens, Huginn and Muninn fly all over Midgard each day, and bring information to Odin. In battle Huginn and Muninn inform Odin of his enemy’s movements and help him guide and heal his horse, Sleipnir. In Valhalla, his wolves Geri and Freki are most often seen at Odin’s side, feasting with the warriors who dwell in its numerous halls. They devour those who present false information or lie to Odin.

Odin sacrificed his right eye in order to drink from the Well of Urd to gain knowledge of the universe. He also sacrificed himself to himself on the ancient World Tree Yggdrasil for nine days and nights to learn nine mighty spells, including knowledge of the Runes.