odún

Odín (Old Norse Óðinn) is a central figure in Norse mythology. He is the All-Father and chief of the Aesir, the pantheon of Norse gods, and rules from Asgard. He is associated with wisdom, war, death, poetry, and prophecy. Odin is depicted as a tireless seeker of knowledge who travels the Nine Worlds and often acts as a guide or patron to heroes, kings, and poets. In many myths he is married to Frigg, and he is described as the father of several major gods, including Thor.

Odin’s symbols and retinue are among his most recognizable attributes. He wields the spear Gungnir, rides the eight-legged horse Sleipnir, and is attended by two ravens, Huginn and Muninn, who bring him news from across the world. He also has the wolves Geri and Freki. Odin is closely linked with magic, particularly seiðr, and is said to have sacrificed an eye to drink from Mimir’s well in exchange for wisdom. He is said to have hung for nine nights on Yggdrasil, the world-tree, to gain knowledge of the runes.

In Norse belief, Odin rules over Valhalla, where slain warriors chosen as einherjar prepare for Ragnarök, the ultimate battlefield that signals the end of the world. His presence is recorded in the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda, medieval Icelandic texts compiled in the 13th century, and he appears in a range of skaldic poetry and later medieval literature. Odin’s influence extends into modern culture, where he is often portrayed as a wise, solitary ruler of gods and a precursor to later mythic archetypes.