Why is Odin regarded as the most important and powerful god?
Through careful examination of history and mythology, it is easy to witness historical
bias, misuse, and/or misrepresentation embedded within many secondary and primary sources.
Although, one commonality seems to be present throughout various sources in the examining of
Nordic mythology, and that is of the god Odin and the powerful position that he holds. Various
accounts exist throughout and about history and although it is evident that each scene in history
is properly documented, Odin’s role as a god is almost too widespread to name just a couple of
wonders. Odin is seen as the god of wisdom, war, death, alcohol, poetry, magic, runes, and the
list goes on. This prompts an interesting and thought-provoking question of why is Odin the most
important and powerful god. It is important to explore what makes Odin the most famous god, in
this fashion we can correlate it is because he is the god of wisdom, war, and death, or that he is
present throughout pictures and media in a high and mighty fashion. When exploring Odin’s role
in Nordic Mythology it is almost impossible to ignore the true competence Odin holds.
Outline:
1. God of Wisdom
Wisdom is something that is not fully acquired in Nordic Mythology and Odin, is looking for it
as well. Odin is the god of Wisdom, he acquires some but he is still searching for it. This makes
him almighty and powerful because of this constant seeking for a greater knowledge. Odin is
constantly looking which causes him to obtain a greater threshold on wisdom than other gods or
giants. This is intriguing because it show’s the imperfection of this very “perfect” god. Odin is
understanding that he does not know everything in the universe already, and that he has all the
answers. This also gives him the power of improvement and progression as the universe is
growing, so is Odin and so is his knowledge.
2. God of war
Odin is also greatly considered the god of war, being an all powerful and influential ruler and
commander. Odin follows the powerful and mighty line of keep fighting until the last breath. He
is expressing the warrior culture and ethos that exist during this period and in Viking ideology.
Odin does not fear death when it comes to war and he emulates this in others because all that
matters is to die gloriously and with eternal fame. This also correlates with Odin being the god of
wisdom as well because he attempts to find the greatest and most glorious soldiers willing to die
for battle. He wants to examine what they know and delve deep into their wisdom so he can
acquire it as well. Odin also can communicate with the dead, and this is noted in many sources
during the era.
3. God of death
In correlation with being the god of war, Odin is also the god of death as he authorizes and is in
charge of Valhalla. Valhalla is a dwelling place for the dead (source 1). Odin also undergoes a
double death, and it is seen as a form of sacrifice when others are sentenced to a double death as
well. This illustrates how powerful he is as well because many others are willing to be stabbed
and hung, and essentially die twice for Odin’s ultimate respect. Odin being the god of death and
the god of war correlate as well because people die in the name of Odin. They want Odin to take
him to Valhalla and therefore he can use them later on in the afterlife.
5.Odin in Poetry
Odin, being one of the highest and almighty gods, is prevalent throughout Norse Poetry.
A famous poet, Snorri Sturlson writes greatly about him in his Eddas. Odin is regarded as
“High” and there is advice that sheds light on not only human nature but gives guidance and
insight on some rules that many should follow. When examining some of these stanzas it is
evident that Odin knew how to instruct people and knew what he was saying and what he was
essentially speaking about.
a. I will talk about how he speaks about dating advice because that shows his
understanding of men and women in regards to human nature
b. I will talk about how he performs runic magic
c. I will also talk about how he shares quotes such as “don’t drink so much that you’ll
throw up” and how he understood how the world would even be like now days.
Conclusion
Well many may think that Odin should not be regarded as high as he is in Nordic mythology, but
no one can help but notice the many names that is given to him and the various regards he
obtains because of who he is. Odin is considered the most important and powerful god because
he is the god of countless important things, and he sheds his knowledge of all that he possesses
on the rest of the world.
Primary Sources
1. “Sayings of the High one” In the Poetic Edda
