Here are some facts about Odin, the father of the Norse gods.
- Odin was one of the warrior gods (Aesir).
- He was the father of all of the other Norse gods and the first god to exist.
- The Vikings believed that Odin made the Erth and the sky, created humans and all of the other living creatures.
- Odin was an incredibly powerful ruler, and he could be be both stern and angry.
- Odin was the god of battle and he could cause wars on Earth simply by throwing his spear. Odin decided who won battles and this is why he was worshipped so much by the Vikings.
- The Vikings believed that those who fought bravely and died in battle would feast with Odin and the other fallen heroes in the halls of Valhalla (or Valholl) located in Asgard, the realm of the gods.
- Odin sat upon a great throne called Hlidskjalf and watched over the nine worlds.
- He kept two ravens, Huginn (Thought) and Muninn (Memory). The birds flew across the worlds gathering infoamtion and news for Odin.
- As well as being the god of war, Odin was also the god of poetry and wisdom.
- Odin often visited the other worlds in search of wisdom. He travelled in disguise – usually wearing a blue cloak and wide-brimmed hat.
- Odin rode an eight-legged horse called Sleipnir.
- He carried a magical spear called Gungnir.
- Odin had one eye.
- Odin kept two pet wolves, Geri and Freki.
- Odin was married to the goddess Frigg – although he believed to have had other wives too.
- His sons were Thor, Balder, Hodr and Vali.
- Odin could tell what the future held for an human being.
