![]() ![]() ![]() Niflheim was located to the north of Ginnungagap, and was an extremely cold place, with nothing but ice, frost, and fog. From this nothingness, two realms, Niflheim and Muspelheim, emerged. According to one myth, in the beginning, there was a vast emptiness called Ginnungagap. One of Odin’s many epithets was “All-father.” Apart from the belief that he fathered many gods with various women (more about which in a moment), Odin was also regarded as a creator god. (Nicolai Abildgaard / CC0 ) Odin: The Viking Creator God And His Many Children Ymir, the first Norse jotunn giant, sucks at the udder of Auðumbla as she licks Búri out of the ice in a painting by Nicolai Abildgaard, 1790. Additionally, it has been suggested that whilst the elites may have venerated Odin, he may have been less popular amongst the common people compared to his son, Thor. In other words, Tacitus may have been making a sweeping generalization about the religious beliefs of the people he was writing about. Whilst Odin was certainly a major deity amongst the ancient Germans, there is insufficient evidence to show that his cult was primary to all the Germanic tribes. Tacitus’ statement, however, must be taken with a pinch of salt. Norse Mythology: Tales of Norse Gods, Heroes, Beliefs, Rituals & the Viking Legacy.Were Vikings in South America Over 400 Years Before Columbus?.To him on certain stated days it is lawful to offer even human victims.” It has been pointed out that since Mercury’s day was identified as Wednesday, or “Woden’s day,” Tacitus was referring to Odin when he mentioned that the ancient Germans worshipped Mercury. ![]() In his work, Tacitus wrote that the “Of all the gods, Mercury is he whom they worship most. The name Odin is said to be derived from Proto-Germanic “Wodanaz,” which may be translated variously to mean “the fury,” “the furious,” “the inspired,” and “the inspiring.” One of the earliest textual references to the god Odin is found in Germania, written by the Roman historian Tacitus in the 1st century AD. ( Juan Aunión / Adobe Stock) The Norse God Odin Was Also a Primary Germanic Deity Odin, the supreme god in Norse mythology, on his throne with his magical ravens. And he was also the father of the mighty Thor, who is so loved in modern popular culture for his strength. As the primary god of the Norse pantheon, Odin plays an important role in many myths. Apart from that, he was also associated with death, poetry, magic, and prophecy. Nevertheless, in general, Odin is viewed as a wise deity, in addition to his role as the Norse god of war. Consequently, it is difficult to figure out Odin’s exact role and character. These pieces of information include both written sources, such as myths, and archaeological finds, that combined paint a complex picture of this Norse (Viking) god. Although Odin was worshipped more generally in Germanic paganism, the information we have today about this god is derived mostly from Norse mythology. Odin is the chief deity of the Norse pantheon. ![]()
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