Like many other days of the week, Wednesday is named after a Norsegod. In this instance, the deityis Odin, who in Old English was known as Woden. Though he has been overshadowed by his son Thor in popular culture, Odin was the supreme god of the Norse religion.
As one of the most prominent gods, Odin was revered and prayed to for a wide variety of causes. He was associated with wisdom, healing, death, knowledge, war, sorcery, poetry, and more. Odin is also credited with the creation of the world and the first humans, Ask and Embla. There is not much in Norse mythology that doesn’t involve Odin. The mythicalfemale warriors, the Valkyries, are commanded by Odin. He also oversees Valhalla, an afterlifefor those slain in battle.
Despite his lofty status, Odin wasn’t always depicted as the typical supreme warrior. Often he was seen as an older man, with a long, flowing beard. He had only one eye, having exchanged the other for wisdom. He was usually shown covered in a cloakand carrying a spear. For something more fantasticalin appearance, Sleipnir, his horse, fits the bill. This animal had eight legs, runesinscribed on its teeth, and the ability to fly through the air.
Unlike the god of Tuesday, Týr, Odin didn’t fade away with the passing of time. He actually remained one of the most well-known of all Norse gods. He was a prominent figure among Germanictribes, and his myths were spread far and wide by the Vikings. Even today, Odin appears in rural folklore throughout Europe.
What Did You Learn?
1. What was the Norse god that Wednesday was named for connected with?
2. What was special about Odin ’s mount?
參考答案:
1. Wisdom, healing, death, knowledge, war, sorcery, poetry, and more.
2. It had eight legs, runes inscribed on its teeth, and the ability to fly through the air.
