Odin — The All-Father who saw everything and knew everything

Odin was the chief god of the Vikings – the All-Father who ruled over wisdom, war, poetry and death. He was both loved and feared, and his influence permeated Viking society and everyday life. Odin represented the quest for knowledge and power , but his gifts often came with demands: wisdom required sacrifice, and courage in battle was not something that came for free.

Odin traveled with his two ravens, Hugin (thought) and Munin (memory), who flew over the world every day and returned with information. Through them, Odin kept track of the actions of people, the state of the world and the gods themselves. He ruled over Valhalla , where the brave warriors who had fallen in battle were given their place. For the Vikings, it was a great honor to be called there, and many aimed for this through their actions in life.

He was also connected to the mysteries of the runes , and it is said that he sacrificed one of his eyes at Mimer's well to gain the gift of wisdom. Runes were not just writing symbols; they were magical signs that conveyed the power of the gods to humans.

Rites and runes

Vikings often offered drink, food, or small objects at sacred stones and groves to Odin, especially during blasphemy and other sacred rituals . Runes were carved on wood, stones, or jewelry and were invoked for wisdom, strength, and guidance. Some central runes from the Younger Futhark were:

• ᚬ (Áss / Os) – “god, divine power”, used to invoke Odin's blessing and divine insights.
• ᛏ (Týr) – “justice, strength, courage”, sometimes linked to Odin during wars or oaths to ensure order and loyalty.

The runes could be worn as jewelry, carved on weapons or wooden objects, and were both protection and a symbol of man's contact with the god. Odin was especially important to völvars, female seers, who sought his guidance through sajd and prophecies.