Gone Medieval Odin, Asgard & the Norse Gods
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Oct 7, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Professor Carolyne Larrington, an expert in Old Norse literature, dives deep into the complexities of Odin, the multifaceted god of wisdom and war. She recounts Odin's quest for knowledge, including his self-sacrifice on Yggdrasil to acquire runes. The tragic tale of Baldr unfolds, highlighting Frigg's fatal oversight. Larrington weaves in tales of Loki's shapeshifting antics and the symbolism of Odin's ravens, creating captivating insights into how these myths mirror human nature and societal values.
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Odin's Multifaceted Role
- Odin combines roles as a war-god, poetry-god, and a cunning ancestor figure who intervenes in human affairs.
- His many functions explain his contradictory, enigmatic portrayal in Norse myth.
How Odin Stole the Mead Of Poetry
- Odin infiltrates the giants' mountain, seduces the guardian and drains the Mead of Poetry by trickery and shape-shifting.
- He escapes as an eagle, ejects some bad mead, and secures inspiration for gods and worthy poets.
Odin's Sacrifices For Knowledge
- Odin gives mankind poetry and the runes after arduous quests, including hanging himself on Yggdrasil for nine nights.
- He also sacrificed an eye to Mimir's well to gain mystical wisdom and prophetic insight.