Wotan the AllFather
Thor and Baldur might be more beloved by the people, but Wotan stands head and shoulders above his kin in power. He is the creator who carved up the body of the first giant to make the world; he is the warlock who stole curses and charms from witches; he is the magician who learned and mastered the arts of magic from his adopted Vanir daughter Freyja. He rewards the heroic dead with a place at his table and is the patron of proud and ruthless kings. Ravens fly across the world to bring him news and rumors, and from his enchanted throne he can spy upon all creation. He plucked out his own eye in return for wisdom from the Well of Knowledge, and when that wasn’t enough he hung himself upon the World Tree, learning the secrets of the runes from the Norns within the Spring of Urd. His name is a kenning for wisdom, poetry, and the kingly arts of war. Wotan embodies the virtues of a strong king—foresighted and wise, ruthless toward his enemies but generous to followers, master of magic and lord of war. He is the god of strife, chieftains, and kings, master of runes and stealer of wisdom. He slew Yimir the first giant and so earned the enmity of all giantkind. Their continuing battles have been largely one-sided; Wotan’s superior cunning and wisdom ensure he triumphs time and time again along with his enchanted spear that will always hit its intended target. His main driving force is his self preservation; when he first drank from the Well of Knowledge he saw events that did not make sense. So he tricked Tyr into setting up a peace treaty with the giants when in all reality it was a front so that Wotan could steal the knowledge of their sacred tapestry, he could only gain glimpses of the events of Ragnarok enscribed upon it before he had to flee after being discovered. Upon that tapestry one of the things he witnessed was the heartbreaking betrayl of Tim and Loki along with his kin, and so he set out to ensure they could never harm anyone.
Depiction. Wotan is typically depicted as an elderly dwarf with long white hair and a large trimmed beard. He has one eye and is typically seen on a throne, wielding his spear, or alongside his Ravens Huggin and Muggin.
Worshippers. Despite such virtues, Wotan’s followers are relatively few. Wotan is dour and his gifts carry a price; he is most beloved by the few jarls, wizards, and graybeards who value wisdom. Young warriors and maidens see no value in such a grandfatherly figure. Among dwarves, the worship of Wotan the All-Father represents a step in life, beyond callow youth and into maturity and middle age. Older men and dwarves proclaim their loyalty at his shrines and feed his ravens bread, but some women revere Wotan as well, for the swift news his ravens bring or for the power of rune magic. In addition, Wotan has many followers among the ravenfolk. They see him as the greatest of figures, for his servants are feathered and wise, and Wotan is as wily as every huginn wishes to be.
Commandments
Depiction. Wotan is typically depicted as an elderly dwarf with long white hair and a large trimmed beard. He has one eye and is typically seen on a throne, wielding his spear, or alongside his Ravens Huggin and Muggin.
Worshippers. Despite such virtues, Wotan’s followers are relatively few. Wotan is dour and his gifts carry a price; he is most beloved by the few jarls, wizards, and graybeards who value wisdom. Young warriors and maidens see no value in such a grandfatherly figure. Among dwarves, the worship of Wotan the All-Father represents a step in life, beyond callow youth and into maturity and middle age. Older men and dwarves proclaim their loyalty at his shrines and feed his ravens bread, but some women revere Wotan as well, for the swift news his ravens bring or for the power of rune magic. In addition, Wotan has many followers among the ravenfolk. They see him as the greatest of figures, for his servants are feathered and wise, and Wotan is as wily as every huginn wishes to be.
Commandments
- Be canny in judgment, skilled in poetry, and quick to lead men into honorable battle.
- Unlock the secrets of the universe
- Rid yourself of being content, always strive for more, the sky is infinite
- Pride yourself as a better among your peers, bear the responsibility of their lives in your hands
Relationships
Spouses
Frigg the AllMother
(spouse)
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