Odin
(a.k.a. All-Father, Father of the Slain, God of the Hanged, God of Prisoners, God of Cargoes, The High One, The Inflamer, Swift Tricker, Father of Victory, the Blind One, Shifty Eyed, One with a Magic Staff, Destroyer, Terror)
Odin has one eye that blazes like the sun, having lost his
other eye in payment for a drink from the well of Mimir. He once
stole the mead of poetry, and some myths say he grants poetic
ability and inspiration to mortals. Odin hung himself on Yggdrasil
for nine days, pierced by his own spear, until by virtue of his suffering
he was able to reach down and seize Magical Runes that
were the source of wisdom and magical lore. His suffering so
impressed the son of the giant Bolthor that he taught Odin nine
magical songs that allowed him to master eighteen magical spells
previously unknown to any man or woman. Odin is fated to be
swallowed by Loki’s son Fenrir at Ragnarok, but his own son
Vidar will avenge him.
Wearing a dark, wide-brimmed hat that casts a shadow over his
face, Odin travels as a mortal wanderer. As a god of magic, war, and
wisdom, he visits Midgard to distribute knowledge and victory in
battle. His many titles hint at his various roles.
"Gunnbjorn, you are destined for greatness," my father said. I did not really believe him, not until Odin showed himself to me. Yes, Odin. The night was heavy and the moon was full. I had a bladder full of mead, so I went outside to relieve myself. My piss puddled in the soil, as piss does. In the moonlight, I saw my own reflection there. My own, and another. Standing at my shoulder, taller than any had a right to be, was a bearded man in a broad hat, a raven on each shoulder. His single eye fixed on me, bore into my skull. Can you believe it? This, the All-Father himself? He nodded once, and I knew, I knew. The raven-tester had chosen me. For what, I did not know. But I will soon. I hear your laughter. Yes, I saw Odin in a puddle of piss. Yet how many of you have seen the Hanged God, eh? That's right. Odin has shown me my path forward. One day, I will carve my name into history.
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