Odin

Odin (Old Norse Odhinn, Anglo-Saxon Woden, Old High German Wodan, Woutan), in Norse mythology, king of the gods. His two black ravens, Huginn ("Thought") and Muninn ("Memory"), flew forth daily to gather tidings of events all over the world.

Odin, father and ruler of the Norse gods, always wore his golden helmet and carried his magic sword. His two ravens, Huginn ("Thought") and Muninn ("Memory"), bring him news from all over, and his two wolves, Geri ("Greedy") and Freki ("Gobbler") wait at his feet. Christel Gerstenberg/Corbis

As god of war, Odin held court in Valhalla, where all brave warriors went after death in battle. His greatest treasures were his eight-footed steed, Sleipnir, his spear, Gungnir, and his ring, Draupner.

Odin was also the god of wisdom, poetry, and magic, and he sacrificed an eye for the privilege of drinking from Mimir, the fountain of wisdom.

Odin's three wives were earth goddesses, and his eldest son was Thor, the god of Thunder.

"Odin," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001 http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2000 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.