Odin Unveiled: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Norse God

Óðinn is known to be the chief god in the myths of the Old Norse texts, but his place in the pantheon is peculiar, not aligning with other Indo-European cultures. This video explores the origin of Odin, the influences on his name, his attributes, but perhaps most importantly, why he sits where he does within mythology, a role that is as old as the Proto Indo-Europeans.
🌍 Links
Patreon: / crecganford
Twitter: / crecganford
Facebook: / crecganford
Instagram: / crecganford. .
Mythology Database: www.mythologydatabase.com/
🧡 Please respect other's cultures and beliefs. Racism, discrimination or threatening speech will not be tolerated.
📚 References
Poetic Edda; translations by Larrington or Petit
Prose Edda; translation by Antony Faulkes
Prayer and Laughter by Anatoly Liberman
Comparative Mythology by Jan Puhvel
Jackson Crawford has done as much for education in the Old Norse language than anyone I know, and for those wishing to study the Old Norse language his channel is linked below, along with direct links to the videos I talk about;
/ @jacksoncrawford
Odin’s Title Allfather: • Odin's Title "Allfathe...
The Name Odin: Some thoughts: • The Name 'Óðinn' (Odin...
📑 Chapters
0:00 Introduction
1:27 Odin, Wotan, Woden
4:15 The Indo-Europeans
7:06 Why is Odin called Odin?
9:40 The Pantheon Problem
12:00 Was Woden really a chief god?
20:55 The origin of the name Woden
25:20 Odr, before Odin or after Woden?
31:30 Runes and the Romans
34:21 The One-Eyed God
38:45 Shamanism
40:12 Odin an All Father?
54:20 Who was Óðinn?

[@Crecganford]

Do you have any thoughts on the origins of Odin?

[@MrRabiddogg]

I am by no means an expert, but in my understanding of Odin and of Lugh, they both seem to have a number of similarities. The Shamanistic view points mostly. Ditto Freya and the Morrigan. I wouldn't mind seeing a video comparing the Gallic and Germanic deities.

[@S.J.L]

I think of him as having some parallels with Saturn and Mercury. I've also heard some connect him to Dionysius, in regards to frenzy and mead...Shiva? He is cthonic so some equivalence with Saturn makes sense as Saturn fathers Jupiter. Dis Pater and Taranis... I have a sense of Odin anyway but less so with the Dagda.

[@Davidsavage8008]

Just another fallen angel drunk with war. 💀 1/3 fell from grace divided into nations. 🎷

[@thli8472]

Magnus Olsen suggested Valhall is based on Colosseum. I'm thinking Odin could be based on an emperor.

[@hell-hollowfarmer41]

To understand Odin is to understand Shiva back to the beginning, and then to fast forward across the plains and steppe as the proto-Indo Europeans traveled with their chariots and cartwheels creaking, campfires sending sparks up into the great unknown vastness of the cosmos. And to understand Shiva, the divine, is to know that different lands have different energies, and that only the wilds of Odin could give a culture the bite to make it through a Nordic winter where Frost Giants doubtlessly roamed in the shadows past the campfire light. Both the meditative aspects of Shiva, his communion with the animals and spirits, and his fierceness, as the destroyer were required... and perhaps his affinity for intoxicants. Does not sacrificing himself to himself on the World Tree to gain knowledge of the Runes sound like something Shiva would do? And as for the name, Odin, the All-father, it is my belief that is connected to Vedic teachings that Aumm is the sound of creation, take that to Amen for the Christians, Ameen, for the Muslims, and Oh-dan as the phonetic would have it, as I yell loudly for my neighbors across the Hollow who like such things… I do not believe that the linguistic similarity can be mere coincidence, Oh-dan, Wotan, Amen; but I do believe as you have previously asserted that the union of the Assir and Vanir represented the Indo European Gods entering into union with the preexisting Gods of Scandinavia, and that the forms of the Divine required by people changes over time with their cultural and environmental needs. Thank you so much for running one of my favorite shows on KZbin! PS, the ram lamb is currently roasting with rosemary, thyme, and salt, at a nice low temperature plenty of time for a cup of tea and more Crecganford!

[@Valdagast]

_“I told you I would tell you my names. This is what they call me. I'm called Glad-of-War, Grim, Raider, and Third. I am One-Eyed. I am called Highest, and True-Guesser. I am Grimnir, and I am the Hooded One. I am All-Father, and I am Gondlir Wand-Bearer. I have as many names as there are winds, as many titles as there are ways to die. My ravens are Huginn and Muninn, Thought and Memory; my wolves are Freki and Geri; my horse is the gallows.”_

[@spiritualanarchy5465]

Like a Goddess of 10,000 names so also are the Gd's

[@inarii_Othy]

I AM ODIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNN

[@Davidsavage8008]

Just one of the many that fell from grace and removed from heaven just one of the 1/3. Loved by the creator enough to dwell in man's blood till they love.🎉

[@Dice_roller]

@@Davidsavage8008 Nonsense.

[@brianchauncey1547]

My favorite scene from American Gods!!!! Truly Epic! Hail Odin, Alfadhirhaiti!

[@ASMRChess]

You should consider adding “ASMR” to one of your titles or something like “Learn The Origin of Odin and Relax ASMR”… Because these brilliant videos are basically perfect educational ASMR and I think you could potentially reach a new and huge audience by helping the algorithm understand that your content is perfectly suited for relaxation. This channel is criminally underrated.

[@sreedevi92]

Hi I just wanted to share that in Kerala, India there used to be a community named odiyan. They were skilled in shape changing into different beasts and birds. Usually they use it as a camouflage to do it by contract to scare someone or the so. I don't know exact details and my knowledge is limited so if you find it interesting maybe you can look into cross cultural similarities of words used in different cultures. Just a suggestion. I love listening to you ❤ take care

[@shadowbanned1999]

That was a WILD wikipedia article. From shapeshifting to fearmongering to murdering all the way to drinking the remains of unalive fetuses. They kinda sound just like the modern global elites lmfao.

[@jennacoryell4160]

That is an interesting claim. Odin is well known in many of the stories to be a shape shifter. Particularly into various animals, a snake to gain access through a small opening, a bird to escape danger. And often disguised when in human form.

[@zaco-km3su]

That's a good suggestion!

[@michaelpettersson4919]

For someone that are sceptical about actual shapechanging I can definitely envision a culture that wear animalistic outfits during cermonies. A mask with a beak, wings attatached to the arms and feathers could allow someone to represent a bird and so forth.

[@varjovirta3085]

@@michaelpettersson4919 in imagination even pigs could fly

[@erlinggaratun6726]

In Norwegian the wild hunt is called 'the Asgard raiders' Åsgårdsreien

[@HouseMediaLLC]

Look up Azagarium, Odisi, Odisha and Asurgarh

[@DullyDust]

Can't wait to hear about how the Old Grey Wanderer came about. I really love listening to your episodes about the old Norse gods in particular as I grew up in Denmark with a lot of their stories and your videos both take me back to my childhood fascination and they never fail to teach me new things about the old traditions of my ancestors ❤ thank you

[@gallopingLake6]

Zeus was also attributed to be a stranger visiting homes looking for hospitality in Greek mythology.

[@ansibarius4633]

@@gallopingLake6 I think that's only in the tale of Philemon and Baucis, though? The rest of his visits were more exclusively to women, and with a very specific goal in mind... Hermes appears more often among humans, if I recall correctly, being the herald of the gods. Hermes/Mercury also seems to be active in similar spheres as Wodan in his capacity as trickster, god of merchants, thieves and other "adventurers", and psychopomp, and by virtue of his association with esoteric wisdom and magic (as Hermes Trismegistos). The attributes are also somewhat similar (hat and staff/spear). This was apparently enough for the Romans to see Mercury and Wodan as (roughly) equivalent.

[@stubbzzz]

My guess, is that part comes from interacting with the Finns or other similar tribes in the area who had an old grey wandering wizard as one of their most popular gods, named Väinämöinen.

[@DullyDust]

@@stubbzzz I can definitely believe that they are related!

[@Emymagdalena]

I absolutely love this. I was also thinking about similarities with Dionysus, the erratic movements and wanderings, and the motif of dying and rebirth.

[@crfox]

Could definitely be! The erratic movements have a connotation of playfulness which brings to mind both Dionysus and Shiva.

[@sattarhakro9517]

well described the origin of woden/ odin. in our language sindhi we also use word "wado" for big, older, father, headman and chief .

[@starrmont4981]

I'm playing Valheim when this was posted, great timing!

[@booklover882000]

This channel is gold. Thanks, Crecganford!

[@Crecganford]

Thank you.

[@dalestaley5637]

I loved this! Glad to have you back Jon. I hope your trip was fun.

[@erokul]

What a treat! This is the kind of videos I enjoy the most! Absolutely love it!

[@levicrandall]

Spectacular dissection & presentation, Crecganford. This is the video I knew you would eventually deliver to this community when I subscribed over a year ago. Thank you, Sir.

[@erikhoff5010]

Excellent presentation! Well researched and organized. Thank You so much for the effort to produce this video. Skal

[@stubbzzz]

Great video! I’ve been fascinated with this topic ever since you first started this channel. I learn more every time.

[@icenarsin5283]

Fascinating work as always. Thank you!

[@staticdynamic1605]

I simply loved this keep them coming, love your work

[@ZKBruhman]

Probably one of your best, most informative videos!

[@Crecganford]

Thank you so much.

[@tianmere]

One of your best videos yet. I'm going to have to rewatch this to make sure I didn't miss anything.

[@Crecganford]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@kariannecrysler640]

Such a thorough explanation on Odin’s story. I loved it 💯💕

[@Crecganford]

Thank you.

[@emom358]

Another excellent video, leaving a lot of room for pondering about all of the connections within different pantheons.

[@Crecganford]

Thank you.

[@tuikupp9750]

Thank You! Very interesting, I am learning new information from your channel.👍

[@jsharveyPRIME]

Thank you very much Jon for this well researched topic and these wonderful insights!

[@Crecganford]

And thank you for your kind words.

[@bencopeland3560]

Hot damn! I’ve been waiting for this one for a long time.

[@Mahablast]

Shun not the mead, | but drink in measure; Speak to the point or be still; For rudeness none | shall rightly blame thee If soon thy bed thou seekest. 🍵🍵🍵🍵 A cup of tea I drink with thee, and rightly so. Amidst the flames all sit with tales, and to you dear friend a toast. Cheers🫖🍻

[@Grimhead]

Great video. Thanks!

[@stargazer7184]

Thank you so much for sharing your insight with us. I love your videos.

[@Waaromdan11]

Only wanted to say that I missed a name of him in your row, in the Netherlands we call Odin Wodan. For some reason people don’t know/realize that the Netherlands borders Germany and sits in a nice nook between the UK and Scandinavia. Thank you for your great videos! I myself am on team Tyr and would love to see more on him and Fenrir because they are just so interesting. Vriendelijke groeten! 😊

[@ansibarius4633]

Not sure if the form "Wodan" is attested here though. The Utrecht Baptismal Vow has "Woden". "Wodan" is found in the Old High German Merseburg Charms ("Phol ende Wodan vuorun zi holza"). But we do use that form of the name.

[@DC69-tp9pp]

Arthur Estes The 3rd I never got to properly thank you, you can take a punch. Thank you Odin. You can relax on trying to fight/train me everytime I see you. I am getting that gym membership like I said.

[@Thanhatos]

Thank you again. Always a pleasure to learn new things in a mythology I thought I knew quite well. :)

[@eardwulf785]

This is right up my street, nice one Jon.

[@wolfgaenger]

John this is so well done, thank you!

[@Crecganford]

You're very welcome!

[@ianhenk]

Thank you! Each of the well-known indoeuropean gods should have a video like this.

[@Crecganford]

I could certainly try with time, a fine idea.

[@ericcook8422]

Wow. I applaud your work. Very educational.

[@izzie1975]

Wow, this was such a great interpretation of the records that are still around that whisper the truths of the past! Thank you so much for your hard work this was an absolute treat to learn about , as this topic is talked about a lot w no real explanation , I can’t say it enough thank thank you thank you

[@Crecganford]

And thank you for your kind words, they are appreciated.

[@lccp690]

This is absolutely fascinating. I appreciate granularity on this topic as it relates to the development of gods through language and regional travel. I find humanity endlessly interesting when it comes to how fluid beliefs are and how we shape our gods to fit our lives.

[@icenarsin5283]

You should get a sponsorship from Twinings. You are the best reason for a cup of tea on the internet.

[@freidrichnietzsche7851]

great video, i myself have recently taken cotton to the idea that odin is actually a form of the storm god. i think his association with the wild hunt is because he's a wind and thunder god, thor being his son is because he is an aspect of odin, in a similar way that thor's sons are aspects of him. thor is a sort of "zeus of the earth." to me, gungnir is a lightning bolt. this would fit well with his parallels with rudra, who himself has aspects of a storm god and is tied closely with indra. his storm aspects are simply less emphasized in the germanic world and primarily associated with his son, but no god has a monopoly on any one symbol. i personally see in the creation myth a cattle raiding myth, which indeed prefigures the practice if sacrifice, but is a decision made to return the cattle/wealth/women to the rightful owners, the progeny of buri, rather than ymir, who suckles on her. this has resonances in the greek succession myths, where odin and his brothers attain kingship through defeat of ymir, creating cosmic order and dividing heaven and earth. this is some heavy extrapolation in my part but it does have resonances throughout the myths. it also just makes sense in the context of the ideology of sacrifice, which in this way would prosecute a feud, establish the cosmic order/sacral kingship, and *bring wealth to the tribe.*

[@aramkaizer7903]

I think the storm association between Rudra-Indra and Odin-Thor are interesting to consider, but about the Firey aspects of Rudra in respects to Odin?

[@freidrichnietzsche7851]

@@aramkaizer7903 in my research, i have found that the sacred libation ("the soma") or the blood of the sacrifice is associated or equated with fire. not only this, but lighting is itself a form of heavenly fire. even the fire of drunkenness, or of divine madness, or of wrath, can be tied together. the lighting strikes, the wind fans the flames, the procession of the wild hunt howls and thunders bearing torches. odin is said to drink only wine. when mankind is created, he is given breath by odin. why? he makes the blood burn in man, he fans the flames (one could even see the process of starting a fire with two sticks in the tale). blood is cold seawater without its heat, perhaps even a profane and ritually impure substance. the greek philosophers would call this breath pneuma. even in the act of sacrifice, intuitively one would not use cold, coagulated blood, but the hot blood of the slaughter, and then perform the burnt offering, letting the smoke rise to appease the gods, smoke and fire and wind which might be seen in thunder clouds. these are my own beliefs.

[@dragonsoldier1829]

My good sir, in my opinion, you should start a pod cast. I love your content. It is very informative.

[@ShekinahGwaii]

thank you! this is awesome 🤗

[@heimatliebe116]

Absolutely splendid explanations, thank you! I would also love to find out more about Yngvi, if you please!

[@Hellemokers]

Great video!

[@Crecganford]

Thanks!

[@pablobalde1121]

Just made a brew and I thought I'd check the youtube out. This is the first video in my recommendations. You made me say out loud 'oh wow.' Thank you for your wonderful face.

[@ianjohnston7469]

I would like to hear more on Tyr. I know very little on him besides the Fenrir myth. Love your lectures!

[@gcanaday1]

I'd like to see a deep dive of him in his shaman role, and how that may have influenced Indo-European beliefs, understandings, and practices. The etymology of his name is important, but I think is ultimately secondary to the experience of him.

[@josephpercy1558]

I think 'shamanism' can only be defined very loosely. It comes from the Siberian _tungus_ medicine man/woman who have their own set of customs and rites that are at variance with other ethnic groups. There were probably "shamanic" elements in the Nordic/Germanic rites and customs, from the influence of the Sami tribes, but I doubt there was much that was fully "shamanic" in the way we think about it.

[@gcanaday1]

@@josephpercy1558 There are reasons why I ask this. I think that what was there was suppressed before our primary sources were written down. Given the location of the original cradle of Indo-European culture, I have a difficult time with the concept that this wasn't a much more prominent element than is given credit. Yes, "shaman" is a wide-open term. But I challenge anyone to come up with a better one as I've got absolutely no replacement.

[@user-ln9dh2bq8j]

He gave his third eye for clairvoyance. How could you have an imagination if you could see the future and all future outcomes. Hung dead for 9 days (9 is the number for completion) to gain the power of the spoken runes. I've heard that Norse culture is a cargo cult. If that's true I wonder who they were immatating?

[@varjovirta3085]

i don't believe proto-Ie religion was shamanistic at all or even animistic. When we look now where they came from you do not see any signs of shamanism. Animism shamanism very likely came as substrate influence from from pre IE religions

[@xflvincce]

@@gcanaday1 The word you're looking for is seiðr.

[@ernestschroeder9762]

Great show

[@stoicsavage509]

Wow... So glad I found this channel 🙏🙌 thank you! ❤️

[@Crecganford]

And thank you for watching and your kind words.

[@joyousmonkey6085]

I cannot thank you enough for bringing to our attention the book by Anatoly Liberman. I've just received my copy today and shall be glued to it after I finish work this afternoon.

[@Crecganford]

It is an amazing book, and so easy to read.

[@beatnikbulba9891]

Jon, I personally would love to see a video on the Maiming of the Gods, as per the Norse traditions. Would be quite interesting. Love the content as always. Thank you.

[@pilgrim42]

There is a functional connection between Odin and Mercury/Hermes and that is as an initiate in and revealer of the mysteries, such as the runes and trading one of his eyes for knowledge, and perhaps other things as well. Mercury/Hermes was also a leader of the dead to the after-life, and Odin has some similar functions. Thes things all fit in with a priestly role for Odin.

[@sharon_rose724]

Trading one of his eyes for knowledge.. makes me think of the photos of "celebrities" who are clearly initiated considering their control and gain via magick

[@bencopeland3560]

Right! I was thinking that drawing the association based solely on the Raven symbology seems pretty thin.

[@rehm402]

Hermes travels to Egypt and takes the form of an ibis and becomes Thoth.

[@scotthaston612]

You talk so calm, that it helps me talk calmly to my teenager. Who I have watch your videos, when he has a question I can't answer. You're officially part of homeschooling curriculum. Keep up the good work.

[@OriginalPuro]

Why are you unable to control your emotions and talk calmly to your child, or anyone for that matter? Men control their emotions. "The quality of your life is dependent on the quality of your thoughts." - Marcus Aurelius.

[@Dovahkiin0117]

@@OriginalPuro wasn’t ole boi Aurelius sippin on opium drank all the time Prolly wouldn’t care about much either if I was doin the same 😂

[@sognatore6199]

"Wodan" could be related to the Proto-Slavic verb *vodìti, which means "to lead, to conduct" (cf. Polish "wodzić", Russian "водить"). A bunch of paronymous words mean "chieftain, leader" in Slavic languages, e.g. Polish "wòdz", Russian "вождь."

[@erlinggaratun6726]

I think you will find further clues if you take as a starting point the fact that contact between North sea/Baltic culture area and the river landscape to the black sea and the Urals has been continuous, only temporarily interrupted, from the bronze age to the golden horde. Much of Norse mythology seems to have happened here as much as in Scandinavia. In iron age norwegian graves bodies have genes originating in balochistan and cercassia, in addition to the genetics you might expect. Something was definetly going on back then..

[@emer67]

Very interesting and thoughtful

[@ptrpst]

Oh man, this was a good one. Excellent work! As an aside Im hoping someday you may do a video about the god Lugh.

[@Crecganford]

Thank you.

[@Firecell777]

I was not aware that the Roman Mercury and Lugh are associated with Ravens. Is the Mercuio Hranoni the only source we have of this? Great video.

[@Crecganford]

It's the only tangible evidence I can find that is a direct link.

[@shanegooding4839]

There is a story where Hermes changed Eumelos, king of Kos, into a raven with the implication that he was the first, but ravens are mostly associated with Apollo in the Greco-Roman world, just as poetry and wolves are.

[@MrBlazingup420]

In mythology, Set took the one eyed willy of Osiris (Sword of Orion), tossed it into the mouth of the Southern Fish, where we find the Grain god, Dagon. Fomalhaut b, spinning around Fomalhaut, is that the eye of Odin. Out of the Mouth of the Southern Fish, rises the Great One, we call Aquarius. If you play "Fomalhaut" in reverse, you hear it echo "Thou Am Wolf", does that count, eating the one eyed willy, play "Say You're Well Taught" in reverse, you hear it echo "Aquarius".

[@Fabelfjes]

Nice channel mate :)

[@spyridon3089]

When i first stumbled over your videos i thought, let´see but not in a positive way. Now whenever you post something new i think, let´s see in a very positive way! Keep it up

[@Crecganford]

Thank you.

[@lilygrigaitis8355]

I love your work, and this video is as wonderful as always. ❤ I have a personal fascination with the Baltic pantheon, any chance we could get an overview their mythology. I know that a lot of the people who study the Balts today look closely at dainos. You could use that to talk more about the role of songs in the transference of mythology more broadly. Or, if the topic is too niche, would you be able to recommend some reading for me to look in to?

[@Crecganford]

I will try to talk about the Baltic gods as soon as I can, but it is a complex topic with much conflicting research. However, once I have worked it all out I will.

[@lilygrigaitis8355]

@@Crecganford now I'm excited! Thank you!

[@katebretusch3752]

This is super crazy interesting

[@Bjorn_Algiz]

Fascinating indeed! ❤

[@JM-The_Curious]

Wow, this is a much more complex video than I was expecting. It's hard to take it all in, and it seems to ring up a lot of questions. For instance, are there remnants of Manu in any other European mythologies? I think he remains in the myth of Romulus and Remus...are there any others? And what about the history of the Saami people and their myths? Feeling very grateful to have access to content this great for free, thank you Jon!

[@Crecganford]

We see Manu, or a direct equivalent, in Germanic, Vedic, Persian, Iranian, and Roman texts.

[@MerakiPLyhne]

Oh, please, please, please! The artist renderings of stuff in there? Who do I hunt down for the spectacular image of horses and wolves and ravens and eagles all merging together in a dreamy shadow? I'm an author, and I rely on your awesome content (Patreon, too) to help me research. But that image? I'd already described the Völve in my worldbuilding seeing it over a year ago. I need to find the artist. Please, can you help by sharing the visual source material for your video? Thank you so much for the awesome content you put out.

[@Crecganford]

I made that, I will post on Patreon what I did to create that.

[@waynesworldofsci-tech]

Superb Jon! Odin is a fascinating figure. Thank you.

[@Crecganford]

Thank you.

[@waynesworldofsci-tech]

@@Crecganford The evolution of these belief systems is amazing in its complexity. Our ancestors adapted their beliefs as circumstances changed in ways we don’t understand. We need to understand them to understand how beliefs evolve today. I’ve been fighting misinformation, and I often see people’s beliefs shift slowly like Odin’s attributes must have shifted. You are giving me some possible avenues of investigation into how to bring these folk into reality.

[@TenguXx]

I loved this video, and I was wondering if you would do a video on the relationship between Odin and Loki. They seem to be closely related (blood brothers?), but I can't quite parse either their relationship in myth or in their historical development.

[@JM-hr4xp]

Thanks!

[@michaelmartin5177]

At the end when you were talking about Odin replacing Frey and Tyr as the latter lost limbs or weapons, I wondered about the progression of weapons- Frey’s axe, Tyr’s sword, and Odin’s spear. I probably heard that from somewhere but don’t remember. Is status in that society or through time associated with what type of weapon some one used?

[@Crecganford]

Yes, weapons did align with status, and how they are used helps us understand the cultural origins of those using them. This is why studying burials with weapons is so valuable as you can tell a lot because of the weapon and positioning.

[@Nexus-jg7ev]

How do you find the best sources for these topics?

[@Crecganford]

You have to read, and read a lot. Start with a great essay or paper on the subject and then follow the references, and read those, and you will soon find yourself with a plethora of information.

[@MatthewCaunsfield]

I love a bit of Norse discussion. Thanks for your research!

[@jesperandersson889]

odin's relation to Diana (in Vergil's notions of ctonic aspects of Apollo) ?

[@sarot2002]

Thanks for the very interesting lecture! Did I understand correctly that "wodu" was the proto indo european name of the wild hunt spirits according to Anatoly Liberman? Or is this from another source?

[@Crecganford]

Yes that is the correct understanding.

[@GiancarloModugno]

Very impressive! Thank you! I'd like to take a moment to reflect on this passage: "Wōðu, which means and erratic and unpredictable movements, and as these spirits evolved over time into a man Who was riding a horse". I find there is a strong resemblance with the word "weather," which should derive from "weder," strongly linked to atmospheric events. All in all, the concept of wind is very similar to that of "Wōðu." Could we speculate that there might be some correlation between spirits and atmospheric agents initially? Do you plan to make a video focusing on mythology and weather events?

[@Crecganford]

Thank you for the suggestion as it isn't something I had considered before, but will add it to my To Do list.

[@marjoe32]

Between you and Dan Carlin im getting all my Norse lore ❤

[@paolosasso2189]

I struggle a bit to think Wotan, Uuodan, Wodan and Odin are much different from each other given the Proto-Germanic language split as late as the common era. I would explain the perceived differences by unattested lore that did not survive in areas outside Iceland. Juxtapose this with similarities we find in connection with the much much older Indo European languages. Perun, Taranis, Donar, Thor share much in common despite a much older origin and linguistic divergence.

[@tarquinogilvie]

I agree with you here. It really does seem like just linguistic differences. The only thing that comes to mind for me as far as mythological differences are concerned is the one eye myth. But other than that Woden is associated as an ancestral figure (which hints at a broader Sky Father influence/role) as well as the number 9 just as Odin is. "Godan" (origin of the Lombards) is seen as a God who chooses victors in battle just as Odin is. It seems all the reflexes of Wodanaz would have very strong over arching characteristics.

[@larsrons7937]

Extraordinarily exciting. Thank you for this wonderful journey.

[@samiaodeh1229]

Thank you

[@carenkurdjinian5413]

Very interesting topic ……..🌞

[@ianmiller2448]

This is a great video thank you. Could you possibly make a video of how Odin could be connected to Rudra/Shiva. I study old Norse & Hinduism/yoga & shamanism & have heard of this theory before.

[@attekinnula4406]

Excellent video, like always. Thank you! :-) I have a question, though - at the end of the video, an argument was made of Odin replacing/taking the role of Manu by comparing the similarities in the creation story featuring Odin, and the one reconstructed for Proto-Indo-Europeans. However, this PIE myth is indeed reconstructed, not from original source, and I've understood that the Old Norse mythology features prominently in this reconstruction? If so, wouldn't that mean that the similiarities between the two isn't because the Nordic myth was derived from PIE myth (i.e. "Odin took the role of Manu"), but vice versa ("the creation myth with Manu is a reconstruct, based (partially) on the Nordic myth")? Naturally there are other Indo-European myths that likely tell the same story, so the question is not of whether such PIE myth existed, but if the striking similarity of the story stem from the use of Nordic myth material in this reconstruction process (and if it is, I would argue that using this similiarity as an argument would then lose some credibility). Anyway, this was a minor item and all in all I thoroughly enjoy your work. And now.. I'm off to brew some morning tea! :-)

[@Crecganford]

Yes, but the Manu is mention in Germanic, Persian, Vedic, and Roman texts, and is the sacrificer of the Yemo figure in them, and in many he creates man directly or indirectly. And so to me, the absence of Manu in Old Norse myth, and this appearance in others, doing the same role, gives me confidence that this replacement has happened. There is slightly more to it than I say in the video, but that will be in another video about Odin’s brothers which I will try and release in the next few months.

[@attekinnula4406]

@@Crecganford Ok, so the absence of Manu in particular (as a recognized character) is a reinforcing factor. Thank you, I knew there had to be more to it :-). Looking forward for the video you mentioned!

[@simongoldwhite5813]

Hope you talk about his brothers. Just started watching 🎉

[@Crecganford]

I mention them very briefly, in how they have replace Hoenir and Lodur, as I have a separate video about them coming out soon where I can really focus on who they were.

[@simongoldwhite5813]

@@Crecganford looking forward to watching it

[@proto-germanicsongsandtexts]

Wōdanaz in protogermanic comes from Wōdaz which means at least 3 things: excited, frenzied/obsessed, or angry. That's where we got these words from: English "wode", Dutch "woede" , German "Wut" , Icelandic "óður" which all mean something related to angriness or madness, and Gothic "𐍅𐍉𐌳𐍃" wods, which means "possessed by the devil".

[@truepremise2053]

The Log In The Fire represents "The Subject" & is about discussion the nature of Communication as a Dimensional Law that provides the ACT OF CONSCIOUSNESS that we refer to as consciousness.

[@alexdamman6805]

Terrific episode, well done! I think of Rome from time to time, haha.

[@not-a-theist8251]

What does LPIE refer to?

[@mikkel6938]

Where I grew up on the Danish island Samsø, there is a hill called Onsbjerg (pronounced Wonsbjerg by the locals), and by it's foot is a village by the same name. This I discovered to have been derived of/ or corresponding with being called Odinsbjerg (meaning Odin's mountain/hill), which I find interesting because the local version of his name sounds more similar to his Anglo-Saxon name (Wo'n), even though it's smack in the middle of Denmark where people used to speak old Norse far as I know. I also read somewhere that Odin is said to have learnt some of his magic abilities on the island, but can't figure out the source of that story. I really wanted to ask if any of the old myths can be connected to locations like that in any agreed upon way? The answer is probably no, because there will be too many local variants of the old stories that make up the Norse culture for example, but I always found it interesting. The island by the way, is well known for having traces of "viking" settlements, and has a big natural harbor where the vikings dug a channel straight through the slimmest part of the island to bring their ships through and use as an escape route so as to not easily be locked in via naval blockades. It is assumed that chieftains from all over the Danish kingdom would meet on Samsø, so maybe it's possible that they agreed the place holds special significance to Odin, but I guess they might just have chosen to believe that, and there's really no way to determine such a thing. Sorry for the long post, but I really value your videos, and would love to hear your thoughts on this. Cheers!

[@shanegooding4839]

There seems to me to be some Indo-European link between Odinn losing his eye and sacrifice. The Vedic god of wealth Bhaga lost both eyes when he gazed upon the first sacrifice. In later versions his eyes are knocked out by Shiva who had not been invited to the sacrifice. The later Hindu god of wealth Kubera also lost an eye when he gazed upon Shiva and Parvati jealously. Odinn may also have some connection to wealth: he raided the underworld and brought back cattle and the Norse word for 'cattle' (fe) also meant 'money'. Cattle are also linked to sacrifices which were a necessity to ensure further wealth would come to early Indo-European people. Incidentally Hermes/Mercury was also a cattle raider and a god of gain and riches. If the Romans heard that Germanic folk worshipped a similar god the identification is not so surprising.

[@josephpercy1558]

A bit technical, but fe, fehu doesn't mean 'money.' Currency was the barter system for the Old Norse.

[@sirseigan]

In the vedic texts there is a great poet sage and Guru of the Asuras that was secretly listning in on Shiva to gain divine knowledge and had hidden in a drinking vessel of water. With a straw going in to the drinking vessel shiva accidently poked out _one_ of his eyes. However this guru remains and learns many _divine secrets_. One of these was to communicate and raise the dead and bring them back to life. Sounds familiar? Even other details such as some family members names can be linked, or the connection to the evening star (which can be both Venus and Mercury). This Guru was aparently also a great politician as he thaught prominent figures political science. One interesting detail is that he is said not to be born an Asura but due to some need for vengence against the Devas he became the Asuras Guru and lead them to many _victories_. He was married to the daughter of Indra, the ruler of Svarga. He is known as Asuraguru, Sukracharya (acharya mean "expert teacher"), Asuracharaya and Shukra or Sukra. He also became known under the epitet of Kavya Ushanas where the latter means "passionate".

[@richardcook2970]

Great topic to discuss, I will listen to it again to make sure I absorb the complexity of it all! I am sure you are aware of the Anglo Saxons indo European story of creation?

[@insol1516]

Very interesting informations, but there are many books explaining Odin, Hænir and Lóður. I'm an Icelander and I have studied the etymology of the words here too, and have read about this, I think this is the best explaining of Völuspá, :"Önd gaf Óðinn", (life or breath of life. Önd means breath, or breath of life), "Óð gaf Hænir" (knowledge or wisdom. Óður means poetry, yes, but poetry can also be linked to wisdom), "Lá gaf Lóðurr ok litu góða", (lá means sea or blood or godly race in this context), "litu góða or litu goða", (litu is color of the skin or good looks, beauty). Odin, god of life, Hænir god of wisdom and Lóður god of classes like Rígur, Heimdallur. This reminds us of Vedas of India and social structure.

[@MrBlazingup420]

In Akkadian, din-gir means "deity", "Star" and Sky. Look at the cuneiform form sign for din-gir and the astrological sign for Jupiter. Are they the same

[@tomivainionpaa8650]

I have enjoyed your videos for a while now. Absolutely fantastic and intriguing. This video about òdin started me thinking the Finnish Kalevala and obvious parallels between òdin and Väinämöinen. I still need to look into Kalevala and the notion and clear association, to the wild hunt

[@Crecganford]

You have to remember, whilst a fantastic epic, the Kalevala was made in response to Finland wanting a national epic, and so a significant proportion of its contents have been created at the time of writing less than 200 years ago, and so may include influence from other local myths.

[@closetmonster5057]

@@Crecganford "Significant proportion of its contents have been created at the time of writing" What an outright lie! It's estimated that about 3% of Kalevalas content was made up by Lönnrot and, of course, the way that the poems are crafted as one solid story is artificial. But the characters and their stories in their core are not something that was invented out of thin air just because "Finland wanted a national epic". Infact Lönnrot started to collect and release these poems decades earlier than the idea about Kalevala was even born. These oral poems were also collected and released by many others than just Lönnrot already starting in 18th century, so we know they are real. Väinämöinen himself was first time mentioned in 1551 in Mikael Agricolas list of pagan gods of the Finns as "a smith of poems and songs".

[@HeerHalewijn]

@Crecganford, It would be a fun exercise to try and discover some ultraconserved mythemes. If I had the resources and know how I'd ingest myths from around the world into a database then leverage AI to do that discovery. Do you think your database could be integrated with AI to do that?

[@Crecganford]

I am involved in a project to leverage AI on data, and hope to see some results within a few months.

[@HeerHalewijn]

​​@@Crecganford, that's exciting! I can't wait to see what is identified and how old.

[@thomas_jay]

Could you cover the origins of Darves some time in the future?

[@Crecganford]

Yes, I did just speak about them on Patreon, but can make a long form video about them, maybe in a couple of months.

[@Soberfuzz]

"Who Odin REALLY was...". Love it.

[@Baked-As-A-Cake]

Your videos have multiplied my understanding of the Origins of religion, and more importantly LINGUISTICS, by infinite-fold. Between you and Metatron, I should have a PHD in both.

[@dhuratanuredini]

Interesting analysis 🧐🤓😎👍🏼✌️ I think, you might think that Agron Dalipaj's (etymologist) theories and studies, are interesting 😎

[@klaesfuglsang6769]

great video. Would point out, that on the Shamanism, that some scholars have, pointed to influence from the huns, and their shamanistic rituels.

[@Crecganford]

There was some influence in their from the Iron Age, and I will talk about that in a future video as it effects some other aspects of Old Norse Mythology.

[@klaesfuglsang6769]

@@Crecganford excited for it its a topic i find interesting, since im from Denmark.

[@JQS8810]

Please do a tour of your bookshelves

[@Crecganford]

When I have finished tidying up my office, it is still messy from the move.

[@meg2249]

I’d love a video on those goddess statues/reproduction figurines that are in the background! Like where/when the originals are from and the supposed stories attributed to them!

[@CillianRangarsson]

I am a Norse pagan lord Odin is my god and lord Thor is also my god I pray to my gods everyday for their knowledge and wisdom and strength to help me be a better man all hail the Norse gods of Valhalla skal peace blessed be from a very proud heathen