The Eddas and Sagas—the anonymously written collections of the oral histories—preserve the songs of the Northern scalds, or poets, telling of the creation myths. They tell of how, in the beginning when there was nothing, whatever the Allfather willed came to pass. Various creatures came into being, including the giants, who became enemies of the gods. First came Surtr, then Ymir (or Orgelmir), then Buri and Thrudgelmir, and others. When Börr, son of the god Buri, married Bestla, they produced three sons. One of these sons was named Odin, which means “spirit.”
In Northern mythology, the gods are called the Æsir (“supporters” or “pillars of the world”). They built the world on the dead body of the giant Ymir, whom they finally slew. The center of his body was named Midgard, which means “middle garden.” This was for humans. To support the heavens, four strong dwarves were employed: Nordri, in the north; Sudri, in the south; Austri, in the east; and Vestri, in the west. An area called Asgard was set aside for the gods. This was where the twelve gods and twenty-four goddesses lived, led by Odin.
Odin (also called Wuotan, or Woden) was the highest, holiest of the gods. He was given the surname Allfather. Two ravens, Hugin (“thought”) and Munin (“memory”) perched on his shoulders. They would fly out each day and return to report all that was taking place. At Odin’s feet lay two wolf-hounds, Geri and Freki.
Allfather created a huge ash tree called Yggdrasil: the tree of the universe, of time, and of life. Its roots reached down to the remotest depths of Niflheim (the realm of the dead) and the spring Hvergelmir, and its evergreen branches (the top one named Lerad) reached up to overshadow Odin’s hall. Various creatures lived in and on the tree.
Odin was the inventor of the runes, the earliest form of writing used in Northern lands. (See also the chapter on Runic symbols.) The characters were first used only for divination but later for the writing of records, inscriptions, and other things. It was believed that wisdom only came through sacrifice, so Odin hung for nine days and nights from the sacred tree Yggdrasil to obtain the knowledge of the runes. He wounded himself with his spear, Gungnir, and hung, gazing down into the immeasurable depths of Niflheim, before gaining that knowledge. This then gave him power over all things. He cut a runic inscription into his spear, and even engraved runes on the teeth of his horse, Sleipnir.
Sleipnir, Odin’s Horse
Odin rode Sleipnir in the Wild Hunt (the sound of rushing wind came to be associated with the sound of Odin hunting). Since Odin was among other things a wind god, his horse had eight feet, for speed.
Thor’s Hammer
Thor’s Hammer is often carried as a talisman. It protects against fire, thunder, and lightning, and serves as a general protection. In the North, Thor’s Hammer has rivaled the crucifix as a sacred symbol.
Wotan’s Cross
Wotan’s Cross is sometimes called the Sun Cross.