Norse Mythology

I'm not going to talk about dogs this morning. I'm going to talk about my all-time favorite mythological figure, Odin.

I love Odin for a number of reasons. His name is pretty badass, to start, combining the elements of "fury" and "poetry".

He is associated with almost everything - or, anything he wanted to be associated with. War, poetry, shamanism, battle, victory, magic, death, prophecy, hunting, and--maybe paramount among them, wisdom.

Today, we tend to focus on all the "good" aspects of Odin's character. We remember him - and he is often embodied as - a just, noble, and wise ruler. He is revered as heroic and courageous--in high contrast to his blood-brother, Loki, who is often thought of as treacherous, manipulative, and cruel.

But it wasn't always that way and I would not love the figure of Odin as much if it were not for his similarities to Loki and the dichotomy in how they are treated.

Odin and Loki were actually portrayed as very similar characters. Both figures are clever and manipulative in their own right. They are both tricksters, shape-changers, magicians, and adventurers. They travel together for a long time, they cause trouble, seek treasures, and become heroes. They were equal, to a point.

Yet, where Loki has redeeming features contrary to his modern image (he was a good and caring father, a loyal husband, and always undid his wrongs--albeit with a little pressure), Odin's are curiously absent. Odin was a father to many, but cared for few. He's downright awful and aggressive toward others. He isn't particularly kind, caring, or forgiving. He doesn't apologize for his wrongdoing because, frankly, who is going to make him? If we follow the chain of events, his paranoia is nearly the single-handed reason for the coming of Ragnarok. Yet, we gladly put Odin upon a pedestal.

He is certainly clever and wise, but he is no hero. He is the greatest con-artist.

And perfectly embodied in American Gods.