Odin, the All-Father
Guess what? Every time you say 'Wednesday', you are saying Odin's name! It comes from the Old English 'Woden's day', and Woden is just the English form of Odin.
Far, far away in the north, there is a place where the gods live. It is called Asgard. It has tall walls, golden halls, and a bridge made of rainbow. The chief god is Odin. He has only one eye, but he can see very far. Everyone lovingly calls him the All-Father.
What Odin wanted most was not shiny treasure, but wisdom. He went to Mimir's well, where the water makes people very wise. Odin gave one of his eyes for a single sip of water. He drank it and became the wisest god of all. From then on, he knew so many things.
Odin also wanted to learn the magic runes. The runes held many secrets. So he climbed the world tree Yggdrasil and stayed quietly on a branch. He did not eat or drink. He just thought and thought. After nine days and nine nights, Odin finally learned the runes! He was so happy, and he shared these magic letters with everyone.
Odin had two good friends. They were two clever ravens named Huginn and Muninn. Every morning, they flapped their wings and flew all over the world. In the evening, they flew back, landed on Odin's shoulder, and whispered the news in his ear. Sometimes flowers had bloomed. Sometimes snow had fallen. Odin listened and smiled happily.
Odin also had two wolves, Geri and Freki. They were his good companions and often walked with him. When Odin went far away, he rode his gray horse, Sleipnir. Sleipnir had eight legs and ran faster than the wind! On his back, Odin could reach faraway places in no time.
Odin held a magic spear called Gungnir. This magic spear was special. When he threw it, it always hit its mark, and then it flew back into his hand. Odin's great hall was called Valhalla. Brave warriors gathered there and happily enjoyed a big, yummy feast, chatting and laughing together.
Odin's wife was the beautiful Frigg. She was gentle and wise, and she knew so many things. Odin's son was Thor, the strong god of thunder. Thor had a big hammer and was always smiling. The whole family lived in Asgard and kept the whole world safe. In the evening, they sat together and chatted warmly.
Odin tells us: true strength does not come from muscles, but from wisdom. To gain wisdom, Odin gave up one eye and learned the magic runes. Little friend, you can become wise too! Read more books, think more, and ask 'why?' Then you can be as clever as Odin!
