Odin is the all-father: the oldest, wisest, and most cunning of all the gods. He is the source of life for all beings—gods and mortals alike. Odin sacrificed an eye to receive the all the wisdom of the world. He hanged himself from Yggdrasil, the tree of life, for nine days; during this time, he died and was resurrected, granting him knowledge of the runes and of magic. Odin has two ravens, Huginn and Munnin, “thought” and “memory,” respectively. Odin brought war to man; he attends to the dead who fell in battle, serving as their leader in Valhalla. Odin is Thor’s father and Loki’s brother.

The other gods of Asgard turn to Odin for wisdom and guidance. Though he is wise, his prophesies are limited to his own interpretation of what he sees in his dreams. This brings his own share of folly. He has a vision of the monster wolf, Fenrir, wreaking havoc during Ragnarok. Consequently, he has Fenrir bound. Odin will lead the gods of Asgard and the warriors of Valhalla into battle against Loki’s forces during Ragnarok. Fenrir, now unbound, will eat Odin, revenging his imprisonment.