Alfaleith.org - The Elder Kin

Oðinn's name is pronounced Othinn. His name comes from the fact that although he was born to Jotun parents, Bor and Bestla, he strove for higher knowledge, and found it in the form of othr, and now shares it with all the worlds. He is the Father of All in this regard, all that have higher reasoning and intelligence, which we call wit; especially of mankind, who may choose to use this intelligence, or leave it off as they please. He teaches the art of giving, and recognizes his children on Miðgarðr by their generosity, their kindness, and their willingness to defend their families and friends at all costs. Every act he does is done for the good of his folk, his children in spirit. In fact, his name Gauð means 'pure good'. To his kin every act he performs is auspicious, to those that are selfish his actions appear to be self-motivated, even evil. It is his will that those that love him recognize his works, and that those who do not are merely confused. In this way his true folk know each other through the gift of recognition, and the feeling of kinship and love.

His natural energy is of the wind, which is calm and nurturing in the proper season, stormy and cleansing when the atmosphere becomes thick and dull, and enlivening when the seasons announce their changings.

His most famous weapon is his spear Gungnir, the stirrer. He travels throughout the worlds, aiding his kin in finding knowledge that they need to survive and prosper, and when he is home he lives in the hall Glaðsheimr, with his wife Frigga. He has two loyal wolves, Frecki and Geri, and their names both mean 'hungry or ravenous'. Two ravens live in his hall and serve him, one is called Munin, the embodiment of memory, and the other is Hugin, the embodiment of intellect. It is natural that his animal companions embody energies alike to his.

His horse is Sleipnir, the son of Loðurr, who is a strong tall grey. It is said that when he runs he moves so fast it seems he has eight legs instead of four. Oðinn is the master of language, naturally, being the embodiment of oðr, and he was the first to bring the knowledge of writing to his folk. In this mastery, he is able to work many forms of art, such as changing natural circumstances to work good for others. This art is known as galdr. With mastery of language also comes poetry, and song, and shared wisdom. He dwells with his wife in Glaðsheimr.

Frigg

Her name means spinner, as she weaves and spins. In some places she is known as Saga, and in some when she is seen as earth's energy she is known as Fjorgyn. She has long grey-blonde hair that she wears in a braided topknot when she is spinning, and the loving blue eyes the colour of the flax flowers that are sacred to her. She shares half those slain in noble warfare with her husband, and keeps his hall. Women who die unwed often go to her. She is the cheiftess of all the valkyries, and she guides and teaches them when they are at home in the hall. When Oðinn is away from home, she stays in her hall Fensalir, the hall of the marshes. Her weaving is not only of flax and wool, but also of destinies of her chosen favourites. She is reserved of nature, yet when she speaks her words are wise and most often prophetic. She keeps many hunting hounds, and dogs for her sled. Her son with Oðinn is Baldr, his second son upon whom he bestowed the ring Draupnir. Her most well-known handmaiden is Fulla, her devoted friend, and it is said her hair is the colour of the newly cut flax.

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