Celebrating Other Spirituality 365 Days A Year – Odin’s Ordeal Begins

August 17 – 24

Odin’s Ordeal Begins

 

According to legend, Odin hung on the World Tree Yggdrasil for nine days, during which time he discovered the runes. In modern Asatru, this discovery is celebrated with a nine-day festival starting on August 17. To those who follow the Norse traditions, Odin is the chief deity and appears in many aspects, among them leader of the wild hunt, God of magick, chooser of the slain in battle, and the dispenser of gifts. As king of Aesir, he was the God of fertility and the last sheaf of wheat was left in offering to his horse. His magickal number was 9 (the days he endured initiation on the World Tree), his color is blue (as is his cloak), and the raven of the Valkyries who attend him are sacred.