(5/24/18 Note: We have written a follow-up article to this post. Please visit it before or after you have read “On the Meme of a Kind Odin”. Thank you! )
Casimir noticed this meme running around Facebook and Tumblr, and he wanted to remind you all to be careful when sharing information like this – it tends to be false. If you find any other lore you are uncertain of running around that is folklore or myth related, please let us know, and we’d be happy to research it. We pride ourselves not only on our storytelling, but also on education of the historical meaning of these pieces and the truths behind them!
The Meme:
(5/23/18 Note: It has been brought to our attention that this meme originated on a Tumblr blog called “Writing Prompts“. The blog gives a paragraph to inspire writers for their prose. However, the original post has since been deleted, and the meme is being shared as fact about Odin in certain internet circles. Thank you for bringing this to our attention Myriah!)
The Facts:
Alright, I’ve seen this go around Facebook a few times now. It is very heartwarming; however it goes against all sources and is unintentionally misleading.
First, there is documented evidence in the sagas of warriors dying of illness or old age cutting themselves with weapons to attempt to trick Odin or the Valkyries to take them to Valhalla.
Second, Odin is not a kind being. Odin is the abusive drunk father figure, as can be attested to in multiple stanzas from the Havamal, which, while it gives great advice, is definitely a case of ‘do as I say not as I do’. Odin is also the god who was exiled from Asgard after all the other Norse gods found his actions reprehensible. This information can be found specifically in Stanza 3 of Sigurðardrápa.
Odin is the one who intentionally causes misfortune to befall those who are considered his “favored”. Example, nearly all of Egil’s Saga. If you would like a figure to replace Odin in this text post, consider please Freyr, Njord, or even Ullr (who was Odin’s replacement after his exile). These gods are not only rulers like Odin, but unlike him they are not reprehensible in character.
Thank you for reading this far, once again I am willing to back up any of these points in polite discussion. Please contact us here!
(5/24/18 Note: We have written a follow-up article to this post. Please visit it before or after you have read “On the Meme of a Kind Odin”. Thank you! )