|
Odin (Old Norse Óðinn), the chief god of Norse mythology, was referred to by more than 200 names[1] in the skaldic and Eddic traditions.
Then said Gangleri: "Exceeding many names have ye given him; and, by my faith, it must indeed be a goodly wit that knows all the lore and the examples of what chances have brought about each of these names." Then Hárr made answer: "It is truly a vast sum of knowledge to gather together and set forth fittingly. But it is briefest to tell thee that most of his names have been given him by reason of this chance: there being so many branches of tongues in the world, all peoples believed that it was needful for them to turn his name into their own tongue, by which they might the better invoke him and entreat him on their own behalf. But some occasions for these names arose in his wanderings; and that matter is recorded in tales. Nor canst thou ever be called a wise man if thou shalt not be able to tell of those great events." Gylfaginning, XX, Brodeur's translation
Name
(Old Norse) |
Name
(anglicized) |
Meaning[2] |
Sources |
| Aldaföðr |
|
father of men (or of the age) |
Óðins nöfn (1), Vafþrúðnismál (4, 53) |
| Aldagautr |
|
Gautr of men (or of the age) |
Baldrs draumar (2) |
| Alföðr |
Alfodr |
Allfather, Father of All |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál (48), Óðins nöfn (2) |
| Algingautr |
|
The aged Gautr |
The Icelandic rune poem (4) |
| Angan Friggjar |
|
Delight of Frigg |
Völuspá (54) |
| Arnhöfði |
|
eagle headed one |
Óðins nöfn (2) |
| Atriðr, Atriði |
Atrid |
attacking rider |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (48), Óðins nöfn (1) |
| Asagrim (< *Ásagrimmr)[3] |
|
Lord of the Aesir |
Stolt Herr Alf |
| Auðun |
|
friend of wealth |
Óðins nöfn (1) |
| Bági ulfs |
|
Enemy of the Wolf |
Sonatorrek (23) |
| Baldrsfaðr |
|
Father of Balder |
|
| Báleygr |
Baleyg |
Flame Eye |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál (47), Hallfreðr vandræðaskáld's Hákonardrápa (6), Gísl Illugason's Erfikvæði um Magnús berf-tt (1), þulur, Óðins nöfn (6) |
| Biflindi |
/ |
Spear Shaker, Shield Shaker |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (49), Óðins nöfn (6) |
| Bileygr |
Bileyg |
Feeble Eye or Wavering Eye |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (47), þulur, Óðins nöfn (5) |
| Blindi, Blindr |
/ |
The blind one |
Gylfaginning, Helgakviða Hundingsbana II (prose) |
| Brúni, Brúnn |
|
The brown one |
Óðins nöfn (6) |
| Böðgæðir |
|
Battle Enhancer |
|
| Bölverkr |
Bolverk |
Evil Worker or Evil Deed |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Hávamál (109), Grímnismál (47), Óðins nöfn (7) |
| Bragi |
|
Chieftain |
|
| Bróðir Vilis, Bróðir Vilja |
|
Brother of Vili |
|
| Burr Bors |
|
Son of Borr |
|
| Darraðr, Dorruðr |
|
Spearman |
|
| Draugadróttinn |
|
Lord of the dead |
Ynglinga saga |
| Dresvarpr |
|
|
Óðins nöfn (2) |
| Ein sköpuðr galdra |
|
Sole Creator of Magical Songs |
|
| Ennibrattr |
|
The one with straight forehead |
Óðins nöfn (6) |
| Eylúðr |
|
The ever booming |
Óðins nöfn (6) |
| Faðmbyggvir Friggjar |
|
Dweller in Frigg's Embrace |
|
| Faðr galdrs |
|
Father of Magical Songs |
|
| Farmagnuðr, Farmögnuðr |
|
journey empowerer |
Háleygjatal (2), Skáldskaparmál |
| Farmaguð, Farmatýr |
Farmagud, Farmatyr |
God of Cargoes (or Burdens) |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál (48), Óðins nöfn (2) |
| Farmr arma Gunnlaðar |
|
Burden of Gunnlöð's Arms |
|
| Farmr galga |
|
Gallows' Burden |
|
| Fengr |
|
catcher |
Óðins nöfn (2) |
| Fimbultýr |
Fimbultyr |
Mighty God |
Völuspá (60) |
| Fimbulþulr[4] |
Fimbulthul |
Mighty Thuler |
Hávamál (80, 142) |
| Fjallgeiguðr |
|
|
Óðins nöfn (2) |
| Fjölnir[5] |
Fjolnir |
Wise One, concealer |
Grímnismál (47), Reginsmál (18), Gylfaginning (3, 20), many skaldic poems, þulur, Óðins nöfn (2) |
| Fjölsviðr |
Fjolsvid, Fjolsvin |
Very Wise |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (47), Óðins nöfn (2) |
| Fjörgynn |
Fjorgyn |
Masculine counterpart of feminine Fjörgyn meaning "land/earth" |
Lokasenna (26), Völuspá (56) |
| Foldardróttinn |
|
Lord of the Earth |
|
| Forni |
|
Ancient One |
|
| Fornölvir |
|
Ancient Ölvir |
Óðins nöfn (2) |
| Fráríðr, Fráríði |
|
The one who rides forth |
Óðins nöfn (2) |
| Frumverr Friggjar |
|
First husband of Frigg |
|
| Fundinn |
|
The Found |
|
| Gagnráðr |
Gagnrad |
Advantage Counsel |
Vafþrúðnismál (8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17) |
| Galdraföðr |
|
Father of Magical Songs |
|
| Gangari, Ganglari, Gangleri [6] |
/ |
Wanderer or Wayweary |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (46), Óðins nöfn (3) |
| Gangráðr |
|
Contrary advisor, Journey Advisor |
Óðins nöfn (3) |
| Gapþrosnir |
|
The one in gaping frenzy |
Óðins nöfn (3) |
| Gautatýr |
Gautatyr |
God of the Geats |
Skáldskaparmál, Eyvindr skáldaspillir's Hákonarmál (1) |
| Gautr[7] |
Gaut |
Gautr |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál (54), Óðins nöfn (1) |
| Geiguðr |
|
Dangler |
Óðins nöfn (3) |
| Geirlöðnir |
|
Spear inviter |
Óðins nöfn (3) |
| Geirölnir |
|
Spear charger |
Óðins nöfn (5) |
| Geirtýr |
|
Spear God |
|
| Geirvaldr |
|
Spear Master |
|
| Geldnir |
|
|
|
| Ginnarr |
|
Deceiver |
Óðins nöfn (1) |
| Gizurr[8] |
|
Riddler |
Óðins nöfn (1) |
| Gestumblindi |
/ |
Blind Guest |
Hervarar saga (10), þulur, Óðins nöfn (7) |
| Glapsviðr |
Glapsvid, Glapsvin |
Swift in Deceit, Maddener |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (47), Óðins nöfn (3) |
| Goði hrafnblóts |
|
Goði of the Raven-offering |
|
| Goðjaðarr |
|
God Protector |
|
| Göllnir |
|
Yeller |
Óðins nöfn (3) |
| Gollorr |
|
Yeller |
Óðins nöfn (1) |
| Göllungr |
|
Yeller |
Óðins nöfn (5) |
| Göndlir [9] |
Gondlir |
Wand Bearer, Wand Wielder |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (49), Óðins nöfn (3) |
| Gramr Hliðskjálfar |
|
King of Hliðskjalf |
|
| Grímnir |
Grimnir |
Hooded, Masked One |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (introduction, 47, 49), Hallfreðr vandræðaskáld's lausavísur (9), Eilífr Goðrúnarson's Þórsdrápa (3), Húsdrápa (1), Rögnvaldr kali Kolsson's lausavísur (7), þulur, Óðins nöfn (1) |
| Grímr |
Grim |
Mask |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (46, 47), þulur, Óðins nöfn (3, 7) |
| Gunnblindi |
|
Battle blinder |
Óðins nöfn (8) |
| Hagvirkr |
|
Skilful worker |
Óðins nöfn (4) |
| Hangadróttinn |
|
Lord of the hanged |
Ynglinga saga |
| Hangaguð, Hangatýr |
Hangagud, Hangatyr |
God of the Hanged |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál |
| Hangi |
|
Hanged One |
|
| Haptabeiðir |
|
Ruler of Gods |
|
| Haptaguð |
Haptagud |
God of Prisoners |
Gylfaginning |
| Haptasnytrir |
|
Teacher of gods |
|
| Haptsönir |
|
Fetter Loosener |
|
| Hárbarðr |
Harbard |
Grey Beard |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (49), Hárbardsljód, þulur, Óðins nöfn (3) |
| Hárr |
Har |
High |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (46), Óðins nöfn (2) |
| Harri Hliðskjálfar |
|
Lord of Hliðskjalf |
|
| Hávi |
Havi |
High One |
Hávamál (109, 111, 164), Óðins nöfn (4) |
| Heimþinguðr hanga |
|
Visitor of the Hanged |
|
| Helblindi [10] |
/ |
Hel Blinder |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (46) |
| Hengikeptr, Hengikjopt |
|
Hang jaw |
Óðins nöfn (4) |
| Herblindi |
|
Host blinder |
Óðins nöfn (5) |
| Herföðr, Herjaföðr |
Herfodr, Herjafodr |
Father of Hosts |
Gylfaginning, Völuspá (29, 43), Vafthrúdnismál (2), Grímnismál (19, 25, 26), Óðins nöfn (5) |
| Hergautr |
|
Host Gautr |
|
| Herjan |
/ |
Warrior, Harrier |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (46), Óðins nöfn (2) |
| Herteitr |
Herteit |
War-merry |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (47), Óðins nöfn (3) |
| Hertýr |
Hertyr |
Host-Tyr or God of Hosts |
Skáldskaparmál |
| Hildolfr |
|
Battle Wolf |
|
| Hjaldrgegnir |
|
Engager of Battle |
|
| Hjaldrgoð |
|
God of battle |
|
| Hjálmberi |
Hjalmberi |
Helmet Bearer |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (46), þulur, Óðins nöfn (2) |
| Hjarrandi |
|
Screamer |
Óðins nöfn (4) |
| Hléfreyr |
|
Famous/barrow lord |
Óðins nöfn (5) |
| Hleifruðr |
|
|
Óðins nöfn (4) |
| Hnikarr |
Hnikar |
Overthrower, Thruster |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (47), Reginsmál (18, 19), Óðins nöfn (2) |
| Hnikuðr |
Hnikud |
Overthrower |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (48), Óðins nöfn (1) |
| Hoárr |
|
One Eyed |
|
| Hötter |
|
Hatter |
|
| Hovi |
|
High One |
|
| Hrafnaguð, Hrafnáss |
Hrafnagud |
Raven God |
Gylfaginning |
| Hrafnfreistuðr |
|
Raven tester |
|
| Hrami |
|
Fetterer, Ripper |
Óðins nöfn (4) |
| Hrani |
|
Blusterer |
|
| Hrjóðr |
|
Roarer |
Óðins nöfn (4) |
| Hroptr, Hroptatýr |
Hropt, Hroptatyr |
Sage[11] |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Hákonarmál (14), Úlfr Uggason's Húsdrápa (8), Hávamál (160), Grímnismál (54), Sigrdrífumál (13), Óðins nöfn (2, 3, 5) |
| Hrosshársgrani |
|
Horse hair moustache |
Gautreks saga, Óðins nöfn (4) |
| Hvatmóðr |
|
Whet courage |
Óðins nöfn (5) |
| Hveðrungr |
|
Roarer |
Óðins nöfn (5) |
| Itreker |
|
Splendid Ruler |
|
| Jafnhárr |
Jafnhar |
Just as High, Equally High |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (49), Óðins nöfn (8) |
| Jalfaðr |
|
Yellow-brown Back |
|
| Jálg, Jálkr |
Jalk |
Gelding |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (49, 54), Óðins nöfn (7) |
| Jarngrímr |
|
Iron Mask |
|
| Jólnir, Jölnir |
|
Yule figure |
Óðins nöfn (7) |
| Jolfr |
|
Horse-wolf, bear |
|
| Jölfuðr, Jölföðr |
|
Yule father |
Óðins nöfn (8) |
| Jörmunr |
|
The mighty one |
Óðins nöfn (8) |
| Kjalarr |
Kjalar |
Keel, Nourisher |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál (49), Óðins nöfn (1) |
| Langbarðr |
Langbard |
Long Beard |
þulur, Óðins nöfn (7) |
| Löndungr, Loðungr |
|
Shaggy Cloak Wearer |
Óðins nöfn (7) |
| Niðr Bors |
|
Son of Borr |
|
| Njótr |
|
User, enjoyer |
Óðins nöfn (6) |
| Ófnir |
|
Inciter |
Óðins nöfn (7) |
| Olgr |
|
Protector, Hawk |
Óðins nöfn (6) |
| Ómi |
Omi |
Shouter |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (49), Óðins nöfn (7) |
| Óski |
Oski |
God of Wishes, Wished For |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (49), Óðins nöfn (8) |
| Rauðgrani |
|
Red Mustache |
Bárðar saga Snæfellsáss 18,[12] O-rvar-Odds saga 19ff.[13] |
| Reiðartýr |
|
Wagon God |
|
| Rögnir |
|
Chief |
Óðins nöfn (5) |
| Rúnatýr |
|
God of Runes |
|
| Runni vagna |
|
Mover of Constellations |
|
| Saðr |
Sadr, Sann |
Truthful |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (47), Óðins nöfn (8) |
| Sanngetall |
/ |
Finder of Truth |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (47), Óðins nöfn (7) |
| Síðgrani |
Sidgrani |
Long Beard |
Alvíssmál (6) |
| Síðhöttr |
Sidhott [14] |
Broad Hat |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (48), þulur, Óðins nöfn (4) |
| Síðskeggr |
Sidskegg |
Long Beard |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (48), þulur, Óðins nöfn (6) |
| Sigðir |
|
Victory bringer |
Óðins nöfn (6) |
| Sigföðr |
Sigfodr |
Father of Victory, War Father |
Gylfaginning, Völuspá (54), Grímnismál (48), Óðins nöfn (4) |
| Siggautr |
|
Victory Geat |
Óðins nöfn (6) |
| Sigrhofundr |
|
Victory Author |
|
| Sigmundr |
|
Victory protection |
Óðins nöfn (6) |
| Sigrúnnr |
|
Victory Tree |
|
| Sigtryggr |
|
Sure of victory |
Óðins nöfn (8) |
| Sigtýr[15] |
Sigtyr |
God of Victory, War God |
Skáldskaparmál, Atlakviða (30), Glúmr Geirason's Gráfeldardrápa (12) |
| Sigþrór |
|
Successful in victory |
Óðins nöfn (8) |
| Skilfingr |
Skilfing |
Trembler |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (54), Óðins nöfn (8) |
| Skollvaldr |
|
Ruler of treachery |
Óðins nöfn (6) |
| Sonr Bestlu |
|
Son of Bestla |
|
| Spjalli Gauta |
|
Friend of the Goths |
|
| Sváfnir [16] |
Svafnir |
Sleep bringer, Closer |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (54), Óðins nöfn (4) |
| Sveigðir |
|
Reed Bringer |
|
| Sviðarr |
Svidar |
|
Gylfaginning |
| Sviðrir |
Svidrir |
Calmer |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (50), Óðins nöfn (6) |
| Sviðuðr |
|
|
Óðins nöfn (4) |
| Sviðurr |
Svidur |
Wise One |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál (50), Óðins nöfn (6) |
| Svipall |
/ |
Changing, Fleeting |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (47), Óðins nöfn (3) |
| Svölnir |
Svolnir |
Cooler, Sweller |
Skáldskaparmál, Óðins nöfn (6) |
| Tveggi |
|
Double |
Óðins nöfn (8) |
| Tvíblindi |
Tviblindi |
Twice Blind |
þulur, Óðins nöfn (4) |
| Þekkr |
Thekk |
Known, Welcome One |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (46), Óðins nöfn (7) |
| Þrasarr |
|
Quarreler |
Óðins nöfn (4) |
| Þriði |
Thridi |
Third |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál (46), Óðins nöfn (5) |
| Þriggi |
|
Triple |
|
| Þrór |
Thror |
Burgeoning |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (49), Óðins nöfn (8) |
| Þróttr |
Thrott |
Strength |
Glymdrápa (2) |
| Þuðr |
Thud, Thunn |
Lean, Pale |
Gylfaginning, Óðins nöfn (7) |
| Þundr |
Thund |
Thunderer |
Gylfaginning, Hávamál (145), Grímnismál (46, 54), Óðins nöfn (7) |
| Uðr |
Ud, Unn[17] |
Loved, Beloved, Striver |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (46), Óðins nöfn (7) |
| Váfuðr |
Vafud |
Wanderer |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál (54) |
| Váfuðr Gungnis |
|
Swinger of Gungnir |
|
| Váði vitnis |
|
Foe of the Wolf |
|
| Vakr |
Vak |
Wakeful, Awakener |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (54), Óðins nöfn (7) |
| Valdr galga |
|
Ruler of Gallows |
|
| Valdr vagnbrautar |
|
Ruler of Heaven |
|
| Valföðr |
Valfodr |
Father of the Slain |
Gylfaginning, Völuspá (1, 27, 28), Grímnismál (48), þulur, Óðins nöfn (5) |
| Valgautr |
Valgaut |
Slaughter-Geat, Geat of the Slain |
Skáldskaparmál, Óðins nöfn (8) |
| Valkjosandi |
|
Chooser of the Slain |
|
| Valtamr, Valtam |
|
Slain Tame, The Warrior |
|
| Valtýr |
|
Slain God |
|
| Valþognir |
|
Slain Receiver |
|
| Vegtam |
/ |
Wanderer or Way-tame |
Baldrs draumar (6, 13) |
| Veratýr |
Veratyr |
God of men, God of being |
Gylfaginning, Óðins nöfn (8) |
| Viðfräger |
|
Wide Famed |
|
| Viðrir |
Vidrir |
Stormer |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Lokasenna (26) |
| Viðrímnir, Viðhrimnir |
|
Contrary screamer |
Óðins nöfn (1) |
| Viðurr |
Vidur |
Killer |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (49), Óðins nöfn (6), Karlevi Runestone |
| Vingnir |
|
Swinger |
Óðins nöfn (5) |
| Vinr Lopts |
|
Friend of Loptr |
|
| Vinr Lóðurs |
|
Friend of Lóðurr |
|
| Vinr Míms |
|
Friend of Mímir |
|
| Vinr stalla |
|
Friend of Altars |
|
| Vófuðr |
|
Dangler |
Óðins nöfn (5) |
| Völsi |
|
Lingam |
|
| Völundr rómu |
|
Smith of Battle |
|
| Yggr |
Ygg |
Terrible One |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Völuspá (28), Grímnismál (53, 54), Óðins nöfn (8) |
| Ýjungr, Ýrungr |
|
Stormy |
Óðins nöfn (8) |
|
Notes
- ^ Harrison, D. & Svensson, K. (2007). Vikingaliv Fälth & Hässler, Värnamo. ISBN 978-91-27-35725-9 p. 63
- ^ These names can have other meanings and uses, see translation by Hringari Oðinssen (2000).
- ^ The use of grimmR and the later form grim in the sense "lord" has only a few occurrences from Sweden. In extant Icelandic material grimmr only appears as an adjective with the meaning "heartless", "strict" and "wicked", which can be compared with the use of adjective gramr ("wrath") as a name for "lord", see Runic Dictionary Entry for grimmR at the runic dictionary of the university of Nottingham.
- ^ Also the name of a river, one of the Élivágar.
- ^ Also the name of a mythological king of Sweden Fjölnir.
- ^ Also an assumed name used by Gylfi.
- ^ Also the name of a member of a defunct Scandinavian nation, one of the Geats.
- ^ Also the name of a Geatish king, Gizurr.
- ^ "Geldnir" in other manuscripts.
- ^ Also the name of a brother of Loki.
- ^ The meaning is disputed according to Lindow but Larrington gives the translation "Sage" in the Poetic Edda.
- ^ ed. Þórhallur Vilmundarson/Bjarni Vilhjálmsson, Íslenzk fornrit 13, Reykjavík 1991, p. 163
- ^ ed. Guðni Jónsson, Fornaldar sögur Norðurlanda 2, Reykjavík 1954, pp. 279ff.
- ^ "Sidhofr" in other manuscripts.
- ^ In plural, sigtívar refers to the gods in many Eddic poems.
- ^ Also the name of a serpent found in the wellspring of Hvergelmir.
- ^ Also the name of one of the nine daughters of Ægir.
See also
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Odin (North Germanic) / W“den (West Germanic) / *W“danaz (Origins) |
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| Attributes |
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| Other |
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