What does this statue mean to you?
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Oðan
- Thread starter The Hammer
- Start date
For me it has a lot of meaning. First and foremost is the conquering of Wisdom over Ignorance.
The carving reminds me a great deal of Gandalf / Olorin from the Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien.
I see a wise-looking, elderly, bearded chap with a large pointy hat who appears to have a special relationship with, or affinity for, the animal kingdom and looks like Gandalf the Grey (who in Tolkien's legendarium was described as a "wizard/Istari", that is an incarnate divine spirit or maia).
I see a wise-looking, elderly, bearded chap with a large pointy hat who appears to have a special relationship with, or affinity for, the animal kingdom and looks like Gandalf the Grey (who in Tolkien's legendarium was described as a "wizard/Istari", that is an incarnate divine spirit or maia).
Not sure on what level you mean, but that's Odin and his wolves, one male and one female, although buggered if I remember their names.
And his ravens of course. But sadly not with his eight-legged horse. Slepnir I think? And I think he's usually just got the one eye, but I'm struggling to see under his hat.
Dumb question, but the spelling you've used in the title...what is that? Old Norse, or some Germanic version, or something? Do the runes on this states depict that spelling?
If you mean more philosophically, sorry, not the right guy. But I always enjoyed (and was sometimes confused) by Norse mythology.
I was epically disappointed when I got myself a whole bevy of Scandinavian friends, and barely any of them had a clue about Norse mythology.
And his ravens of course. But sadly not with his eight-legged horse. Slepnir I think? And I think he's usually just got the one eye, but I'm struggling to see under his hat.
Dumb question, but the spelling you've used in the title...what is that? Old Norse, or some Germanic version, or something? Do the runes on this states depict that spelling?
If you mean more philosophically, sorry, not the right guy. But I always enjoyed (and was sometimes confused) by Norse mythology.
I was epically disappointed when I got myself a whole bevy of Scandinavian friends, and barely any of them had a clue about Norse mythology.
Gandalf is actually very much modeled after imagery and descriptions of Odin/Wodan. So you're not off the mark
Whichever levels you feel like expanding upon.
The wolves are Geri and Freki (both mean ravenous or greedy). The Ravens are Huginn and Muninn (thought and memories).
The spelling I used in the title is to accentuate the pronunciation of His name. Othan. The ð, is pronounced as a 'th'. I'm not sure if the runes are correct. They are in English, where they correspond to O, D, I, and N, respectively. But if you're following my pronunciation which is closer to the Norse pronouncing I think it would be spelled: ᛟᚦᚨᚾ in runes. O'th'a'n.
Edit: I've also seen it spelled ᚢᚦᛁᚾ. U'th'i'n.
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hunter, seeker, guardian because of the staff/pike and dogs/wolves, cloaked in mystery, entertwined with earth/matter, taking knowledge both in the depths and heights, having one vision - non-dualistic because the one eye is hidden, blind-folded
It makes me think of a bygone time and how our forebears are looking at us right now, helping and guiding us, but in a non-judgemental way as they're now so far removed from that action themselves that they can see with clearer eyes and have the wisdom of centuries.
I see the spear as piercing the veil of ignorance, and his one eye, as you said representing non-dual/true perception.
All right...that does it. I'm heading to the books. I should have at least remembered the wolves names, but my memory is like a sieve these days.
*quick read*
And I got the horses name wrong, too, although I'm giving myself half a point for being somewhat close. (Sleipnir)
But I thought I had some runic representations of Odin...or Wodin...or...something.
Can't find them though.
Gargovic Malkav
Well-Known Member
A piece of art.
@The Hammer , you might be amused or pleased that my eldest daughter has basically no inclination to learn anything about any religions...except for a fascination with Norse myths. Particularly the ones starring Fenrir. I still haven't figured out what drives that, since she has exactly no interest in Greek, Roman, Native American or Celtic myths, despite my bookshelf being well stocked.
Ella S.
Well-Known Member
Have you tried other myths depicting wolves?
Yep. We went to Rome pretty recently (end of 2019) and she was mildly interested in the tale of Romulus and Remus. But she has no particular wolf-fetish, or whatever. She actually likes Japanese art and anime, for the most part. Weirdly, I think it might have been the difference of the 'popular' conceptions of Thor and Loki (driven by Marvel) versus the mythological versions which initially hooked her in.
Then something about the whole story of Ragnarok that she found interesting.
She plowed through a copy of Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman I have, and I really didn't think her reading was upto the level, but she asked some pretty relevant questions (that I then had to research).
I've got a lot of Native American mythology on my shelf as well, particularly Plains tribes. Wolves obviously feature pretty commonly, but she has basically no interest in that. (which is fine...just hard to get a handle on what drew her in)
He always struck me as a bit wooden. I haven't a clue what Frigg sees in him.
Nimos
Well-Known Member
Ancestry and history.
Love Norse mythology, their runes, but especially Odin, as he is my favorite god. He behaves like a leader and someone you could actually relate to.
Besides that wolves are my favorite animal
Guitar's Cry
Disciple of Pan
Id, Ego, and Superego combined and working to pierce the walls of the cave to bring new light in.
Shadow Wolf
Certified People sTabber & Business Owner
I've long been surprised Gandalf didn't have to lose an eye to defeat the Balrog and become Gandalf the White.Gandalf is actually very much modeled after imagery and descriptions of Odin/Wodan. So you're not off the mark
By the why, what is Othan, exactly?
I'm not sure I understand the question?
Huh. That is interesting. Ragnarok is quite the Myth. Like @Ella S. Said, I would have suggested that it was maybe just the wolves. But it could just be the juxtaposition of pop culture Norse vs the accurate myths.
Have her watch Disney's Hercules and see if that sparks a Greek interest