05/20/2026
What day is it? No, not *that* one...
It's Woden's Day! Named after the Allfather, Odin.
Some info on the supreme ruler of Æsir in Norse mythology:
He's "The Allfather" because he's the patriarch of the gods and the ultimate creator. He rules from the high seat Hlidskjalf in Asgard and presides over Valhalla- where slain warriors rest and feast, waiting to fight at Ragnarök . Always seeking the truth, he gave up an eye in trade for cosmic vision.
Huginn (thought) and Muninn (memory) are his faithful familiars- ravens that fly all over the world and bring back news. He rides an eight-legged magical horse named Sleipnir (gifted by Loki).
Among many things, he is also strongly associated with Poetry. Not only is he known as the supreme ruler in Norse mythology, he is also found in legends all over Northern Europe.
Why is Wednesday Woden's (Odin's) day? The original Roman seven-day week named the middle day of the week dies Mercurii (Day of Mercury)- their god of travel, communication and intellect. When Anglo-Saxon and Germanic tribes adopted that calendar, they translated the Roman god names to their own equivalent deities. Odin is a wise traveler and guide of souls, not to mention his penchant for divine wisdom.
