Today’s post is quite godly. But not in that Jesus, Mary and Joseph sort of way. The version of Santa we are looking at today is Odin- the Allfather. You know, of Norse mythology and all that. Still doesn’t ring a bell? You know, Thor’s dad (played by Sir Anthony Hopkins) from those Marvel movies?
Ah, I thought so!
According to Norse mythology, Odin is all-knowing and all-seeing. So he knows whether one of his subjects has been bad or good. Also, the magic gifts that Odin bestows upon those he favors, such as the hammer Mjonir to his son, Thor is made by dwarves and elves. Plus many characters would ask Odin to give them gifts in order to fight epic battles such as Sigmund with his magic sword. According to myth, Odin does his gifting by riding in a flying sleigh lead by the 8-legged horse named Slepnir or sometimes a pair of goats. Odin does this during the time of the Wild Hunt- also known as the 12 days of Yule.
Still not convinced that Odin is a version of Santa? Odin’s Nordic title of Allfather translates into English as Father Yule. Or Father Christmas.
Still not buying it? Fine. In the 1991 Marvel Holiday Special, it was revealed that Odin in a big purple cloak, was really Santa! There, now you have proof that Odin isn’t a version of Santa, he’s actually the genuine article!
Well as you let that sink in, here’s a recipe from Scandinavia.
Enjoy!
