The Vikings worshipped many gods. Each of these gods had various characteristics, weaknesses and attributes. The gods possessed many human traits and could behave like humans. This is evident from the sagas and some rune stones, upon which the gods are depicted with human forms. However, even if the gods appeared as human, it was crucial that the Vikings never forgot their great importance. They needed to do all they could to avoid the wrath of the gods and therefore regularly held sacrificial ceremonies in their honour.
The supreme god is Odin. He has just one eye as he gave the other to Mímir in order to be allowed to drink from the source of wisdom – “Mímir’s well”. Odin is the god of war and of the dead. He rules over Valhalla – “the hall of the slain”. All Vikings who died in battle to him. They were collected by his female handmaidens, the valkyries. Odin was first and foremost worshipped by kings, warrior chieftains and their men. It was the requirements of these people that he could satisfy.
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