Odin, known as the Allfather and the foremost deity in Norse mythology, is associated with wisdom, poetry, war, and death. In many depictions, he is accompanied by two wolves, a significant aspect of his symbolism.
These wolves are mentioned in several ancient texts, including the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda, both written in the 13th century, as well as in the works of Skalds, Norse poets of the time.
Scholars have drawn comparisons between these wolf companions and similar figures found in the mythologies of ancient Greek, Roman, and Vedic cultures, suggesting possible connections and shared beliefs across these diverse traditions.
What Were The Names of Odin’s Wolves?
In Norse mythology, Odin’s two wolves are named Geri and Freki. The name Geri finds its roots in the Proto-Germanic adjective *geraz, which is also reflected in other languages such as Burgundian girs, Old Norse gerr, and Old High German ger or giri, all meaning “greedy.” Similarly, the name Freki can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic adjective *frekaz, found in Gothic (faihufriks) meaning “covetous, avaricious,” Old Norse frekr for “greedy,” Old English frec for “desirous, greedy, gluttonous, audacious,” and Old High German freh for “greedy.”
These names of Odin’s wolves might symbolize Odin’s unending hunger for wisdom and knowledge, a trait befitting the chief deity associated with wisdom and poetry. The connection with hunger and appetite also extended to the battlefield, where Odin was revered as the patron of warriors. In this role, Geri and Freki were symbols of war and were believed to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies.
How Did Odin Get His Wolves?
During his extensive travels and battles, Odin, the chief deity in Norse mythology, experienced moments of solitude. To ease his loneliness, he crafted two loyal companions, Geri and Freki, a male and a female wolf. As they accompanied Odin on his journeys, it is believed that these wolves, in turn, populated the earth with their progeny.
The presence of Geri and Freki inspired Odin to create two renowned ravens, Huginn and Muninn, who assisted him in locating prey to feed his cherished wolves. Geri, meaning “the greedy one,” and Freki, known as “the ravenous one,” diligently guarded Odin, ensuring his safety from any harm that might befall him. They took turns, with one keeping watch while the other rested, ensuring the protection of Odin and the entire realm of Valhalla.
Beyond their guardianship, Odin was also revered as the wolf god, not solely due to Geri and Freki’s existence, but because of his ability to transform into a wolf himself. This multifaceted deity held sway over numerous aspects, including the companionship of his loyal wolves and the formidable form he could assume at will.
What do Odin’s Wolves Symbolize?
Witnessing a grey wolf on the battlefield was considered a favorable omen among the Vikings, signifying the presence of Odin, the eminent deity of Norse mythology. It also indicated that fallen warriors would be taken to Valhalla, the mythical realm where they would dwell in the afterlife.
Vikings held the belief that wolves aided the Valkyries in escorting the slain warriors to Valhalla, a sacred place reserved for those chosen by the Valkyries. These valiant souls would be under the patronage of Odin himself.
In Norse legends, wolves played an instrumental role in supporting the Valkyries during their noble task of ferrying warriors to Valhalla. Geri and Freki, Odin’s trusted wolves, were revered as his primary guardians, often depicted loyally seated at his feet as Odin presided on his exalted seat, granting him an all-encompassing view of the nine realms.
Odin’s Wolves in Norse Sources
n the Prose Edda book Gylfaginning (chapter 38), the wise figure of High reveals that Odin, enthroned, generously offers all the food from his table to his faithful wolves Geri and Freki. Remarkably, Odin himself requires no sustenance, for wine serves as both his meat and drink. High then cites a stanza from the poem Grímnismál to support this extraordinary revelation.
In Skáldskaparmál, chapter 75 of the Prose Edda, a fascinating list of names for wargs and wolves includes both Geri and Freki. In skaldic poetry, these names are used as common nouns for “wolf,” as seen in chapter 58 of Skáldskaparmál, where they appear in works by the skalds Þjóðólfr of Hvinir and Egill Skallagrímsson. Furthermore, Geri is referenced in kennings for “blood” in chapter 58, “Geri’s ales,” as well as for “carrion” in chapter 60, “Geri’s morsel,” both presented in works by the skald Einarr Skúlason and Þórðr Sjáreksson, respectively.
Similarly, Freki appears in a kenning for “carrion,” “Freki’s meal,” authored by Þórðr Sjáreksson in chapter 58 of Skáldskaparmál. The pair is also alluded to through the kenning “Viðrir’s (Odin’s) hounds” in Helgakviða Hundingsbana I, verse 13, where it is revealed that these wolves roam the field, eagerly seeking the corpses of fallen warriors in battle.
In the Poetic Edda poem Grímnismál, Odin (disguised as Grímnir) imparts to the young Agnarr valuable insights into his esteemed companions, including the notable care he bestows upon Geri and Freki while savoring only wine as his divine sustenance.