Odin And Loki

For Christmas my sister got me Norse Gods And Heroes. I just recently finished it. I've always been interested in mythology and Norse mythology especially. Odin is the father of the gods with countless names: Wanderer, Allfather, Wise One, Grey Beard, User, Inciter, One Eyed, Battle Wolf, and on and on. Odin watches over the world of men and at times walks among them judging and aiding them. In the stories it says that Odin is preoccupied with finding, cultivating, and collecting the heroes of man. He gathers them for Ragnarok. Odin is the most compelling in all the stories because of his mystery as well as his fallibility. He has to gather wisdom and try to prepare, as best he can for things to come. All the Norse tales have a sense of humanity about them. The gods aren't perfect, they are greater, more powerful, and wise but not all knowing and all powerful. They are relatable and interesting. They interact with humanity but there position of strength is anything but solid. Odin wanders the world in a blue cloak with a broad hat keeping an eye on the comings and goings of man.

Loki is the god of mischief. Called the god that does good, the god that does evil. Loki is a shape shifter and bi-gendered. Loki seems to be the personification of human failings-jealousy, pride, and cunning. In some stories you like Loki or feel sorry for him even though you shouldn't. He travels with Thor and Odin at times in Midgard(world of men) and helps them and at times creates problems. He eventually betrays the gods and helps the giants in bringing about Ragnarok.

Thor is the most well known Norse god presumably because of the Marvel comic. He is however the least interesting, the least complex. Thor is the champion of the gods but stupid, hot tempered, and stubborn. 

Norse mythology resonates with me because each story is engaging and has a lesson. It brings up images for me of men and women hundreds of years ago gathered around a fire telling stories. It makes me think at that time there may have been a man who wasn't a man wandering in a dark cloak watching over my ancestors.  

Gathering the souls of heroes for the time they will be needed.