Who killed Odin?

As a mythologist with a keen interest in Norse mythology, I am well-versed in the tales and characters that populate the rich tapestry of Norse lore. Norse mythology is a fascinating subject, filled with epic battles, complex relationships, and a rich array of gods and creatures. The question of who killed Odin is deeply rooted in the Norse cosmological event known as Ragnarök, the end of the world as the Norse knew it.

In the Norse myths, Ragnarök is a cataclysmic series of events that leads to the death of many major figures, including Odin, the chief of the gods. According to the Poetic Edda, specifically the Völuspá, a prophecy that describes the end of the world, Odin is fated to face the monstrous wolf Fenrir. Fenrir is one of the Children of Loki, a group of three monstrous beings that include the serpent Jörmungandr and the giant Hrym. Fenrir is prophesied to break free from his chains during Ragnarök and is destined to kill Odin.

The encounter between Odin and Fenrir is described in the Völuspá as follows: "Odin shall fare forth, / With the wolf to fight, / And much shall he fall / In that deadly fray." This prophecy indicates that Odin will engage in a fatal battle with Fenrir, resulting in Odin's death.

However, the narrative does not end there. According to the same source, Fenrir is not the final antagonist in this apocalyptic scenario. After killing Odin, Fenrir is destined to be slain by Vidar, Odin's son. Vidar is known as the silent god, who is said to have a shoe made of iron and is particularly strong. The Völuspá states: "Vidar shall avenge / His father's fate, / And the wolf's heart / Shall he crush with his foot."

It is important to note that the Norse myths are complex and contain various versions and interpretations. Some texts refer to Fenrir as Garmr, which could be an alternative name or a separate entity altogether. The confusion arises from the fact that Norse mythology was primarily oral tradition before it was written down, and different sources may have different accounts.

Furthermore, the Norse myths are not just stories of gods and monsters; they are also deeply symbolic and allegorical. The death of Odin at the hands of Fenrir can be seen as a metaphor for the inevitable cycle of life and death, the struggle between order and chaos, and the ultimate triumph of renewal over destruction.

In conclusion, according to the most widely accepted versions of Norse mythology, Odin was killed by the monstrous wolf Fenrir during the events of Ragnarök. However, Fenrir was subsequently killed by Odin's son, Vidar, who avenged his father's death. These events are symbolic of the Norse worldview and their understanding of the cosmos and its eventual fate.

Thor and the sea serpent Jormungand slew each other, as did Surt and the god Freyr, and likewise Heimdall and Loki. Odin and Tyr both fell to Fenrir (also called --Garmr-- in some texts), who was then killed by Vidar, Odin's son and avenger.