Odin. Illustration til Fabricius' Danmarks historie 1, 112. 1854

H.C. Henneberg created this illustration of Odin for Fabricius's history of Denmark. Here we see Odin, the Norse god, enthroned and flanked by potent symbols of his power and wisdom. Two wolves, Geri and Freki, loyal companions, sit at his feet; symbolizing the untamed wildness under his command. Perched on his shoulder is a raven, one of a pair named Hugin and Munin, thought and memory, representing Odin’s all-seeing knowledge. Note the spear Gungnir, Odin’s weapon of choice: it embodies authority. The raven, a harbinger of fate, is a motif that transcends cultures, reappearing across various mythologies. From ancient Greek augury to its role in Edgar Allan Poe’s dark verses, the raven carries this weight of prophecy and mystery, a primal connection to the unknown that taps into our deepest fears and curiosities. It is this dance between the conscious and subconscious that gives symbols like the raven their enduring power. As Odin sits, he watches. These symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in differing contexts.