The Gods Travel North

Why did Odin travel north?

The “Prologue” begins with God creating heaven and earth. In time, many people stopped following God’s teachings. At last, they even forgot his name. Later, people studied the earth around them and the movements of the heavenly bodies. This led them to imagine powerful beings that moved the heavenly bodies and other things.

Next comes Thor, who was connected to the royal family of Troy. Odin was a descendant of this Thor. He foresaw that his name would be honored above those of kings in the northern lands. Taking many men and women with him, he set off north. People thought the travelers seemed like gods.

The travelers reached Sweden. These people from Asia were called the Aesir. Wherever they stayed, good harvests and peace followed. People believed these blessings came through their power.

Odin chose a place to live in Sweden. Traveling farther north, he left a son to rule Norway. The “Prologue” tells how the royal families of Sweden and Norway descended from this family.

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