Comeback Kids Episode 9: Odin and Stories of Sacrifice

In this episode, we explore gods who have made sacrifices -- some of them on purpose, for the sake of wisdom or another advantage, and some of them less-intentionally. We'll explore three stories showing just how far Odin will go for wisdom, then we'll find out why Tyr, the Norse god of law and justice, and Nuada, a leader of the Celtic Tuatha Dé Danann, lost their hands. Then we'll finish with a coda to the story of Osiris, Horus, and Set.

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All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales.

Transcript for Comeback Kids Episode 9

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Stuff to Read: 

• More on Odin:
  • At Mythopedia and the World History Encyclopedia
  • "How Odin Sacrificed His Eye at Mimir's Well"
  • From Norse Mythology for Smart People: Why Odin is One-Eyed, The Mead of Poetry, and Odin's Discovery of the Runes
• About Runes:
  • Futhark Runes: Names, Meanings, and How to Use Them
  • Runes at Norse Mythology for Smart People (includes origins, meanings, and some book recommendations
  • What Are and How to Make Bind Runes
• About Tyr & Fenrir: 
  • Tyr at Mythopedia and Norse Mythology for Smart People
  • "The Binding of Fenrir"
• About Nuada: 
  • At Mythopedia and Timeless Myths
  • Tuatha dé Danann: The Story of Ireland’s Fiercest Tribe
  • Uncovering the Origins of the Tuatha Dé Danann
• Horus at Mythopedia

Stuff to Watch: 

•  Learn more about the stories in this episode with our curated YouTube playlist!

Cool Images: 

Odin the Wanderer, Georg von Rosen (1886)

Óðinn throws his spear at the Vanir host, by Lorenz Frølich (1895)

Odin Fighting Fenrir, Emil Doepler (1905)

Norse god Tyr sacrificing his arm to Fenrir the wolf, John Albert Bauer (1911)