In Norse mythology, Gungnir (Old Norse for “swaying” or “rocking”) is the spear of the god Odin. It is unstoppable in its throw, never missing its target, and unfailingly returning to the hand of the thrower. There are few preserved myths where the Gungnir spear plays a significant role. However, it stands as Odin’s most renowned attribute, occasionally depicted in Scandinavian art with the god holding his spear.
Gungnir is the most commonly known name for Odin’s spear. In some sources, it may also be referred to as “The Spear of Odin” or “The Spear of the Allfather.”
Gungnir: Odin’s Spear
- Gungnir was created by the dwarves, skilled smiths in Norse mythology, who also crafted other powerful items for the gods.
- Gungnir is symbolic of Odin’s role as a warrior god and a seeker of knowledge. Odin is often depicted as a wise and powerful deity who sacrificed one of his eyes at the Mímisbrunnr in exchange for wisdom.
- In the context of Ragnarok, the apocalyptic event in Norse mythology, Odin is prophesied to use Gungnir in battle against the wolf Fenrir. However, Odin is foretold to be killed by Fenrir during this confrontation.
Gungnir is the name of the magical spear that belongs to Odin, the supreme god of Norse mythology. The spear is said to be forged by the dwarves, the master craftsmen of the nine worlds, and to never miss its target. Odin used Gungnir to sacrifice himself to himself on the world tree Yggdrasil and to doom his enemies to death by throwing it over them. Gungnir also symbolizes Odin’s power and authority, as well as his wisdom and knowledge.
The Origin of Gungnir
According to Snorri Sturluson’s Prose Edda, Gungnir was made by the sons of Ivaldi, a group of dwarves who also created the ship Skidbladnir and the golden hair for Sif, Thor’s wife. The spear was obtained by Loki, the trickster god, who had cut off Sif’s hair as a prank and had to find a replacement. Loki went to the dwarves and asked them to make the finest gifts for the gods. He then bet his head with another dwarf, Brokkr, that his brother Sindri could not make better gifts.
Sindri and Brokkr made the boar Gullinbursti, the ring Draupnir, and the hammer Mjolnir. Loki tried to sabotage their work by turning into a fly and biting them, but he only succeeded in making Mjolnir’s handle shorter. When the gifts were presented to the gods, they judged that Mjolnir was the best of them all, and Loki lost the bet. However, he managed to escape by arguing that the dwarves could not take his head without harming his neck, which was not part of the deal.
Gungnir is described as a spear that always hits its mark and always kills. It is also said to have runes carved on its tip by Odin, which give it magical properties. The name Gungnir means “swaying ” or “rocking”, which suggests that the spear has a life of its own. Some sources also mention that Gungnir has a snake or a dragon on its head, which may represent Odin’s connection to the underworld and the forces of chaos.
The Role of Gungnir in Norse Mythology
Gungnir plays an important role in several myths and legends involving Odin and his adventures. One of the most famous stories is how Odin hanged himself from Yggdrasil, the world tree, for nine nights, pierced by his own spear, in order to gain knowledge of the runes. This act of self-sacrifice and initiation gave Odin the power to create and shape the world with his words.
Another story is how Odin started the war between the Aesir and the Vanir, two groups of gods, by throwing Gungnir over the enemy’s army. This was a sign of his intention to kill them all and claim their land. The war lasted for a long time, until both sides agreed to exchange hostages and make peace. The Aesir sent Honir and Mimir to the Vanir, while the Vanir sent Njord and Freyr to the Aesir.
However, the Vanir soon realized that Honir was a fool and Mimir was the source of his wisdom. They became angry and cut off Mimir’s head and sent it back to Odin. Odin preserved the head with herbs and magic and kept it as a source of counsel.
Gungnir also appears in the prophecy of Ragnarok, the end of the world, where Odin will face the monstrous wolf Fenrir, who will swallow him and his spear. This will be the final fate of Odin and his weapon, as well as the other gods and beings who will perish in the great battle.
Archaeological Evidence
The engravings on stones from southern Scandinavia dating back to the Bronze Age depict a god with a spear, likely Odin. Additionally, carvings on stones from the Viking Age often portray Odin holding a spear, sometimes accompanied by his ravens or riding his eight-legged horse Sleipnir.
The Legacy of Gungnir
Gungnir is also a source of inspiration and influence for many modern works of art and literature, such as comics, movies, games, and music. The spear is often portrayed as a powerful and mysterious weapon, wielded by Odin or his followers, or as a quest item that grants the user great abilities. Some examples of Gungnir’s appearances in popular culture are:
- In the Marvel Comics universe, Gungnir is the weapon of Odin and Thor and can fire energy blasts and control the weather.
- In the Final Fantasy series, Gungnir is the name of a recurring spear that can be used by various characters and often has high attack power and accuracy.
- In the anime and manga series Saint Seiya, Gungnir is the name of the god cloth of Odin, worn by the character Lyfia, and can unleash a powerful attack called Odin’s Spear.
- In the television series “American Gods,” Grimnir seeks to repair Gungnir in preparation for war.
- In the video game Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, the Gungnir spear is a mythical weapon that the player can find inside the Goinnhellir cave in the Hordafylke region of Norway.
Gungnir is not only a mythical object but also a cultural and historical symbol. The spear was used as a sign of royalty and leadership by the kings and chieftains of the Norse and Germanic tribes, who claimed to be descendants of Odin. The spear was also a symbol of war and justice, as well as a tool for divination and magic. The spear was often associated with the raven, another animal sacred to Odin, and the two were depicted on banners, coins, and jewelry.