Geri And Freki: Two Wolves ‘Greedy’ And ‘Ravenous’ Were Loyal Companions Of Odin In Norse Beliefs

A. Sutherland - AncientPages.com - In Norse mythology, we often encounter Odin sitting on his high seat, Hlidskjalf, a position that allows him to see into all realms.

Odin had two loyal wolves at his feet, Geri ('greedy') and Freki ('ravenous'). These two animals keep him company, guarding the border against the giants, who were sworn enemies of men and the Aesir gods.

Odin, his two ravens (Huginn and Muninn), and his two wolves (Geri and Freki). Scan from the book "Walhall" by Felix und Therese Dahn, 1888. Image via Wikipedia

The wolves Geri and Freki attended Odin at his high throne and also at Valhalla, the residence of Odin, which was the most beautiful of all the Asgard's palaces and dwellings of the gods.

While one of the wolves slept, the other was awake and watched; therefore, it was impossible to surprise their master and the most powerful of the Aesir.

Geri and Freki were the god's personal guardians.

Odin also owns Sleipnir (or Sleipner), an amazing, eight-legged horse of supernatural strength that could Odin through the sky, over lands, and seas. His other two companions were the two ravens - Huginn ('thought') and Muninn ('memory').

Perched one on each god's shoulders, these two amazing magic birds travel long distances across the universe every morning and gather all important events, news, and even gossip. Then they return at supper to report all they had seen and heard.

Geri And Freki Attested In Snorri's 'Prose Edda'

From the 13^th century Prose Edda book, "Gylfaginning" we learn that Odin fed his wolves, Geri and Freki, with hunks of the best meat. He did not need to eat, and wine alone was enough for his own needs.

In Norse mythology, wolves were both friends and enemies of the gods. As mentioned earlier, the two wolves were companions of Odin, but it does not mean they were friends of others in Asgard, the home of the gods.

The god Odin enthroned and flanked by the wolves Geri and Freki and the ravens Huginn and Muninn as illustrated (1882) by Carl Emil Doepler. Credit: Public Domain

Geri and Freki wandered throughout the great hall, walking among the souls of human warriors. Generally, a gray wolf seen on the battlefield was a positive sign to warriors because they believed the animal would guide their spirits to Valhalla if they died in the battle. Therefore, humans in battle considered Geri and Freki to be signs of Odin's presence.

In Norse mythology, the wolves of Odin were not only his 'home pets'. They were courageous and loyal and joined their divine master in battles.

Ancient Norse people believed the wolves were creatures who assisted the Valkyries in transporting the fallen warriors to Valhalla and the slain's afterlife hall.

Updated on June 7, 2022

Written by – A. Sutherland  - AncientPages.com Senior Staff Writer

Copyright © AncientPages.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or part without the express written permission of AncientPages.com