din, the All-Father, was ruler of Asgard, inheriting the spear of Tiwaz which gave him control of battles. His predecessor Wodan was the supreme god of the Langobards and other Germanic tribes. Odin Like Wodan, has close links with the underworld and the dead. He was the god of kings, supporting promising young princes and giving them magic swords and other gifts as pledges of his favour, but ruthlessly destroying them when the time came. Cremation, often necessary to dispose of the dead after battle, was linked with Odin's cult.
Odin's dedicated followers, the Berserks, were wearing bear och wolf skins in battle and seized with ecstasy, making them impervious to pain. He also brought wealth to his followers, symbolized by his ring Draupnir, which multiplied itself to ensure a supply of gold.
