Odin: Chief God of Norse Mythology and the Vikings

Odin is the chief god in Norse mythology and a central figure in the Germanic pagan traditions, particularly among the Norse people who inhabited regions now comprising Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and parts of Finland and Iceland. The Viking Age, from approximately 793-1066 AD, is characterized by seafaring Norse explorers, traders, and warriors. Odin, however, is not related to Turkic traditions or any Turkic shaman. He is deeply rooted in Norse traditions and has no historical or mythological connection to Turkic peoples.

Origins and Migration

Odin is not native to Afghanistan or any other Central Asian region. Alexander the Great’s reign long preceded the emergence of Odin and his Norse traditions. Historical narratives suggest that Odin and his people migrated from southern Sweden to Sigtuna, then to Odense in Denmark, and eventually settled in areas that would later become Norway. Thór Heyerdal’s theory that Odin was a Turkic shaman Tengri leader from the land of Aesir situated in Azerbaijan or modern-day Azerbaijan has been widely discredited. His hypothesis is based on unproven correlations and lacks rigorous scientific support.

The Theory of Thor Heyerdahl

Thor Heyerdahl was a Norwegian explorer and ethnographer who proposed theories about the origins of Norse mythology. He made several visits to Azerbaijan between 1981 and 2000. He was particularly fascinated by rock carvings found in Gobustan, which he believed resembled carvings in Norway. Heyerdahl theorized that ancient civilizations in Azerbaijan used boats made of skins similar to the leather boats depicted in the rock carvings. However, his theory has been heavily criticized by historians, archaeologists, and linguists, who argue that the parallel between Norse names and locations in the Black Sea region is more coincidental than indicative of a direct link.

Snorri Sturluson and Snorri’s Ynglinga Saga

Snorri Sturluson, a 13th-century historian-mythographer, wrote about Odin’s migration from a country called Aser to the North. According to Heyerdahl, Aser matches the region of contemporary Azerbaijan. However, historians and archaeologists reject this theory, pointing out that the city of Azov did not have its current name until after Heyerdahl claimed the existence of a tribe called Aser. Snorri’s writings were taken by Heyerdahl as literal truth, but they likely reflect more a literary tradition rather than historical fact.

Failed Harbor Search in Azov

In 2001-2002, Heyerdahl initiated a project called "The Search for Odin," which aimed to find evidence of an ancient civilization in Azov near the Sea of Azov, north of the Black Sea. This project was criticized for its lack of scientific rigor and selective use of sources. Critics argued that the parallels between Norse names and Turkic names were anachronistic and coincidental. Heyerdahl’s theories, while popular, have not gained scientific acceptance, and his claims remain controversial.

Conclusion

Odin, the central deity of Norse mythology, has no Turkic origin. Thor Heyerdahl’s theories linking Odin to Turkic peoples and proposing a migration from Azerbaijan to Scandinavia have been widely discredited. Odin’s roots are firmly planted in Norse traditions, and his connection to the Vikings is well-documented in historical and mythological records. His character, shamanistic or not, is part of a rich and complex tradition that has its own distinct origins and history.