HUGINN AND MUNINN

In Norse Mythology, The god Odin has a pair of ravens called Huginn and Muninn. Huginn meaning “The Mind” or “The thought” and Muninn meaning “The Memory.” These two ravens Odin has tamed to speak.

These black-feathered agents are one of the reasons why Odin has grown immensely knowledgeable over the years. Because they soar over the realms of Midgard and beyond to gather news and insights from the world below. Each day he sends them out on their journey. Each morning they return to tell Odin what they have heard and seen. Odin is known by many names, one being “Raven-god” (Old Norse, Hrafnaguð), which may refer to his relationship with his feathered companions.

In the poem Grímnismál, Odin expresses that he harbors a deep fear that Huginn will not return from his flight, even deeper is his fear that Muninn will not come back. If taken metaphorically, he may fear losing his mind and memory. Acknowledging the impermanent of the mind and memory, that something which can be gained can also be lost. Odin is renowned for his insatiable thirst for knowledge and wisdom. It would be understandable that he fears losing what he has gained. The god sacrificed one of his eyes to Mímir’s well of wisdom to gain profound insights.

The ravens are not Odin‘s sole animal companions; he is known to be accompanied by two wolves called Geri and Freki and rides an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir.