Pronunciation: [wˈɒdən] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "wodan" is derived from the Old English word "Wōden", which is often associated with the Norse god Odin. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ˈwoʊdən/, with stress on the first syllable. The "w" is pronounced as a voiced bilabial fricative consonant /w/, while the second syllable has a short vowel sound, represented as /ə/. The final syllable is pronounced as a voiced alveolar nasal consonant /n/.
Wodan, also spelled Odin, is a prominent deity in Germanic mythology, particularly within the Norse traditions. He is considered the chief god and ruler of the Aesir, the major group of gods in Norse mythology. Wodan is commonly associated with various aspects such as wisdom, war, death, poetry, and magic. As the leader of the Aesir, he is often portrayed as a powerful and wise god who possesses divine knowledge and mystical powers.
In Norse mythology, Wodan is depicted as a tall, elderly man with a long white beard, wearing a cloak and a wide-brimmed hat. He is often described as wielding a spear named Gungnir and riding his eight-legged steed, Sleipnir. Wodan is also depicted as having one eye, as he sacrificed his other eye in exchange for acquiring cosmic knowledge.
Wodan is known for his association with death. He presides over the realm known as Valhalla, where fallen warriors who died in battle are taken after their deaths. He is depicted as a formidable and fierce warrior, leading the Einherjar, the chosen warriors, into battle during the end of the world, known as Ragnarok.
Due to the significance of Wodan in Norse mythology, his name has inspired various names and terms in modern Germanic cultures, such as Wednesday, which is literally derived from "Wodan's day." Additionally, Wodan's influence continues to play a role in modern popular culture, often appearing in books, movies, and other forms of media inspired by Norse mythology.
The word "Wodan" is derived from Old English and Old Norse languages, specifically from the Germanic language family. In Old English, the word "Wodan" referred to the chief god of the Germanic pantheon, known as "Woden" or "Odin" in Old Norse. It is believed that the word "Wodan" ultimately derives from the Proto-Germanic word "*Wōdanaz", which means "lord" or "master". The name "Wodan" has also been associated with the Proto-Indo-European root word "*wāt-", meaning "to blow" or "to inspire". Overall, the etymology of "Wodan" traces back to ancient Germanic and Nordic mythology.
