But the father of Winter is variously called Vindljóni[1] or Vindsvalr;[2] he is the son of Vásadr;[3] and these were kinsmen grim and chilly-breasted, and Winter has their temper."
XX. Then said Gangleri: "Who are the Æsir, they in whom it behoves men to believe?" Hárr answered: "The divine Æsir are twelve." Then said Jafnhárr: "Not less holy are the Ásynjur, the goddesses, and they are of no less authority." Then said Thridi: "Odin is highest and eldest of the Æsir: he rules all things, and mighty as are the other gods, they all serve him as children obey a father. Frigg is his wife, and she knows all the fates of men, though she speaks no prophecy,—as is said here, when Odin himself spake with him of the Æsir whom men call Loki:
- Thou art mad now,
- Loki, and reft of mind,—
- Why, Loki, leav'st thou not off?
- Frigg, methinks,
- is wise in all fates,
- Though herself say them not!
Odin is called Allfather because he is father of all the gods. He is also called Father of the Slain, because all those that fall in battle are the sons of his adoption; for them he appoints Valhall[4] and Vingólf,[5] and they are then called Champions. He is also called God of the Hanged, God of Gods, God of Cargoes; and he has also been named in many more ways, after he had come to King Geirrödr:
