Norse Mythology Primer

First, a disclaimer...I am in no way an expert on Norse/Viking mythology. I am an "enthusiast." That said, it's important to note that in any legend, there are multiple interpretations and nuances that make it impossible to say one version is absolutely the definitive version. Therefore, I'm sure what I write below will leave some confused because they may have heard the story told a slightly different way. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your point of view, that is the nature of mythology. It was handed down by word of mouth for centuries before anyone decided to write anything down. So...please read this as mythology and not history.

Many people have asked me why I chose the name Valhalla Brewing and Beverage Co. LLC. and Odin Brewing Co. Just to be clear, Valhalla will be the overarching corporate umbrella and Odin will be for all beer. There are many great on-line and off-line resources that go deeper into the mythology of the Vikings, but here's a crash course:

The Norse culture of the early middle ages had a rich and complex set of gods and goddesses and related mythology to explain the natural world. The chief of all the Norse gods was ODIN (ODEN, WODEN). He is usually pictured as an old, long-haired and one-eyed wiseman. Legend has it that he sacrificed one of his eyes in order to drink from the fountain of all knowledge and wisdom. Bringing it back to beer, there is another legend where Odin transforms himself into an eagle and flies down to the land of men. He sprinkles "magic dust" on some clay vessels that were storing the grain harvest from that year. That "magic dust," along with some water transformed the grain into the first beer. Hence, Odin gave the gift of fermentation to mankind. We now know of course, that "magic dust," is airborne yeast which caused spontaneous fermentation.

Little known fact that should be more widely known. I'm surprised at how few people are aware of the influence that Norse mythology has on western culture. For instance, the majority of the days of the week in English are named after the principle Norse gods.

Tuesday = Tyr's Day (God of War). In French, it's Mardi (Mars Day who is the Greek God of War)
Wednesday = Odin's (Woden) Day. In French, it's Mercredi (Mercury's Day - not the king of the Greek gods, the overlap between Norse and Greek mythology isn't perfect)
Thursday = Thor's Day (God of Thunder). In French, it's Jeudi (Jupiter's Day - there are some who consider Thor more an equivalent to Zeus)
Friday = Freya's Day (Principle goddess, Goddess of Love, Odin's wife in some myths). In French, it's Vendredi (Venus' Day)

OK enough history. I'm going to get back to building the brewery. Please check news and product pages for up to date info on the brewery.

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Norse Mythology Primer