beingnorse

Heerfather

Heerfather, meaning "Father of the Host," is an epithet of Odin attested in the Poetic Edda.

1 citations1 sources1 traditions2 relationships

Heerfather, meaning "Father of the Host," is an epithet of Odin attested in the Poetic Edda. The text identifies the name directly: "Heerfather ('Father of the Host'): Othin" (Poetic Edda, Notes).

The Poetic Edda provides a straightforward gloss of Heerfather as one of Odin's many names. The epithet emphasizes Odin's role as war-god and leader of armies, consistent with his broader characterization across the Eddic tradition as a figure who presides over battle and the selection of the slain.