Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Chief god in Anglo-Saxon mythology: Woden is the name for the supreme deity in the pre-Christian belief system of the Anglo-Saxons. He is the direct counterpart to the Norse god Odin and the broader Germanic god Wotan.

Usage Notes

• Historical/Archaic Term: "Woden" is primarily used in historical, academic, or literary contexts when discussing Anglo-Saxon paganism, mythology, or the etymology of words derived from his name (e.g., Wednesday).
• Capitalization: As a proper noun referring to a specific deity, it is always capitalized.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun:
  • The Anglo-Saxons worshipped Woden as the god of wisdom, war, and poetry.
  • The name "Wednesday" originates from "Woden's day".
  • Scholars compare the attributes of Woden to those of the Norse Odin.

Advanced Usage

• In Etymology: The name appears in the historical development of the English language.
  • The word "wood" in "wooden" has no relation to the god Woden; this is a common false etymology.

Variants and Related Words

• Odin (Proper noun): The name for the equivalent supreme god in Norse mythology.
• Wotan (Proper noun): The name for the equivalent supreme god in broader Germanic mythology.
• Wuotan (Proper noun): An older Germanic form of the name.

Synonyms

• Allfather: A poetic title used for Odin/Woden, emphasizing his role as the father of the gods.
• God of war: A descriptive synonym highlighting one of his primary domains (though this is not a name).

Related Phrases and Cultural References

• Woden's Day: The Old English name for Wednesday, meaning "day of Woden".
  • In the Anglo-Saxon calendar, Woden's Day was a significant time.
• Descendant of Woden: A claim used by some Anglo-Saxon royal lineages to assert divine ancestry and legitimize their rule.
  • The kings of Essex claimed to be descendants of Woden.

Noun

1. chief god; counterpart of Norse Odin and Teutonic Wotan