Offered I was to Odin, myself to myself (Odin's Sacrifice)

I ween that I hung on the windy tree,
Hung there for nights full nine,
With the spear I was wounded, and offered I was
To Othin, myself to myself,
On the tree that none may ever know
What root beneath it runs.

— Hávamál 138 (Henry Bellows translation)

Odin’s self-sacrifice is a central motif in ancient Norse Heathenism. In this act, Odin — also called Hangatyr (“the hanged god”) — offers himself in sacrifice to himself. It is through this ordeal that the chief God of the Aesir gains the secrets of the Runes.

Odin’s sacrifice has been artistically depicted in various ways since the revival of Norse Heathenism in the 19th century. Unfortunately, these earlier depictions are often uninspired — typically portraying a Christ-like crucifixion, a Tarot-style inverted hanged man, an entanglement in vines, or simply an old man clinging to a branch (scoff).

But finally, there is one worthy: In this visionary masterpiece by Ulf, the Hanged God is shown perfectly resolute in his glorious moment of sacrifice — hanged by the neck and spear-marked for Odin — in TRUE Odinic form!

Devout Odinists are sure to appreciate the subtle symbolism and authenticity of this piece.