[tied] Re: Odin as a Trojan Prince

Speaking of a possible historical predecessor of Odinn....
Everyone who has not done so should read the excellent book by
Michael Enright "Lady With a Mead Cup" (from Four Courts Press),
which deals with the history and mythology of the warband in Celtic
and Germanic cultures.

Enright has a large section dedicated to the origins of the Celto-
Germanic Mercury (out of which developed Odinn/Wotan). He presents
some very interesting information concerning two or three historical
leaders of the Celts and Germans along the Rhine (one being a Roman
general) who have very Odinnic traits - notbaly being one-eyed and
having strong connections with spears. It's been a while since I have
read it, so some of the details are a little fuzzy. Enright suggests
that some of the exploits of these historical leaders influenced the
later myths of Odinn - probably because these leaders became
identified with the Celto-Germanic Mercury by the people they
commanded.

The book is now out of print - so look for it at the library (though
you might try writing to Four Courts Press - perhaps a few copies
are available still).

Chris Gwinn