Posted on 12/25/2025 5:12:23 AM PST by Tom Tetroxide
Our mythical figure of Father Christmas is really no more than a modern incarnation of Odin, the chief god of the Nordic peoples. The earliest evidence for this was found in the London district of Dagenham.
Odin? I thought it was Anibus, Osiris, Attis or Tammuz, solar gods who are killed by a bull or boar on the longest day of the year. then make their journey south in death till the shortest day when they are reborn. Everyone rejoices because they will not continue their journey South into total darkness.
I have no problem celebrating the Birth of Christ on that day even though he was probably born in September, based on calculations beginning at Luke 1:5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
Well, we’re celebrating Odin’s return this morning with sausage egg cheese biscuits cooked in a muffin pan and my Sister in laws homemade kringala.
Merry Christmas to all!
All day long we are fed with articles telling us the “stories” of our youth are wrong and that we must be stupid for believing this “Christian” stuff.
Anyone with a basic education understands the difference between “fact” and “legend.” All these stories do is undermine the “mythos” of our traditions. Can’t we have some fun?
Merry Christmas. I hope Santa was good to you all. We can worry about Krampus and Odin next Wednesday.
You’re fighting yesterday’s battles. The Muslims and the leftists are the main enemies of Christ today.
I've read many articles on the origins of Christmas.
There might be questions.
But those questions aren't important. What's important is what people believe, and how they live.
This is a time of year when most of the world is focused on the good.
That in itself is enough of a gift.
Yes! And it’s so much fun! Merry Christmas!
“The Muslims and the leftists are the main enemies of Christ today.”
Today’s battle is foremost against those who promote and defend Leftist domestic terrorists inside Western nations.
Anti-semitism is alive and well on Free Republic.

St. Nick not Odin.
Thankfully God’s Word is more alive and more active than the mumblings of the anti-Jewists of FR….
To all the believers here, I quote from the Good Book::
“ 29
“Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond‑servant to depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30
For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
31
Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32
A Light of revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”
I guess you might be a Muslim or a cousin to Islam….
Fascinating…. while I raise a slightly Spock-like eyebrow to your post, and go on my day confident in God’s revealed Word while celebrating the birth of Jesus who died as the all sufficient payment of my sin debt.
Preceded for DECADES by anti-Christian mockery and bigotry.
Go celebrate some Festivus rituals.
Moral fraud
I’m not sure what you’re saying but Happy Festivus to you.
Not one person that I have known ever said they were eagerly awaiting the coming of Odin. NO, we do not “celebrate the coming of Odin.” This is like the Saturnalia canard that they dig up every year.
Viking influence in England ended before 1000. Father Christmas showed up in the 17th century. There’s no connection between the two.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.
I’d have to research the details, but I do know there’s a definite connection between the fictional Santa Claus and the real individual known as Saint Nicholas. Anyone have the details?
There were Anglo-Saxons before Vikings. English is a Germanic language.
Anyway, clearly Odin. AI Summary:
Santa Is Odin | Viking Sons Of Odin
Santa Claus shares origins with Norse god Odin, particularly through winter traditions, where Odin’s midwinter rides on his eight-legged horse Sleipnir and his role as a gift-giver to the worthy resemble Santa’s sleigh-riding and present-giving, with folklore linking his hooded figure, flying mount, and “naughty or nice” knowledge to Santa’s characteristics, though historians debate the direct link, noting Odin’s gifts were more for warriors.
Parallels Between Odin and Santa
Winter Figure: Both are prominent figures during winter solstice (Yule) celebrations, associated with long journeys through the winter skies.
The Ride: Odin rode Sleipnir, an eight-legged horse, through the sky, leading to comparisons with Santa’s sleigh pulled by eight reindeer.
Gift-Giving: Odin left gifts for the worthy, mirroring Santa’s tradition of rewarding good children, though Odin’s gifts were often weapons for his army.
Judging Good & Bad: Both figures possess an all-knowing quality, observing who is “naughty or nice”.
Appearance: Odin’s depiction as a cloaked, white-bearded wanderer aligns with early Father Christmas imagery, notes the Wikipedia article on Santa Claus.
I didn’t know about Saturnali celebration. It was real so why call it a canard if it really happened?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.