Odin's Names

Odin is an enigma of a deity and continues to puzzle most who learn of him. His attributes are mostly of a self-sacrificing Rudra type God who heads the Wild Hunt. But Odin also has the qualities of Pushan, Agni, and Varuna. Due to this he has been speculated to have been a composite of some sorts, combining multiple deities in one from earlier mythology, possibly to compete with the Roman Empire's theology of Jupiter. This has similarities to the way the Romans and Greeks treated Zeus and Jupiter, Zeus took on the roles of many deities and titles, retaining his Mithraic core. This theory is controversial and still speculative, you can read about it in more detail in the academic article Ascending the Steps to Hliðskjálf: The Cult of Óðinn in Early Scandinavian Aristocracy By Joshua Rood. The roles of Odin and maybe even the older deities that founded his later mythos can be seen in his kennings or names. These names are attested in many folk songs and lore, the Eddas and particularly Óðins Nöfn, which is a list of his names.

Jormunr

The name Jormunr means "the mighty one" or "cosmic" implying a sovreignty over all and the cosmos, a very Varunic quality. The name as well is also associated with the Irminsul, as the Irminsul was the world pillar (not simply a tree) which was associated with the God Irmin, which could be related to the name Jormunr. This name could very well be linked to the lesser attested name Runni Vagna which means "Mover of Constellations". The name Ygg or "Terrible one", also could be connected to Yggdrasil and is more than reminiscent of Shiva's connection to the fiery AUM pillar and his lingam.

Hrami

Another Varuna related name and in general a theme with Odin is Hrami. Hrami could mean "fetterer" which is a reoccuring theme with Odin who is the binder of evil and fetterer of Fenrir. This is also attested in a God documented by Tacitus in Germania known as Regnator Omnium Deus, or God, Ruler of all. In this account the worshippers are led into a sacred grove and must fetter themselves while walking along the path, if they fall they must crawl and prostrate themselves. There is also a human sacrifice attested by Tacitus in this form of worship. This story is also hinted at in Helgakviða Hundingsbana II, where Odin lends a man, Dag, his spear and he kills another man named Helgi in a sacred Grove of Fetters.

Bölverkr

Bölverkr, meaning "Evil-Worker", is a Rudraic name possibly related to Bolwis, who is a part of Rudra-Shiva-like pair of brothers attested in the Gesta Danorum. Bolwis is a fierce, cruel and ruthless man and is paired with his kind brother. These brothers are also similar to Efnysien and Nisien in the fourth branch of the Mabinogion who are much the same. Efnysien even commits a self-sacrifice, loosely connecting him to Odin/Rudra.

Gangráðr

The Pushan element is apparent here with the name being interpreted as being "Journey Advisor". Pushan is a God of magic who helps his followers attain wealth and prosperity, and protects them on their journeys. Odin is thoroughly associated with magic and is a wanderer (although this is a more rudraic element) so this also fits well with his mythos. Gwydion or Cian from Welsh and Irish lore, as well as Pan, are all carrying similar attributes and are cognates to Pushan. Cian/Gwydion also share Odinnic qualities in their respective literature.

Svipall

The name means "Changing" or "Shapeshifter", which alludes to his power of shapeshifting or could possibly be an allusion to fire. Fire is always changing and shifting, this attribute is also shared with Loki as a shapeshifter. This is possibly a nod to his role as a fire God of three hypostases, just like Agni, as Jacob Grimm states in his German Mythology.

Thundr

An interesting name of Odin's that may be Rudraic or something in common with Indra is the name Thundr. This name is widely attested in the Eddas and can be seen in Óðins nöfn, along with may others. It literally means "Thunderer" which possibly ties him further to Rudra in his role of father or leader of the Maruts who are Gods of thunder and the warriors of the Wild Hunt. Also a leader of the Maruts, this can be tied to Indra as well.

Conclusion

The possible composite nature of the later Odin attested in most sources can be seen in his myths and names. He obviously has the Varunic qualities of a Cosmic Ruler and binding evil. His names further show his Rudraic core of a dual-natured war deity of frenzy. The elements of Pushan in his mythos are also well documented, with Gangráðr being only one name associating him with journeys and their course. Hopefully this can illuminate some of the origins of the Odin we know of today which can be traced through his many names.

Sources:

Ascending the Steps to Hliðskjálf: The Cult of Óðinn in Early Scandinavian Aristocracy By Joshua Rood

Poetic and Prose Eddas

Jacob Grimm's German Mythology

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