god for whom wednesday is named nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the clue "god for whom wednesday is named nyt crossword," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find the most accurate and commonly accepted answers, along with explanations to help you understand the solution and improve your crossword skills.
Solutions for "god for whom wednesday is named nyt crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ODIN: Odin is the Norse supreme god, known for wisdom, war, and poetry. Wednesday is named after him, deriving from 'Woden's Day' (Woden being the Old English form of Odin).
More About "god for whom wednesday is named nyt crossword"
The naming of Wednesday after Odin (or his Anglo-Saxon counterpart Woden) is a fascinating piece of linguistic history that connects our modern calendar directly to ancient Norse and Germanic mythology. Odin, or Woden, was a highly revered deity, often depicted as a wise, one-eyed old man wielding a spear, associated with war, death, wisdom, poetry, and magic. His influence stretched across the Germanic peoples, including the Anglo-Saxons who settled in England.
The Roman calendar, which named days after planetary deities (e.g., 'dies Mercurii' for Mercury's day), heavily influenced the naming conventions across Europe. When Germanic tribes adopted this system, they often substituted Roman gods with their own analogous deities. Thus, Mercury's day, associated with wisdom and magic, was replaced by Woden's day, as Woden shared similar attributes in the Germanic pantheon, leading to our 'Wednesday'.
Understanding these historical connections not only helps in solving specific crossword clues like this one but also enriches one's general knowledge and appreciation for the intertwined nature of language, history, and mythology.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Look for Naming Conventions: Many crossword clues related to days of the week, months, or even planets often have roots in mythology. Knowing common associations (e.g., Thor for Thursday, Tyr for Tuesday, Odin/Woden for Wednesday) can give you an edge.
- Cross-Reference with Other Clues: If you're stuck on a clue, fill in surrounding answers first. Even a single letter from an intersecting word can be the key to unlocking a challenging clue like this one.
- Consider Alternative Spellings/Forms: While 'ODIN' is primary, sometimes crosswords might use 'WODEN' for the Anglo-Saxon version. Always consider variations if the primary answer doesn't fit the letter count.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Wednesday named after Odin?
Wednesday's name comes from the Old English 'Wōdnesdæg,' meaning 'Woden's day.' Woden is the Anglo-Saxon equivalent of the Norse god Odin, the chief deity in Norse mythology, associated with wisdom, war, and magic. This historical linguistic link connects the day directly to the revered Norse deity.
What other days of the week are named after gods or celestial bodies?
Several days of the week have mythological or celestial origins: Sunday (named after the Sun), Monday (named after the Moon), Tuesday (named after Tiu/Tyr, the Norse god of war), Thursday (named after Thor, the Norse god of thunder), and Friday (named after Frigg or Freya, Norse goddesses). Saturday is named after the Roman god Saturn.
Is Odin a common crossword answer?
Yes, Odin is a very common answer in crosswords, especially for clues related to Norse mythology, gods, or the specific naming of Wednesday. Its short length and distinct association make it a frequent puzzle entry.