Hlidskjalf Odin's Throne: Best Place to Observe Nine Worlds
A perfect place to observe everything was from above. In Norse mythology, Odin had for himself the Hlidskjalf throne in Asgard the realm on the top of the Yggdrasil Tree. But the place was not merely a spot to sit and to watch. To Odin a nonstop knowledge seeker, his High Throne was a source providing him knowledge and wisdom.
THE HLIDSKJALF THRONE
Hlidskjalf (HLITH-skahlf) was the throne of Odin the Allfather. Every king had a throne as a presentation of his power. And the Hlidskjalf was the power symbol of Odin.
The High Throne of Odin
The word "Hlidskjalf" meant a place with a very broad and clear view that one could observe things easily. This referred to both literal and figurative meaning.
The High Throne of Odin appeared in both Poetic Edda and Prose Edda.
In the Grimnismal of the Poetic Edda, Odin and Frigg (Odin's wife) sat on the Hlifskalf throne to observe their foster sons from above. On one occasion when Odin was absent from the high kingdom, Freyr Vanir god of fertility sat on the High Throne with Odin's permission. From the High Throne, Freyr saw his future wife whom he fell in love immediately the moment he saw her.
Viking Artifact depicting Odin sitting on his throne with ravens and wolves as his constant companions
In Prose Edda, Snorri Sturluson told how Odin used the Hlidskjalf throne to find where Loki was after Loki had murdered Baldur Odin's son.
THE FIGURATIVE MEANING OF HLIDSKJALF THRONE
Things in Norse mythology always have a figurative meaning, especially things surrounding Odin the Allfather.
As far as we know, Odin welcomed wisdom wherever it came from. And from the High Throne, Odin had a source for wisdom and knowledge.
We can easily see that Odin didn't join any events in the Nine Worlds. He just sat on his High Throne and observed. He didn't want to involve himself in the situation which could make him lose his judgement. Rather, he would choose to be in a neutral position, observing from afar and making a fair judgement. By this way could Odin also learn something from the event.
This is the lesson of the power of observation. When one person observes other people, they reclaim the power. They don't have to suffer or react to any adversities. But they can gain knowledge because they observe other suffering and reacting. Accordingly, they can have for themselves the lessons.
Observation is the key to every successful leader just like Odin. A leader not only has to observe to learn but also to monitor the enthusiasm of the team. If something cannot be concluded by charts or numbers, we must look, notice, learn, spot the trend, and lead more effectively. The lesson is to temporarily separate themselves to observe for a while.
