Behind the Name 'Odindisa'

The kennel name 'Odindisa' pays homage to the Old Norse and Viking roots of the Swedish Vallhund. The name harks back to traditional Old Norse naming conventions, where two-element names are combinations of single-elements. 

Vikings practiced naming children after gods, which was believed to give luck and long life.

'Odindisa' combines the following two elements:

• Odin: The chief god in Norse mythology, Odin is a relentless seeker and giver of wisdom, embodying both a war-god and a poetry-god. He engages in pursuits that blend traditionally masculine and feminine traits, such as the "effeminate" hobbies of magical traditions. 

• Dís (plural: dísir): The Old Norse "dísir" were sometimes connected to ancestral spirits or protective goddesses and were often associated with fate, protection and the well-being of individuals or clans. They were honored in various rituals. The name element -dís is derived from the Old Icelandic and means "goddess, priestess, or female guardian spirit." 

'Odindisa' honors the gods, goddesses and spirits of Old Norse tradition where the Swedish Vallhund hails from, and celebrates the fusion of feminine and masculine qualities that Odin himself is known for.

This blending of traits is both powerful and inspiring, as it challenges rigid gender norms and empowers individuals to live authentically, embracing the full spectrum of human experiences and strengths.

Additionally, the Odendisa Runestone was created circa 1050, and is exceptional in that it commemorates a woman. The runestone reads:

"The good husbandman Holmgautr had (the stone) raised in memory of Óðindísa, his wife. There will come to Hassmyra no better housewife, who arranges the estate. Red-Balli carved these runes. Óðindísa was a good sister to Sigmundr."