Odin is the author of the runic incantations that played so conspicuous a part in the social and religious life of the Norseman. The belief in sorcery (galdr and seiðr) was universal among the heathen Norsemen, and it had its origin in the mythology, which represents the magic arts as an invention of Odin.
SECTION XVI. VALHAL.
Thus the Elder Edda, in the lay of Grimner:
Gladsheim is named the fifth dwelling;
There the golden-bright
Valhal stands spacious;
There Hropt[[52]] selects
Each day those men
Who die by weapons.
Easily to be known is,