Was Santa Claus based on Odin?

Is Santa Claus based on Odin? At first glance, the question seems ridiculous. What could a jolly, fat man who slips down chimneys to bring children presents possibly have to do with the one-eyed, wolf-flanked, raven-infested, bloody-handed Viking god of war? read more

Odin. St. Nicholas is commonly linked to Odin, the ruler of Asgard, one of the major gods in Germanic mythology who was depicted as a white-bearded man with magical powers. However, Odin’s ties to Santa Claus may be more pronounced. read more

Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, or simply Santa, is a legendary figure originating in Western Christian culture who is said to bring gifts to the homes of well-behaved ("good" or "nice") children on Christmas Eve (24 December) and the early morning hours of Christmas Day (25 December). read more

Although Santa Claus is primarily based upon St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop from Lycia (now in Turkey), the figure is also strongly influenced by early Norse religion. Saint Nicholas was known for giving gifts to the poor. read more

So Santa Claus seems an unlikely Odin Figure. Father Christmas, possibly — and there was a Viking settlement in the North of England for some time — but unproven. If you wanted to show a venerable man in popular representation, you gave him a beard. read more