WhileFinal Fantasyhas never exactly been subtle in the fact that the series very heavily pulls from real-world myth and folklore for its summons, Odin feels hilariously blatant just for how much he plays to the actual Norse myth of the character.
Minus the Zantetsuken, as that’s a Final Fantasy original and, despite all of his pursuit of knowledge, Odin likely didn’t name his signature move in Japanese. Now, let’s dive in and see which Odin has made the strongest impression over the decades.
12Final Fantasy 4
While Odin may have first appeared in Final Fantasy 3, his first major story role occurred in Final Fantasy 4. Having been murdered, the King of Baron becomes Odin and will battle the party in within Baron Castle. After this, he is acquired as a summon.
He appears again in The After Years, coming to the assistance of the party. There’s actually nothing wrong with this version of Odin, and he even goes on to be the basis of later renditions. This one by itself however is a little on the simpler side.
11Final Fantasy 3
Marking Odin’s actual first appearance in the series, he comes astride his loyal steed, Sleipnir. While he is not significantly different in his sprite from later pixel versions, his 3D model from the DS is quite a bit different and closer to Yoshitaka Amano’s original art for the character.
He even has different effects depending on how he’s summoned. His horse does in the 3D version look exceedingly like a normal horse though, which isn’t exactly befitting Odin.
10Final Fantasy 7
Final Fantasy 7 was the first Odin to natively be made for 3D, far predating his 3D versions in the NES era remakes for the DS. This Odin pulls heavily from Final Fantasy 4’s look, down to the striped neck of Sleipnir.
Taking from Final Fantasy 3’s unique summoning effects, this Odin also has multiple effects. In most scenarios, they will perform Zantesuken to kill enemies instantly. For enemies that are immune, they will instead perform a highly damaging move instead. Seeing this summon ride down from the very moon is enough to instil fear in anyone.
9Final Fantasy 6
Final Fantasy 6’s version of Odin is an almost one-to-one pixel version of what would later be Odin in Final Fantasy 7. It’s the basis for that summon, but the sharp definition of the pixel Odin just hits harder, showcasing his strong definition all the more.
Cool as he may be though, he is also capable of beingupgraded into an even stronger Esper, Raiden. Just verify you’re willing to give up those extra Magicite bonuses first.
8Final Fantasy 5
Odin of Final Fantasy 5 is a demanding summon. While he retains his signature Zantetsuken, he’s a considerable degree more difficult to obtain. Not only must you defeat him in the Merged World before he can be used, but he’ll use Zantetsuken against you if you take too long. An ode to his own power.
He is an immensely imposing figure. The fluttering cape, the horned helmet, the intensely muscular horse. He is ready and raring to charge into battle at a moment’s notice.
7Final Fantasy 11
The Odin of Final Fantasy 11 returns as another pivotal figure in the story. This time around, they are a Celestial Avatar, functionally a god. They are locked in an eternal struggle with Alexander, another iconic summon of the series, and have even had such a grand war against them previously that camera to be known as Ragnarok.
Astride his horned mount, this Odin roams the land of Vana’Diel collecting souls for the coming of Chaos. Indeed, despite his cruel demeanour, Odin is attempting to save the world from Chaos, even if a few souls have to be sacrificed along the way.
6Final Fantasy 9
The Eidolons are key to the growth of Dagger in Final Fantasy 9, and Odin is one of those whom she can summon. He can be learned as a summon again through the use of Dark Matter and has quite a fascinating degree of functionality beyond just his typical Zantetsuken.
Of course, while he is a powerful summon in Dagger’s possession, he becomes a herald of destruction when used by her mother to destroy Cleyra. Seeing this legendary figure, gnarled horns and six-legged Sleipnir descend upon your village would make you lose faith.
Through equipping Odin’s Sword on Dagger, Zantetsuken will also deal damage to enemies it fails to defeat instantly.
5Final Fantasy 13
Final Fantasy made some dramatic changes to the series, and while many of those may not have landed perfectly, it also made one of the most enticing settings the series has created yet. It also made a rather interesting rendition of Odin for Lightning to master.
Mechanical like other Eidolons, Odin is summoned in a humanoid form. When entering Gestalt form, however, he transforms into the horse Sleipner and allows Lightning to ride him. In this form, he gains access to his signature Zantetsuken.
An honourable mention to the Angel of Valhalla, who is actually Lightning’s Eidolon, Odin,reincarnated as a Chocobo.
4Final Fantasy 14
His second appearance in a Final Fantasy MMO, the Final Fantasy 14 version of Odin is not so plot-critical as the Odin of Final Fantasy 11. Though he is a Primal, he is not the individual astride Sleipnir, nor Sleipnir itself. Instead, Odin is contained within Zantetsuken, and any who wields the sword becomes possessed by Odin.
Sleipnir itself is a threatening steed, clad in black armour and flaming hair. Odin’s helmet has spiked horns that scratch the sky, while his sword is sharp enough to pierce reality. The only saving grace is that this Odin does not seek the end of the world, but just bloody battle.
3Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
While Odin appeared in the original Final Fantasy 7, his appearance in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a vast departure from what came before. In many ways, this Odin is more akin to the figure of Norse myth with a wounded eye, six-legged Sleipnir, and wielding Gungnir in addition to Zantetsuken.
He has no relevance to the story this time around, nor is he found in the world. Instead,he is battled within Chadley’s simulationto create a material containing his essence. Yet even as a simulation, he holds nothing back and it will take everything you have to beat him.
If Odin gets too bored by you dodging his attacks or getting hit, he will perform Zantetsuken to instantly wipe the party.
