Interpreting The Descent of OdinThere are several different ways to interpret a poem. Each word can either be a metaphor for something else, or the words can mean exactly what they say. Regardless, there can never be a completely wrong interpretation of a certain poem, because everyone will see things in their own way. For example, an object or a phrase can have a double meaning. A conversation that seems somewhat insignificant could be very important to the meaning and tone of the entire poem. This is the case in “The Descent of Odin” by Thomas Gray. The poem has several hidden meanings and messages that might not be visible to the unsuspecting reader. The poem has several interesting aspects. The first is Odin's very obvious and overactive identity. He tries to get information from the prophetess when all she wants is to be left alone. At first, he is very demanding about what he wants. He won't let her rest until he finds out all the information he wants. “Yet another moment my call obeys; Prophetess, wake up and say” (Gray, p. 43). Odin's childish characteristics are very obvious. Eventually, after enough whining he was able to get all the information he needed, his superego takes over and suppresses the id to continue and torment the prophetess. He is able to let his superego take over, unlike the prophetess who is very selfish and does not control her free will. The prophetess was also guilty of complaining a bit herself. Instead of helping Odin right away, she complained that he had bothered her. “What unknown call, what charms claim to break the silence of the tomb? Who thus afflicts my troubled spirit and snatches me from the realms of night? (Gray, p. 41-42) She is annoyed that someone dared to wake her. Her selfish little identity rears its ugly little head and causes her to complain and be grumpy. She is believed to help people when they ask about things Odin asked, hence the name Prophetess. Instead of being completely selfless, as she should be, she decides that being stubborn and rude is the way to treat people. Both characters are guilty of giving in to their identities, but the Prophetess is much more reluctant to let her superego take over to control her identity..