"The kings of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Saxony all claim descent from Odin, whose original name was Sigge Fridulfson. He adopted the name Odin so that people would worship him as a god. He is said to have come from Asgard, the legendary home of the gods, identified as Byzantium by the 12th century historian Saxo.
THE NORSE GOD ODIN
In Norse mythology, Odin was the All-Father, the god of poetry and the dead, wandering the world as a hooded figure with one eye, having given the other to the Giant Mimir in exchange for wisdom. He rides Sleipner, an eight-legged horse, and possesses two ravens who bring him news and information
The Scandinavian kings did not necessarily follow a line of succession from father to son, but they were required to be of noble blood. The king was elected by a gathering of nobles known as "The Thing."