Story Summary
Discover how Odin and the Mead of Poetry brought divine inspiration to the world. Follow the All-Father's daring heist from the giants in this Norse myth.
After the war between the Aesir and Vanir, the gods sealed their peace by spitting into a cauldron, creating Kvasir, the wisest being alive. However, two dwarves, Fjalar and Galar, murdered Kvasir and brewed his blood with honey to create the Mead of Poetry. This elixir eventually fell into the hands of the giant Suttung, who hid it deep within a mountain. Seeking the gift of wisdom for gods and men, Odin journeyed to Jotunheim in disguise. Using a drill called Rati, he pierced the mountain and slithered inside as a snake. There, he met Suttung’s daughter, Gunnlod, who guarded the mead. Odin spent three nights with her, and in exchange, she allowed him three sips of the precious brew. In three massive gulps, Odin emptied the vessels Odrerir, Bodn, and Son. Transforming into an eagle, he raced toward Asgard, pursued by Suttung. As he reached the gods' domain, he spat the mead into waiting jars, forever securing the source of all poetic inspiration.
The Moral
True wisdom and creative inspiration are hard-won treasures that often require sacrifice, cunning, and immense perseverance.
“He who drinks of the mead becomes a scholar or a skald.”
Fun Fact
In Norse culture, this myth explains why some poetry is divine and some is poor—the bad poetry comes from the mead Odin accidentally spilled while flying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Odin and the Mead of Poetry?
The story suggests that true wisdom and creative inspiration are hard-won treasures that require cunning and risk. It illustrates that the path to enlightenment demands great personal sacrifice and perseverance.
Who created the Mead of Poetry in Norse mythology?
The mead was created by the dwarves Fjalar and Galar, who mixed the blood of the wise being Kvasir with honey. They created it after murdering Kvasir to capture his essence of universal knowledge.
How did Odin escape with the mead?
After drinking the mead, Odin transformed into a giant eagle and flew toward Asgard. He was pursued by the giant Suttung, but managed to reach the safety of the gods' walls just in time to regurgitate the mead into jars.
Why is the 'bad poet's share' mentioned in the myth?
As Odin flew, some mead was spilled or passed through him in his haste. This leaked mead fell to Midgard and is humorously said to be the source of all bad poetry and mediocre writing.
Who is Gunnlod in the story?
Gunnlod is the daughter of the giant Suttung and the appointed guardian of the mead. Odin stayed with her for three nights to convince her to let him taste the magical brew.
What does the Mead of Poetry represent?
It represents divine inspiration, the gift of eloquence, and total wisdom. In Norse culture, it explained how certain individuals were granted the superhuman ability to compose beautiful and complex verse.