Story Summary
Discover the Norse myth of Odin and Gunnlod, where the All-Father deceives giants to steal the Mead of Poetry and bring the gift of divine inspiration to Asgard.
To secure the Mead of Poetry, Odin traveled to the mountain Hnitbjorg where the giant Suttung kept the divine brew hidden. Using a drill called Rati, Odin transformed into a serpent and slithered through a tiny hole into the mountain's heart. There, he met the giantess Gunnlod, who guarded the mead. Odin assumed a handsome form and charmed her for three days and three nights. Touched by his charm, Gunnlod allowed him three sips of the mead—one from each of the three vessels. With each draught, Odin drained the containers entirely. Transforming into a mighty eagle, he soared back to Asgard, narrowly escaping Suttung's pursuit. Upon his return, he spat the mead into jars, forever bestowing the gift of poetry and wisdom upon gods and poets.
The Moral
The pursuit of wisdom and creative inspiration often requires great sacrifice, perseverance, and the crossing of difficult boundaries.
“For the sake of the holy drink, I let my life be endangered in the giants' halls.”
Fun Fact
According to the myths, while Odin was flying back to Asgard, some of the mead escaped out his back end; this 'bad' mead is said to be the source of all bad poets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Odin and Gunnlod?
The story suggests that wisdom and the 'Mead of Poetry' are precious gifts that require daring, wit, and sometimes sacrifice to obtain. It reflects the Norse belief that inspiration is a divine, hard-won prize.
What is the Mead of Poetry?
The Mead of Poetry was a magical beverage made from the blood of the wise being Kvasir mixed with honey. Anyone who drank it would become a skald (poet) or a scholar with total knowledge.
How did Odin get inside the mountain?
Odin used a magical auger or drill called Rati to bore a hole into the mountain Hnitbjorg. He then transformed himself into a snake to slither through the narrow opening.
Who was Gunnlod in Norse mythology?
Gunnlod was a giantess and the daughter of Suttung. She was tasked by her father to guard the three vessels containing the Mead of Poetry deep within a mountain cavern.
Did Odin truly love Gunnlod?
Most interpretations suggest Odin's primary motivation was the mead, using his charms as a tool of deception. However, the myths note he spent three intimate nights with her to earn her trust.
How did Odin escape with the mead?
After drinking all the mead from the three containers, Odin transformed into an eagle and flew toward Asgard. Suttung also took the form of an eagle to chase him, but Odin reached the gods first.