in progress
At the roots of Yggrasil, the figure Mímir is found with his well of wisdom.
text
[excerpt from] Gylf ch. 15b
15b. Mímir's well
En undir þeirri rót er til hr... | But under the root that reach... |
[status: unverified copy]
[excerpt from] Gylf ch. 51c
51c. Mímir
En er þessi tíðindi verða þá ... | And when these events take pl... |
[status: unverified copy]
commentary
context
Gylfaginning, which is part of Snorra Edda, was composed in Iceland in the 13th century, and holds the stories of many of the Pre-Christian myths of northern Europe. It is believe to have been composed by the Icelander Snorri Sturlusson. Snorra Edda consists of three separate parts, Gylfaginning, Skaldskápamál and Háttatal, all functioning together as a greater work and guide for the aspiring medieval poet and storyteller.
commentary
Mímir‘s well holds wisdom and this is where Óðinn comes for advice. The well is owned by the character Mímir and is said to be a the foor of Yggdrasil where Mímir drinks from the well to gain wisdom, using the horn Gjallarhorn. Knowledge, prophesy and wisdom coming from waters can be recognised in such as Swedish placenames, like Mimesjöen and Mimesøa, as well as rituals in connection to water and bogs attested in archaeology.
For more, see:
Ellis Davidson, H. R, (1990), Gods and Myths of Northern Europe. London: Penguin Books. pp. 26, 45, 166-168, 194
Simek, Rudolf (2007), Transl: Angela Hall. Dictionary of Northern Mythology. Cambridge: D.S. Brewer. pp. 216-217
(Contributed by Liv Marit Aurdal.)
tags
Main text: Gylfaginning
Attributes: battle God of war God of assemblies Sacrifice Battle Assembly Drinking Óðinn grants victory in battle drinking horn Blind Water Well Knowledge Wisdom
Named things:
Text sections: SnSt Gylf 51cIII SnSt Gylf 15bIII