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text

Skm ch. 5b

5b. The Mead of Suttungr

[status: unverified copy]

commentary

context

Skáldskaparmál, 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 believed 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

Snorri’s Skáldskaparmál has the most detailed story of the origins of the mead of poetry. Hávamál 104-110 as well as other skaldic kennings refer to the same myth. Furthermore, the Gotland picture stone from Lärbro St Hammars 3, dated to c. 700 AD give reference to the same tale. An interresting aspect of the tale is the fact that it is the female jötun who guards the mead and through Óðinn's erotic interaction with the female the mead is accuired; a reference to the mythological concept of the initiation through the union of male god and female jötunn.

Paralells to the ancient story of the mead can be found with the story of the Indian mythological god Indra of the Rigveda who stole the intoxicating drink Soma, the cultic drinks of poets. Simmilarily, Indra uses the help of a bird(shape) as seen in Snorris tale.

For more, see for example:

Simek, R. (2007), Transl: Angela Hall. Dictionary of Northern Mythology. Cambridge: D.S. Brewer. pp. 209-210.

Steinsland, G. (2005), Norrøn Religion. Myter, Riter, Samfunn. Oslo: Pax Forlag. Pp 190-191

(Contributed by Liv Marit Aurdal.)

tags

Main text: Skáldskaparmál

Attributes: Mythological Woman myth Landscape Poetry Æsir-Vanir War Vanir Dvergr Giants Óðinn goes travelling Shape-shift Óðinn skilled in magic Óðinn associated with poetry marriage between god and giantess Mead of poetry Travel Travel Woman with mead cup Wisdom Æsir Vanir Serpent/snake Cosmology

Named things:

Text sections: SnSt, Skm ch. 5b