His thirst for knowledge was legendary and he would go to any lengths to get it. Here's what I mean...
Odin was nothing if not wise. His wisdom came from his obsessive desire to understand absolutely everything. He frequently made sacrifices—often of a self-mutilating nature—to gain knowledge because he believed that knowledge was worth any price. Never mind the fact that he once hanged himself, stabbed himself, and forced himself to fast for over a week to discover and understand the Norse runes.
Perhaps an even better example of Odin’s extreme thirst for knowledge—and the reason for his one-eyed appearance—was his journey to Mimir’s well. Those who successfully partook of the water came away with almost divine knowledge.
So Odin once rode to Mimir and requested a drink. Mimir agreed to spare a mouthful but made Odin’s eye the price of the drink. Not only did Odin agree to this price, but he gouged the eye out himself.
Now don't get me wrongt. I enjoy knowledge as much as the next guy, but I am only going to go so far to get it.
Coffee out on the patio this morning. It's almost like Spring!
4 comments:
It would seem that there's a point that a "thirst for knowledge" can become either a form of insanity or a vanity.
I will keep my eyes and stay dumb. Dumb is good, right?
Wow...a bit extreme there! I will stay sighted.
Ever read the Havamal, Prose Eddas or Poetic Eddas?
Asatru/Odinism/Heathenism/Norse Paganism is one of the faster growing Pagan/Neo-Pagan faiths today. The story of Odin's quest for knowledge is an example of self-sacrifice for a worthy goal. It also exemplifies the Norse Pagan tradition of "The gift receives the gift".
Yes, I am Heathen and happily so.
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