Óðinn and the Mead of Poetry : Two Aspects of the Initiatory Process

Abstract

The subject of the article is the comparison between two different Old Norse myths of Óðin’s acquisition of the sacred mead (representing inspiration). The author argues that these two myths can be explained as two aspects of the same process — initiation.

The proposed interpretation is then reflected and the possible applications and wider theoretical significance is considered

Keywords

• Old-Norse religion
• Óðinn
• Yggdrasill
• skaldic poetry
• kenning
• structure of initiation
• liminality
• birth symbolism
• self-sacrifice
• sacrificial hanging
• journey to Otherworld
• ritual extasy