Who Is Mimir
Mimir is the wisest being in Norse mythology known for guarding the Well of Wisdom beneath the roots of Yggdrasil. Gods and giants alike seek his knowledge. Odin sacrifices one of his eyes to drink from Mimir’s well gaining deep insight into the future and the fate of the worlds.
During the war between the Aesir and the Vanir Mimir is sent to the Vanir as a hostage. His wisdom is so great that the Vanir grow suspicious of him and eventually behead him. Odin takes the head preserves it with magic and continues to seek counsel from it long after Mimir’s death.
Mimir stands as the embodiment of sacred knowledge sacrifice and the mysterious depths hidden beneath the world tree.
Character and Nature
Wisest of All
No being in Norse myth surpasses Mimir in knowledge or deep understanding of the worlds.
Keeper of the Well
He guards the Well of Wisdom at the roots of Yggdrasil the source of profound knowledge.
Advisor to Odin
Even after death his preserved head continues to counsel the Allfather.
Mimir’s Well
Beneath Yggdrasil’s great roots lies Mimisbrunnr the Well of Wisdom. It is said to contain deep secrets about the past the present and the fate of the world. Mimir drinks from the well daily increasing his insight far beyond that of gods or giants.
Odin seeking knowledge sacrifices one of his eyes to gain a single drink from the well. The eye remains at the bottom of the waters a symbol of the price of wisdom.
Mimir’s well is one of the most powerful mythic sources of knowledge in the Norse cosmos.
Quick Facts
Associated Figures
Symbolism
Mimir represents wisdom bought through sacrifice and the deep mysteries hidden beneath the surface of the world. His severed head continuing to speak shows how knowledge endures even when its keeper is gone.