At the conclusion of the war between the Vanir and the Aesir, the gods sealed their truce by each spitting into a shared vessel—a symbolic act of unity. To preserve this powerful sign of peace, the Aesir created a man from the mingled saliva. They named him Kvasir.
Who Was Kvasir?
Kvasir traveled the world, renowned for his unmatched wisdom. He could solve even the most complex riddles and word puzzles. On his journeys, he shared this wisdom freely with humankind.
Other Tales of Kvasir
In one story, Kvasir is the wisest Aesir, who figures out how to catch Loki with Loki’s own net. In another story, he is part of a prisoner exchange between the Aesir and Vanir.
Kvasir’s Demise
Two dwarves—Fjalar (“Deceiver”) and Galar (“Screamer”)—invited Kvasir into their cave under false pretenses and killed him. They collected his blood in two vessels and a kettle, mixing it with honey to create the mead of poetry, known as Odrerir. Anyone who drank this enchanted mead would gain the gift of poetry, becoming a skald or a wise person. This story gives rise to a poetic kenning (a metaphorical phrase) for poetry: “Kvasir’s blood.” The dwarves later told the gods that Kvasir had simply drowned in his own wisdom.
Kvas and Kvasir
Kvas is a fermented bread drink, generally made from rye, in Slavic countries, and Dr. Jackson Crawford says that Kvasir’s name likely comes from this drink. “Odrerir” means the mover to passion or madness, which Crawford finds appropriate for an alcoholic beverage that creates the ecstatic state that comes when composing poetry.
At Asgard Alaska, we’re dedicated to sharing the history, mythology, and lifestyle of the Viking world. Your support helps keep the mead of inspiration—our own Odrerir—flowing. Donate today to fuel the saga.
Sources: Children of Ash and Elm: A History of the Vikings by Neil Price (2020).
https://norse-mythology.org/kvasir/
