The dwarves Fjalarr and Galarr made the Mead of Poetry (Odrerir) and gave it to Suttungr in exchange for their lives. Suttungr knew he had to keep it safe from those who might try to steal it. He hid the mead deep within a cave, sealing the entrance with a massive stone. Since he could not guard the mead at all times, he entrusted the task to his daughter, Gunnlod. The cave had only one narrow passage, known only to Suttungr and Gunnlod.
Odin’s Thirst for Knowledge
Odin’s thirst for knowledge was unmatched in Norse mythology—he once hung himself from Yggdrasil for nine days to gain the knowledge of runes, and he even gave up an eye for greater wisdom. When he heard of the Mead of Poetry, Odin knew he must have it. He disguised himself as Bolverkr (“Evil-doer”) and traveled to the land where the Mead of Poetry was said to be hidden.
Odin and the Nine Slaves
While traveling, Odin-Bolverkr saw nine slaves, owned by Suttungr’s brother Baugi, harvesting hay with scythes. He remarked that they looked weary and that their blades were dull. The slaves welcomed his help.
Odin-Bolverkr sharpened their scythes with his whetstone until the blades were keener than they had ever been. The slaves begged him for the whetstone. Odin-Bolverkr told them that whoever caught it could have it as a gift—and tossed it high into the air.
In their desperation to claim it, the slaves swung their scythes at one another. By sundown, every one of them lay dead, reaped by their own greed. Odin retrieved his whetstone and continued on his way.
Odin and Baugi
Odin-Bolverkr arrived at Baugi’s home and told him that his nine slaves were dead. Baugi now needed workers, and Odin-Bolverkr offered to do the work of all nine men for the summer. In return, Baugi would help him obtain a drink of the Mead of Poetry from Baugi’s brother, Suttungr. Baugi agreed, and Odin-Bolverkr kept his promise.
When the work was done, Baugi went to Suttungr to request a drink of the Mead of Poetry for the extraordinary laborer. Suttungr refused, saying no mortal could do the work of nine men—this must be a god, and the gods were his sworn enemies. After hearing this, Odin and Baugi devised a plan to steal Odrerir.
Sources: The Definitive Guide to Norse Mythology: The Gods, Heroes, Monsters, and Legends of Viking Culture by Finn D. Moore (2022).
