| Popis: |
This article argues that the enigmatic figure Mímir – and his various name forms – is to be considered a wise giant and an oracle that Óðinn consults for knowledge in critical times. Mímir shares this aspect with other wise giants such as Vafþrúðnir. This discussion is based upon the relationship between knowledge, death, the realm of the dead, and the mead of poetry. It is proposed that Óðinn himself beheads Mímir with the sole purpose of animating his head, thereby securing his wisdom. The article compares Mímir’s head with other decapitated heads known from folklore, primarily from Irish sources. It is argued that Mímir subsists on the threshold between life and death and that this gives him the ability to see into the realm of the dead and draw on their knowledge. |
