Study › Runes & Norse › Mimir the Wise
Mimir is the wisest being in Norse mythology, keeper of the well of wisdom beneath Yggdrasil, where Odin gave an eye for one drink. When the Vanir cut off his head, Odin kept it alive with herbs and charms to give him counsel.
Who is Mimir in Norse mythology?
Mimir is the wisest of all beings, guardian of the well of wisdom that lies beneath the root of Yggdrasil stretching toward the land of the frost giants. He drinks from it every morning, and it was for one drink from that well that Odin gave one of his eyes.
He is called the Wise because he drinks every day from his well of wisdom beneath Yggdrasil. Ynglinga saga calls him the wisest of men.
How Mimir lost his head
In the war between the Aesir and the Vanir, the two families of gods ended their fighting by exchanging hostages. The Aesir sent Hoenir, with Mimir to advise him. When the Vanir found that Hoenir could decide nothing without Mimir's counsel, they felt cheated, cut off Mimir's head and sent it back to Asgard.
The head that speaks
Odin preserved the head with herbs and spoke charms over it, so that it could talk to him and tell him hidden things. According to the Völuspá, when Ragnarok begins, Odin goes to speak with the head of Mimir one last time.
His well lies under Yggdrasil; Odin gave an eye to drink from it.
Questions
Is Mimir a giant?
He is often thought to be of giant kin, though the sources never say so plainly.
What is Mimir's well?
The well of wisdom beneath a root of Yggdrasil. Odin gave an eye to drink from it.