Questions and Answers
What were the names of Odin's two black ravens?
The frost giants are friendly to Odin and his children.
False
Who sat beside the well full of clear water?
Mimir
Odin had to sacrifice one of his ______ to drink from Mimir's well.
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What did Odin perceive when he gazed down from his throne?
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What is the purpose of the elves mentioned in the text?
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Study Notes
Odin's Throne and Asgard
- Odin reigns as the king of the gods from a high throne in Asgard, the beautiful palace.
- His throne offers a view over all three parts of the world.
- Accompanied by two black ravens named Memory and Thought, and two snarling wolves.
Creation of the Earth
- Odin, alongside other gods, created the green land and the first men and women.
- Elves, tiny beings dwelling between heaven and earth, assist in maintaining nature by painting flowers and nurturing fauna.
- Dwarfs contribute by forging tools, weapons, and mining precious materials, playing a vital role in agriculture.
Threat from Frost Giants
- Frost giants, representing cold and chaos, are a constant threat to the peace of the earth.
- Odin feels compelled to assess the danger posed by these giants and seeks greater wisdom.
Journey to Gain Knowledge
- Odin descends from his throne and travels down the rainbow bridge to a well near a great evergreen tree.
- The well contains magical water that reveals past and future events, guarded by an old man named Mimir, whose name means "memory."
Mimir's Wisdom and Price of Knowledge
- Mimir warns Odin of the high cost of drinking from the well, which includes the accompanying sorrow and death depicted in the water's reflections.
- Odin, resolute and undeterred, insists on learning to protect humanity from the giants.
Sacrifice for Wisdom
- Mimir stipulates that Odin must offer a significant sacrifice, prompting Odin to consider what he cherishes most.
- Initially, Odin contemplates sacrificing his beloved son, Balder, but Mimir assures that the price is not his son’s life.
The Cost: Odin's Eye
- Mimir ultimately demands one of Odin's eyes as payment for a sip of wisdom from the well.
- Odin reflects on the value of his vision that has enabled him to differentiate between good and evil, illustrating the gravity of this sacrifice.
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Description
Explore the fascinating tale of how Odin lost his eye in this retelling by Catharine F. Sellew. Discover the rich mythology surrounding one of the most powerful gods in Norse lore, with vivid imagery of Asgard and its inhabitants. This quiz will test your knowledge of the story and its characters.
